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Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop - the local newsletter that's like a jacket potato with too much butter (is there such a thing? 😊)

This week is absolutely packed with spooky shenanigans as Halloween takes over the city - from ghost train rides to a rooftop Halloween party, and even a frightful hypnotism show.

There's also loads of brilliant half-term fun to keep the kids busy, including mythical mask-making, shadow puppet workshop, and an Ice Princess Party.

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

Andrew

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Before social media, DMs and voice notes, friendships had to travel the long way round using good old snail mail.

This week, we opened the mailbag on three standout pen pal stories with a local connection - from a Danish man who pedalled across Europe to meet his Swansea friend, to two wartime pals who met after half a century.

Read Swansea’s Most Loyal Penpals.

🌊 Thousands of plastic discs used in wastewater treatment have washed up across dozens of beaches in Swansea, Gower, and Neath Port Talbot.

🩺 GP surgeries in Gowerton, Penclawdd, Gorseinon, and Loughor have installed self-service health monitoring machines that let patients check their blood pressure, weight, and BMI without booking an appointment.

🎓 The Welsh Government has controversially ended funding for Technocamps, a bilingual digital skills programme run by Welsh universities (including Swansea University) for over a decade. A petition against the decision has been launched here.

🎠 A new play area at Parc Gwernfadog next to Morriston Comprehensive playing fields is now open for families to enjoy.

💻 The DVLA has donated 200 refurbished laptops to Swansea Council to support young people, families, and students who lack access to digital devices.

📚 A new Penguin ‘Book Stop’ exchange has been installed in Mayals, one of 90 across the UK to celebrate the publisher’s 90th birthday.

📉 Anti-social behaviour reports in Swansea city centre dropped by 12.1% this summer thanks to a partnership between police, council, and community groups.

🎺 Jazz & Dine @Langland's Brasserie: Indulge in "Songs from the Movies" performed by Sarah Meek & The Dave Cottle Trio during a 2-course dinner at Langland's Brasserie. Vegan & GF options available.
7 PM - 10.30 PM | £48.78

🎶 Sri Lankan Baila Night: Swansea Dockers Club hosts Baila Night 2025, featuring VIBRATION, an exciting Sri Lankan band, authentic buffet, and Baila music.
7 PM | Contact venue for tickets

🍺 Beer Riff on Tap: Enjoy fresh Beer Riff on tap and The Spud Stop food at the Penderyn Distillery Visitor Centre's car park before Swans games.

🍽️ Sunday Roast at The Secret: The Secret Bar & Kitchen’s sunday lunch is back on the menu, served until 9 PM.

🍽️ Kids Eat for £1 at Full of Graze: Throughout half-term, Full of Graze in Mumbles is offering kids meals for just £1 when you buy an adult meal. Until November 2nd.

🍽️ Kids Eat for £1 at Rasoi Indian Kitchen: Between Tuesday and Friday this week, kids eat for £1 with every adult main meal at Rasoi in Ponlliw.

This week, we tried a giant burrito at Swansea University…

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This three-bedroom semi-detached house in Mumbles features a light and airy lounge and breakfast room, sea views, and is just a short walk from the shops, cafes, and restaurants. Offers over £375,000 with Astleys.

🎸 Swansea's Hanbury pub on the Kingsway is getting a dramatic black exterior makeover with an illuminated marquee canopy.

🏰 Food by Sean, known for extravagant afternoon teas and grazing tables, will transform Gower's historic Stouthall manor house into a food destination featuring themed dining experiences, weddings, BBQ events, and walled gardens growing local produce.

💆 Swansea Chiropractic Clinic in Killay recently opened brand new premises (right next door to its old place!)

Urban Foundry’s Castle Quays pop-up is ending after 3 months of films, art, and events -now passing the space to a new (as yet unnamed) long-term tenant.

This week, we chatted to Jodi from Exist Skatepark in the city centre, to learn more about what’s happening there and what makes it so special:

Tell us a bit about Exist Skatepark: Exist Skatepark is a not-for-profit indoor community skatepark based in Swansea City Centre. For over a decade, it’s provided a safe, inclusive space for people of all ages and abilities to skate, ride, and connect. Our loyal coaches and staff offer a warm welcome to everyone who comes through the door, and we take real pride in what we do and how we do it.

You're testing adaptive equipment to help children with disabilities skateboard independently. How did that come about? Cerebra Innovation Centre approached us about a year ago to develop and install its groundbreaking adaptive skateboarding equipment, the first of its kind in Wales. Accessibility and inclusion have always been key to our mission, and this project opens up a whole new world of opportunity for children who might not otherwise get to experience skateboarding.

As well as kids’ sessions, you run skateboarding lessons for over-30s. What’s the reaction to that been like? Our Over-30s groups are incredibly enthusiastic! It’s been brilliant to watch a new generation fall in love with skateboarding. Whether they tried it as a kid and are rediscovering it, or are total beginners, doing something purely for yourself, that’s active, social, and just a bit daring, is hugely empowering.

You’ve got a packed half-term schedule coming up. What can families expect? We’ve got loads going on, from creative “Skate & Create” days and graffiti workshops to beginner coaching and scooter sessions. We keep prices as accessible as possible and make sure there are positive role models everywhere. I’m a firm believer that if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.

What other ways can people in Swansea get involved or support Exist? Supporting Exist is easy, just come and use the park! We run sessions for all wheels and all ages throughout the week, and the more people who get involved, the more we can do. We’ve recently secured funding to offer free skateboarding sessions every Tuesday throughout November and the first week of December, so it’s the perfect time to give it a go.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with what’s on, and remember, we’re a community space built for everyone. You have to use it, or lose it!

