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Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop - the local newsletter that's like when you laugh so hard nothing comes out 😆

We’ve had (mostly) glorious spring weather all this week, so I hope you’ve had the chance to get out and enjoy it - maybe even felt brave and packed the winter coat away?

It’s a busy and varied one this week in Swansea with new exhibitions, live comedy, a 90s day party, a three-day food fest, Medieval fun at Oystermouth Castle, and tons more.

Whatever you’re up to, have a good one and I’ll catch you on Wednesday!

Andrew.

P.S. Loads of new subscribers again this week! A big hello to all of you! 👋 If you like what you see, please forward the Scoop to your friends and family and ask them to subscribe free!

At Victoria Park overlooking Swansea Bay sits the Patti Pavilion, one of the city’s most recognisable buildings. But it wasn't built there.

In fact, it started life over 20 miles away, inside the private estate of one of the most famous performers in the world - a grand castle deep in the Swansea Valley.

This week, we share the story of how an entire building ended up being dismantled, transported, and rebuilt as a gift from a world-famous performer.

Read The Patti Pavilion’s Secret

🎤 US rap icon Snoop Dogg says he has big ambitions for Swansea, including turning the city into the “Vegas of Wales.”

🎥 Swansea Council has released a new CGI flyover video showing regeneration projects across the city centre and waterfront.

✉️ Exotica on St Helen’s Road has received an unexpected letter - and £100 in cash - from someone apologising for a prank carried out 15 years ago.

🧖 A seaside sauna in Caswell Bay has been refused planning permission after residents raised concerns about “naked and semi-naked people being visible.”

💷 The UK Government has announced plans for a £20m investment to support redevelopment of the Civic Centre site.

🚌 Passengers in Swansea will soon pay slightly more for bus journeys after First Cymru confirmed new fare increases.

🌿 Swansea has been officially recognised as a Biophilic City, joining an international network committed to putting nature at the heart of urban life.

🌿 A crane has arrived at the old Ty Gwalia building on the Kingsway as work to convert it into 48 affordable apartments moves forward.

🏗️ More than one million people have now visited the Swansea Building Society Arena since it opened in 2022.

💰 A fundraiser to support local star, Kev Johns, as he recovers from a stroke has raised over £12,000 in under 48 hours.

🦞 The Gower Seafood Hut at Southend Gardens in Mumbles in now open all week.

🍳 ORKA on Princess Way has a new weekend brunch menu including Turkish Eggs.

🍝 Nomad Bar & Kitchen in Gowerton has a new menu, including Gower meatballs.

🍮 ND John Wine Merchants is hosting a Pudding Club on Thursday, March 26th.

🐣 The Lighthouse at Bracelet Bay has launched its new Easter drinks menu.

🇫🇷 It’s your last chance to enter our giveaway to win a six-course French dinner for two with Bohémien. Ends. 5pm today.

This week, we jumped on the latest nostalgic social media trend to ask “Swansea, what were you like in the 90s?”:

This three bedroom semi-detached house in Loughor features a good-sized dining room and kitchen, a generous rear garden, and easy links to the M4. £280,000 via Dawsons.

🕯️ Local candle maker IRUSU is celebrating its birthday with a trio of soy candles giveaway worth £65!

🧠 Swansea Council is recruiting a neuro diversity lead worker.

📽️ Local presenter Lee Ellery is looking for individuals, organisations, and charities to guest on In the Spotlight on SwanTV. Email [email protected]

🤝 Sketty Community Outreach is looking for volunteers to help with its monthly Sketty Park Lunch Club.

☕ Head to Mumbles Coffee today (9 AM– 3PM) for a charity pop-up in support of Mind and SAMH - with an auction, raffle, prizes, local goodies, and a pre-loved clothing rail - plus 10% of all coffee profits going to the charities. The event has been organised by Swansea local Hannah Rosemary Gilroy, who endured 5 days of gruelling challenges in memory of her brother, Owen.

Got something to shout-out to Swansea? Let us know!

🥐 Saint Hugo is opening its third Swansea bakery in Mumbles on Saturday, April 4th.

💼 International Workplace Group (IWG) is opening a new 20,000 sq ft co-working space at 71/72 Kingsway.

🍦 GG’s Gelato is opening a new parlour at Caswell Bay.

🔒 Seagers steakhouse in Gorseinon has announced its sudden closure.

