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Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop - the local newsletter that's like
Andrew.
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Sponsored by Swansea Food & Drink Festival
Swansea Food & Drink Festival is back in less than two weeks!
After a hugely successful debut last year, the Swansea Food & Drink Festival is returning to the city centre! The first of two 2026 weekends kicks off this month, taking over Oxford Street, Princess Way and Portland Street from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th March.
Head down for three days of street food from around the world, craft drinks, artisan bakes, sweet treats, unique handmade goods, and more.
Entry is free (no tickets needed) and it’s dog friendly - just turn up hungry!
Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Can't make this one? There's a second food festival weekend coming August 7th - 9th (mark your diary!)
WEDNESDAY'S SCOOP (ICYMI) 🦢
“Preparing for War” presentation
At the bottom of West Cross, tucked next to the TA Centre and hidden from the road, there's a squat concrete building that's barely changed since the 1950s - and most people don’t know it’s even there.
But behind those walls is Swansea's very own nuclear bunker - the place local officials planned to run the city from if the bombs ever fell. This week, we go inside.
THE DIGEST 📰
🕊️ The design of a Covid-19 memorial planned for Swansea Bay seafront has been revealed.
🏠 Swansea Council has finished the building of 13 new low-carbon social homes in Manselton.
🚀 The UK’s first space manufacturing research centre has opened in Swansea University.
🏥 Work has started on a new £10m state-of-the-art operating theatre at Morriston Hospital.
🚌 Swansea Council’s free bus offer is returning across the city for the Easter holidays.
💨 A Swansea firm has secured £8m to help lead the world in deep-water wind power.
🚲 Swansea Council is asking residents for feedback on plans to introduce a 500-strong shared e-bike hire scheme across the city.
⚽ Swansea Council has secured £750,000 funding to upgrade football changing rooms in Trallwyn Fields, Cwm Level, and Ynsytawe Park.
FOOD & DRINK 🥙
Swansea Scoop Dinner Club: Now with Plus Ones!
Over 40 locals are already signed up for March! 🍴
After the first Swansea Scoop Dinner Club in February, the number one question I got asked was “can I bring a friend or partner, and can we sit together?”
By popular demand, you can now bring a plus-one to our next dinner on Wednesday, March 25th. Simply add them during booking and you’ll both be guaranteed a spot at the same table.
(Solo diners, don’t worry! The heart of the Scoop Dinner Club is still about meeting new people, and since the majority of our 40+ sign-ups are coming solo, you definitely won't be the odd one out. We're also being very careful about trying not to match solo diners at a table with two couples - no one wants an accidental “triple date”!) 😊
A reminder of how the Dinner Club works:
Fill out a quick quiz and we’ll match you with five other Swansea locals for a meal at a city centre restaurant (revealed the morning of the event).
Enjoy great food and easy conversation, followed by optional drinks with all the tables at a surprise bar nearby.
🎟️ Booking is £9.95 to cover the matching and reservations, then you just pay for your own meal on the night. We handle the admin - you just turn up and have fun!
Looking to meet lovely new Swansea people outside your usual circles? Join the 40+ people who have already secured their seats 👇
Can't make March? Drop your email at the link above and I'll let you know about the April date.
🎟️ There’s still time to enter and win two tickets to a six-course French Dinner at Full of Graze in Mumbles, courtesy of top Welsh chef Tom Martin, owner of Bohémien.
🍷 Loire Valley Wine Tasting: A Deep Dive: Delve into the flavours of the Loire Valley with a wine tasting event at Flynn's Delicatessen.
6.30 PM | £27.80
🌱 Vegetarian and Vegan Banquet: Indulge in a communal long-table meal featuring homemade vegetarian and vegan dishes at UrbanHQ, perfect for catching up with friends or meeting new people.
7 PM - 10 PM | £28
🍽️ Cricketers’ Blend New Menu: Pizza bagels, classic toasties, and overnight oats are included in a new menu from the Cricketers’ Blend in St Helens.
🍀 Luck of the Brunch - Paddy’s Day Bottomless Brunch: Celebrate St Patrick’s Day at Brewstone with bottomless drinks, brunch, live Irish music, and DJ sets.
2 PM - 8 PM | £25
@SWANSEA.SCOOP 📱
This week, we shared a day trip to one of the most beautiful places in the UK. You may just recognise it:
More picks from our socials
📱 We’re at over 25k followers on Instagram, 35k on Facebook, and 6.5k on TikTok - why not give us a follow?
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SWANSEA PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT 🏡
This 4 bedroom end terrace house in Sketty has been fully renovated, and includes two reception rooms, an en-suite, and off-road parking. Offers over £350,000 via Smiths Homes.
SWANSEA SHOUT OUTS 🦢
🎨 Costa in Swansea Bus Station is looking for groups to host or start creative groups in its cafe space, free of charge.
🎵 Cash for Kids Day is back on April 30th, inviting everyone to join or host a nationwide music quiz to raise money for disadvantaged children, where money raised in South Wales is spent in the local area.
🦋 Gower National Trust is looking for a volunteer to go butterfly spotting this summer.