To learn more about Exist Skatepark, or book a class or workshop, visit www.existskatepark.co.uk

Dunvant Male Choir is looking for volunteers to sing at its Christmas concert raising funds for Maggie’s Swansea.

Brodie’s Funhouse is looking for new team members at its soft play centre in Cwmdu.

Volcano Theatre has two positions available in its Storyopolis Saturday club, to start in January 2026.

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🌟 The Stars of Tomorrow: Over four nights, 80+ local theatre schools, singers, and dance groups come together for a showcase of youth talent at Swansea Grand Theatre.
7 PM | £21.00

🎪 Circus Zyair: Thrilling performances and daring stuntmen descend on Swansea, under the big top at Mumbles Road Recreation Ground.
Various showtimes and pricing until November 2nd

📸 Free Photography Exhibition: The Photographic Angle hosts a diverse showcase of photography celebrating individual creative styles, challenging perceptions, and utilising modern technology to manipulate reality, at Unit 4 & 5, Fforestfach Retail Park.
Free | Until October 29th.

🦜 Animal Encounters: Adults-only experience at Founders and Co, offering encounters with tarantulas, snakes, parrots, and other fascinating creatures. Childrens sessions earlier in the day.
6.30 PM - 7.45 PM | £15

🎉 Free Salsa Beginner’s Lesson: Join Jules Rees for a fun salsa class at The Ostreme Centre in Mumbles. No experience or partners required for this free first class.
7.30 PM | Free

👻 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Dive into the eerie, atmospheric tale set in Sleepy Hollow, with Swansea Little Theatre’s production chronicling Ichabod Crane's pursuit of love, at the Dylan Thomas Theatre.
Oct 29th - Nov 1st | £12 - £15

🩺 Move, Power, Pause: Women’s Health in Motion: Free drop-in day at The LC, featuring games, workshops, health screenings, and discussions on women's health.
9 AM- 4 PM

🎥 Scream: Enjoy Wes Craven's iconic horror film following Sidney Prescott and friends as they face a masked killer mimicking scary movies in real life, at Taliesin
7.30 PM | £7.75, £5 for Under 26's and Students

🍻 Oktoberfest 2025: Join the ultimate Oktoberfest bash at Founders and Co, with fresh beers, live Oompah band, German street food, and more.
8 PM | From £7

🕺 Dreamboys 2025 World Tour: Join the hottest male dancers for a night of heart-pounding choreography, anthems, and naughtiness, at Swansea Grand Theatre.
8 PM | £30.50 - £33.50

🎃 Halloween @ SocialDice: Enjoy a spooky evening of board games, drinks, trick or treat, and more. Arrive in fancy dress and get your table for free!
4 PM - 10 PM | Free

🎭 Private Lives, Public Fictions: Immersive exhibit exploring the experiences of sex workers and artists in Wales, challenging stereotypes, at Volcano Theatre.
10 AM - 5 PM | £2 - £3

🎭 Short Tales of Other Worlds: The Paper Cinema presents live animated supernatural stories through pen and ink drawings, puppetry, and soundscapes, at the Taliesin.
7.30 PM | £15, £5 for under 26's and students

🎶 HALLOWEEN Latino: The UK's hottest Reggaeton party takes over Bambu Beach Bar for a Halloween special, with Latin beats and Brazilian Funk all night long.
10 PM - 3 AM | £3

🎇 Mumbles Pier Big Bang Fireworks: Enjoy two firework displays, funfair rides, arcade games, and a night of entertainment at Mumbles Pier.
4 PM - Late | Free Entry

🤠 Dolly Parton and Friends Tribute Show: Experience a night of award-winning impersonations of country music icons like Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and more with live band performances, at Swansea Grand Theatre.
7 PM | £30.50

🎤 Saturday Night Comedy: Hosted by Josh Elton at Hooper's Vegan Bar and Bistro, plus food available.
6 PM - 8 PM

🐕 Amazing Dogs: Interactive workshop at Volcano Theatre celebrating dogs in schools, homes, and communities, highlighting their positive impact with activities and expert advice.
10 AM - 2 PM | Free

🌱 Swansea Vegan Mini Market: Discover a variety of vegan food and goodies at this monthly market in the centre of Swansea Market.
10 AM - 3 PM

🍽️ Swansea Bay Market: The final market of the year at Victoria Park offers a diverse lineup of local food, drinks, and other local traders.
10 AM - 2 PM

🛍️ Crafters & Co Pop-Up Market: Enjoy a monthly pop-up market at The Lodge on Alexandra Road in Gorseinon, with unique finds and local goods.
11 AM - 3 PM

🧙‍♀️ Witches Market & Spiritual Fayre: Step into a magical world at Brangwyn Hall with over 80 stalls with everything from psychic readings to crystals and jewellery.
11 AM - 4:30 PM | Free - £11.55

Monday October 27th
The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM
Noah’s Yard | Jazz Club | 8.30 PM

Tuesday October 28th
The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM
Patti Pavilion | Taylor Fever - Taylor Swift Tribute | 6.30 PM

Wednesday October 29th
The Observatory | Swansea Jazz Club Ray ‘Taff’ Williams Band, String Fellows | 8 PM
The Patti Pavilion | The Reckless Breed | 7 PM
The Bunkhouse | Ward XVI | 6 PM

Thursday October 30th
The Bunkhouse | Oscar Hartland | 7 PM

Friday October 31st
The Albert Hall | Live Music Friday | 7 PM
Crowleys Rock Bar | Stone Deaf | 7.30 PM
Elysium Gallery | Adfeilion | 7 PM
Patti Pavilion | Zac & The New Men | 6 PM
Dillwyn Arms, Pontardawe | Valley Folk Club | 8 P

M
Saturday November 1st

Sunday November 2nd
Patti Pavilion | Reef | 7 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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