👴 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: Boccia, women’s 60+ rock climbing, and low impact aerobics are all on the agenda this week, supported by Swansea Council.
Various times/dates/prices

🖼️ Rabbit Miners and the Number One Dresser In The Pit: The Mining Art of Sakubei Yamamoto: Explore the coal mining artworks of Sakubei Yamamoto at The Welfare, through an exhibition highlighting his paintings, drawings, and diaries capturing the essence of Welsh and Japanese mining life.
By appointment until April 26th

🏞️ Banff Mountain Film Festival: Thrilling adventure awaits at Swansea Grand Theatre with extreme short films from the world's top adventure filmmakers.
7 PM | £19 (limited tickets remain)

🎭 Shen Yun: Shen Yun showcases 5,000 years of Chinese culture through classical dance, live music, authentic costumes, and vivid backdrops at Swansea Building Society Arena.
Until Thursday, March 26th | From £65.95

🎲 Umbra Lumous LARP (Live Action Role Play): Take part in a sci-fi political LARP experience at Common Meeple. No experience needed, just enthusiasm to get involved.
Tue 24 Mar | 6:30 PM | £10

🎶 Come to Sing!: Learn simple Welsh in a supportive environment and enjoy a sing-song led by musician Delyth Jenkins, at the National Waterfront Museum.
11 AM - 12 PM | Free

🎭 The Sovereign Masquerade: Step into an extravagant masquerade ball at the Dylan Thomas Centre with welcome drinks, canapés, music, and a bar, where elegance and mystery meet in black and gold attire.
7 PM - 11 PM | £16.96

🎥 Film Night @ Volcano - Wings Of Desire: Film club at Swansea Volcano Theatre presents Wings Of Desire. Follow two angels in Berlin, one falling in love with a human, exploring mortality.
6:15 PM | £3.00

🐕 Tiny & Tall Productions: Detective Dog: Join Detective Dog Nell to unravel a book mystery with captivating puppetry and music at The Welfare, Ystradgynlais.
1.30 PM & 4.30 PM| From £8.50

🎼 BBC NOW - Brahms Requiem: Thomas Zehetmair conducts Mozart's Symphony No. 40 and Brahms' uplifting Requiem at the Brangwyn Hall, featuring soprano Elizabeth Watts and bass-baritone Andrew Foster-Williams.
7.30 PM | £10.00 - £20.00

🎤 John Power: Cast, The La's, and Me: Singer/songwriter John Power celebrates Britpop hits like Alright, Sandstorm, and more in an intimate show at Taliesin Arts Centre.
7.30 PM | From £32

👑 Forever Jackson: Experience the music of Michael Jackson with a tribute show starring Robin Parsons, featuring iconic hits like 'Thriller' and 'Billie Jean', at Swansea Grand Theatre.
7 PM | £27.50 - £30.50

🕯️ Gaslight by BATS: Join Bishopton Amateur Theatrical Society for Gaslight, a classic psychological thriller set in Victorian London.
Until Sunday | £7

🍴 Swansea Food and Drink Festival: Enjoy international street food, local drinks, and artisan vendors on Oxford Street, Princess Way, and Portland Street in Swansea city centre.
March 27th -29th | Free

🎭 Caitlin: Experience the turbulent life of Caitlin Macnamara with Dylan Thomas at the Dylan Thomas Theatre, revealing the forgotten woman behind the man in this stormy, explosive true tale.
8 PM | £12 - £15

📷 Monochrome Photography Exhibition: Discover the beauty of monochrome photography highlighting light, shadow, patterns, and textures at Units 4 & 5 (old HomeSense) in Parc Fforestfach Swansea. Free admission to view creative images.
10 AM - 3 PM | Free

🎥 Coffee Shop Movie Night: Join Woodrows in Bryn-y-mor to watch Spotlight in a cosy atmosphere with popcorn and snacks.
2 PM

🍿 Cinema & Co.nnection - Before Sunrise: Swansea's monthly social cinema night at Cinema & Co. starts with drinks and games followed by Richard Linklater's film.
6.30 PM | £6 - £12

🎤 Legend - The Music of Bob Marley: Journey into the world of reggae with this tribute to Bob Marley at Swansea Grand Theatre. Experience his iconic hits performed by a talented cast.
7 PM | £36

🎨 Lino Printing - Pattern Formation: Explore creating complex patterns with repeated motifs inspired by tile designs at the Pontardawe Heritage and Visitor Centre. 10.30 AM - 12.30 PM | £20.00

🏛️ Bad Girls & Bad Boys: Explore the criminal tales of Swansea inspired by Elizabeth Belcham's books in this new exhibition at Swansea Museum, spotlighting Victorian-era wrongdoings - you decide if they deserved their fate!
Free entry