👨🍳 On the Rocks is hiring for multiple positions at its restaurant in Mumbles.
Got something to shout-out to Swansea? Let us know!
SWANSEA LOCAL BUSINESS
🏕️ Swansea Adventures has re-opened the cafe at Lliw Reservoir (soft launch menu today, full menu early this week).
☕️ Sloth Coffee has announced that it is taking over the old Barkers Coffee unit in Mumbles.
🏋️ A planning application for a 24-hour gym at the old Homesense unit in Parc Fforestfach has been submitted.
💔 Love You A Latte in Mumbles has announced its closure.
✅ Refinery Coffeehouse and Roasters in Killay has won planning approval to remain open after a year-long battle.
Sponsored by Amgueddfa Cymru
The National Waterfront Museum is hosting a free wellbeing festival this week 😌
Amgueddfa Cymru is bringing its month of wellness to Swansea! From Monday, March 16th to Thursday, March 19th, the National Waterfront Museum is hosting a series of free sessions designed to help you hit the reset button.
Whether you want to try Tai Chi, get creative in a Mosaic Workshop, or relax with Soup and Cinema, there’s something for everyone. Most sessions are drop-in, but the Mosaic Workshop requires booking.
Head down, to try something new, make friends, and feel good - all completely free.
For more information on the sessions and to book, visit the National Waterfront Museum website 👇
WHAT’S ON 📅
Together with Welsh Coast Radio
📻 Listen live at welshcoastradio.com, on your smart speaker, on the app, or on 106.5 FM across North and East Swansea.
Monday March 16th
🎨 Women Who Create Wales - Art Exhibition: Showcase of 30+ talented women artists from Wales with artworks for sale at Elysium Gallery until March 28th.
🎥 Wellbeing Festival: Soup and Cinema: Enjoy a relaxing Monday with soup and a movie at National Waterfront Museum's Ocean Room.
12.30 PM | Free (drop-in)
🧘♂️ Wellbeing Festival: Tai Chi: Celebrate Amgueddfa Cymru’s Wellbeing Festival with a special Tai Chi session at the National Waterfront Museum.
11.30 AM - 12.30 AM | Free
👴 Ageing Well Activities for 50+: Enjoy activities in Swansea, including movie and soup specials, coffee mornings, bowling, and social walks.
Various times | Free
Swansea Sports & Health: 60+ women’s rock climbing, boccia, and tai chi are on the agenda this week, supported by Swansea Council.
Various times/dates/prices
🧘♂️ Spring Equinox: Breathwork, Yin Yoga & Meditation: Embrace the transition from winter to spring at Swansea Wellbeing Centre with a session of breathwork, yin yoga, and meditation.
7 PM
Tuesday March 17th
🎤 Jason Donovan Doin' Fine Encore: Jason Donovan returns with "Doin' Fine Encore," celebrating 35 years of hits from his music, theatre, film, and TV career at Swansea Grand Theatre.
7 PM | £51 - £79
🎟️ Feel Good Wellness Fayre: Student-led event at the Innovation Matrix (SA1), focusing on positivity and support. Features local vendors, food, a raffle, and wellness demonstrations.
10 AM - 4 PM | £6.13
🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Live: Craic Shots Irish Music: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Jack Murphy’s Wind Street with a live performance by Craic Shots - Welsh lads playing Irish pub tunes and sing-along favourites.
8 PM
Wednesday March 18th
📽️ Film Night @ Volcano - Paris, Texas: Enjoy the slow-burn neo-Western drama Paris, Texas at Volcano Theatre.
6.15 PM | £3.00
🎶 Stay 'n' Sing @ Moss & Maple Play Café: Parent & baby choir sessions at Moss & Maple in Gorseinon, offering relaxed singing, playtime, and conversation.
Wednesdays in March | 11 AM | Free
🧩 Wellbeing Festival: Mosaic Workshop: Create a mosaic compass coaster focusing on personal wellbeing at the National Waterfront Museum. Bring a small flat rock for the center.
1 PM - 3 PM | Free (booking required)
Thursday March 19th
🖼️ Glynn Vivian at Night: Lives in Motion Exhibition: Explore a new exhibition featuring migration stories from the 11th century to present at Glynn Vivian Art Gallery after hours, ahead of its official opening on Friday (details below).
5.30 PM - 8 PM | Free
🎤 RoastleMania II: Hippo’s Hoose Party hosts this roast battle comedy night at Hippos on High Street, with multiple match-ups across the evening.
8 PM | Free (pay what you like)
🤡 The Silly Cabaret: It's Giving Customer Service Clowns: A silly, corporate cabaret featuring cheeky acts at Elysium Gallery & Bar.
6 PM | Low income tickets online, door tickets £15
🍲 Wellbeing Festival: Soup Social: Enjoy good company over a cup of soup at this community event in partnership with Ageing Well Community Group and Collaboration Station at the National Waterfront Museum.
12.30 PM | Free
🎤 Hollie McNish - Brand New Book Tour: Poet and author Hollie McNish presents a new book collection about love, loss, and more, at the Taliesin.