🎤 Saturday Night Comedy at Problematic Pub Comedy Club: Hosted by Simon Emanuel, enjoy fast-paced stand-up from Michael Legg, Rob Hughes, and Anna Thomas.
6 PM | £17.00

🏰 Gwerin y Gŵyr: Step into medieval Wales at Oystermouth Castle, where you can experience traditional skills like weaving, armour crafting, archery, and medieval cooking.
11 AM - 4 PM (castle open until 5pm) | Normal admission charges

🎶 Swansea Philharmonic Choir: A Celebration of Vaughan Williams: Experience a choral performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams' iconic works at Brangwyn Hall, with the British Sinfonietta and renowned soloists.
7:30 PM | £23.00

🍴 Uplands Market: Explore delicious fresh, local food and handcrafted goods at Gwydr Square in this monthly market.
9 AM - 1 PM

🍽️ Felindre Food & Crafts Market: Monthly market in Felindre offering food, drink, crafts, and social activities.
10 AM - 3 PM

🎵 Swansea University Choral Society Spring Concert: Enjoy a diverse musical showcase performed by the main choir, chamber choir, and small groups at Taliesin Arts Centre.
7 PM | £5 - £7.50

🏭 Guided Tour of the Old Hafod Morfa Copperworks: Explore Swansea's industrial history with a free guided tour of the old Hafod Morfa Copperworks, learning about Copperopolis and the copper industry.
11:00 AM | Free

🚶‍♂️ History Walk: Explore the history of Cwmdonkin Park on a guided walk on the 28th March & 25th April 2026.
11 AM | Free (booking required)

🎉 90s Day Party: Swansea: Travel back to the 90s at Bambu Beach Bar with a nostalgic day party full of throwback tunes and vibes.
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM | £10 - £20

🎨 Weekend Adults’ Art Workshop: Create a personal movie homage artwork by collecting, collaging, and painting inspired by cinema at Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM | £5

🌊 Seasearch Observer Sea Life Identification: Learn about local marine species, record marine life, and support conservation with basic species identification skills in this free course in the Maritime Quarter.
9.15 AM - 4.30 PM | Free

🎨 Holiday Make and Take: Family-friendly craft session at the National Waterfront Museum, with themed projects to create and take home.
Also Sunday | 12.30 PM - 3.30 PM

🥚 Easter Egg Trail at Mumbles Pier: Hunt for 9 colourful eggs hidden around the site, complete a worksheet with egg patterns, and claim a chocolate prize at the arcade.
Until April 5th | 10 AM - 8 PM | Free

🦦 Dwrgi Theatre Experience: Follow Dwrgi the otter on a bilingual, multi-sensory theatre adventure perfect for under 5s at Ty Tawe, exploring magic, mischief, storytelling, and crafting in Welsh and English.
11.30 AM | £5.27 - £8.43

🎨 Easter Fun Day: Enjoy Easter festivities featuring a bonnet competition, face painting, crafts, raffle, children's activities, and refreshments at Morriston Park.
11 AM - 3 PM | Free

🎵 The Music of Zimmer vs Williams: Enjoy a cinematic duel at Swansea Building Society Arena with a 70-piece orchestra performing legendary movie scores from Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T., and more.
3 PM | From £34.50

📽️ Classic Movie Night - PS I Love You: Enjoy a special screening of the romantic film PS I Love You, at the Albert Hall. Follow Holly's journey of love, loss, and new beginnings.
8:00 PM | £3.17

🐰 Easter Egg Hunt: Join in the Easter fun at Jersey Park Pavilion with games, prizes, an Easter Bonnet Competition.
12 PM | £3.50 per ticket

Monday March 23rd
Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

Tuesday March 24th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM
Taliesin | Fairpoint | 7.30 PM

Wednesday March 25th
Swansea Grand Theatre |Vitamin String Quartet | 7.30 PM
The Observatory | Roger Beaujolais with Dave Cottle Trio | 8 PM

Thursday March 26th
The Bunkhouse | Epileptic Wizards | 6 PM
Hangar 18 | MAN | 7.30 PM

Friday March 27th
Elysium | Sesh Sixteen | 6 PM
Sin City | Dub Pistols | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | The Night School | 6 PM

Saturday March 28th
Swansea Grand Theatre | Sugar Pie Honey Bunch, The American Four Tops | 7 PM
The Welfare | Morgan Elwy | 7.30 PM
The Patti | Sounds of Seattle | 7.30 PM
Sin City | Ed Force One | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | Tick Tock 35th Anniversary | 4 PM

Sunday March 29th
Pontardawe Arts Centre | Eric Bibb | 8 PM

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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