Thursday 19th March 7:30 PM | £15 - £5
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Friday March 20th
🖼️ Lives in Motion: Stories of Migration: Explore migration stories spanning centuries with various artworks from the National Portrait Gallery and Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, highlighting personal journeys and contributions. Until June 28th.
10 AM - 4,30 PM | Free
📽️ Twin Town Anniversary Screening: Special director's screening of this Swansea-set cult classic film at Swansea Grand Theatre - includes male voice choir, Q&A with director Kevin Allen & cast members.
7 PM | £18 (limited tickets)
🎤 In Other Words, Love: Tracy Breathnach & Amy Jenkins present an evening of inspiring stories and songs exploring different facets of love, at Elysium.
6.30 PM & 8.30 PM | £9.38
🎤 The Life and Music of Tony Bennett: Enjoy iconic Tony Bennett songs performed live with a narrated journey through his life. Fundraiser for Help Naja Ride Again.
7.15 PM | £10
🎥 WOW Festival: How Deep Is Your Love: Enjoy a deep-sea exploration film where scientists rush to study marine life endangered by mining operations, probing the ethical dimensions of scientific research, at the Taliesin.
7:30 PM | £7.75 - £5
🎻 Twmpath & Fundraiser: Join Swansea City of Sanctuary for a traditional Welsh barn dance supporting asylum seekers. Held at St James Church, enjoy 2 hours of music and dancing.
7 PM - 9 PM | £10 (general admission), asylum seekers free.
Saturday March 21st
🎤 Mark Watson: Before It Overtakes Us: Enjoy an evening of comedy with Mark Watson, known for stand-up, Taskmaster, and Baby Reindeer, at Pontardawe Arts Centre.
7.30 PM | £24.75
🎤 TEDxSwansea 26 "A New Beginning": Join local changemakers at the Dylan Thomas Centre for inspiring TEDx talks, interactive activities, networking - and goodie bags!
10 AM - 4.30 PM | £14 - £22
🎸 Radio GaGa: Celebrate Queen with Radio GaGa's tribute show, featuring hits like Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You, at Swansea Grand Theatre.
7 PM | £35
🛍️ Penllergaer Pop Up Market: Indoor and outdoor food and crafts market with food, drinks, and crafts.
11 AM - 3 PM
🔮 Witches Market & Spiritual Fayre: Explore a mystical world at the Brangwyn Hall, with 80+ magical stalls offering crystals, tarot, candles, and more.
11 AM - 4.30 PM | £2 Entry, under 16s free.
🍀 St. Patrick's Day Celebration: Join The Worried Men of Gower at Pennard Golf Club for St. Patrick's Day with singing and fun.
7 PM - 10 PM | £10
🌳 Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop: Learn grafting techniques at Swansea Community Farm, including how to make new fruit trees and add varieties.
10.30 AM | £11.55
🎨 Shell & Sea Glass Framed Art Workshop: Embrace your creative side at The Hide in Brynmill Park, crafting coastal artwork with natural materials like sea glass and shells, with Tidal Collections.
1.30 PM | £45
🤼♂️ Exist Pro Wrestling: Swansea's Townhill Community Centre hosts family-friendly professional wrestling action with local and regional talent.
2.30 PM | £12.50 - £49.50
🎮 NSW Pokemon Pokopia Stadium: Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with games from past and present and prizes to be won, at Founders & Co., hosted by Nintendo South Wales.
12 PM - 5 PM | Free
📝 Creating Poems with Ffion Jones: Try your hand at nature-inspired poetry at Swansea Museum, exploring Dylan Thomas' writing, animals, and landscapes. Ideal for ages 8-12.
2 PM - 4 PM | Free (booking required, limited tickets)
Sunday March 22nd
🚗 Spring Autojumble: Clear out your shed or garage and earn some cash at the Spring Autojumble at Swansea Bus Museum - cars, parts, models, toys, tools, and more.
11 AM - 3 PM
🎲 Retro Gaming Day : The first of a (hopefully regular) retro gaming event at Common Meeple - starting with Heroquest. Everyone welcome, no experience required.
£3 per person for 2 hours
LIVE MUSIC 🎸
Monday March 16th
Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM
Tuesday March 17th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM
Wednesday March 18th
The Bunkhouse | The Gallopers | 6 PM
Swansea Grand Theatre Arts Wing | Swansea Jazzland 'Django Chutney' | 8 PM
Thursday March 19th
Swansea Grand Theatre | Beautiful Crazy - The Luke Combs Collection | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | Amy Rigby | 6 PM
The Patti | The Feeling | 7 PM
Friday March 20th
Ty Tawe | Meic Agored | 7 PM
GEC | Guns 2 Roses | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | The Bluetones | 7 PM
Saturday March 21st
Swansea Building Society Arena | 10cc | 7.30 PM
The Welfare | Buddy Holly & The Cricketers | 8 PM
GEC | Ben Hemsley | 9 PM
Hippos | Mind Over Matter | 8 PM
The Bunkhouse | Future Blood | 6 PM
Sunday March 22nd
THANKS 😊
Thanks for reading the Swansea Scoop. If you enjoyed it, share it with a friend who would find it useful as well.
Catch you on Wednesday!
Andrew.
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