Anyone know a good local company that fits or tops up existing loft insulation ? Good price and responsiveness would be nice too if possible

Anyone recommend a good roofer in Swansea? It's a small roof for a rear extension.

Not looking for authenticity, I am loyal to Sichuan Savour for that! But looking for my yearly “trashy” one, and want it to be the best bastardised Chinese in Swansea!

Any idea what it is? I'm guessing construction somewhere....

We've sold an item on Vinted and the buyer has chosen "Royal Mail locker". We've used lots of InPost lockers before but never this type.

The Royal Mail website's map filter unhelpfully groups both Lockers and Parcel Postboxes together. The ones listed, Union Street and Walter Road, were just parcel postboxes last time I checked. Does anyone know if there's actually any lockers in Swansea?

HI all, I'm back with another round-up of all the best things to see and do in Swansea this week.

Read the Swansea Scoop below, or click here to see it with all the links and images: https://www.swanseascoop.com/p/swansea-pantomime-grand-theatre

I received an email this week from a reader who discovered and subscribed to the Swansea Scoop through Reddit :) So, thanks to you all for your continued support!

===================
Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop. The local newsletter that’s like switching on your Christmas tree lights for the first time.

There’s just over three weeks left until Christmas, and the festivities are ramping up here. The tree’s up, we’ve visited Santa, and enjoyed a fun few hours at GG’s Christmas lights switch-on yesterday.

How are your Christmas preparations coming along? Let me know!

In this week’s Swansea Scoop:

❤️ Love Actually With A Live Orchestra!
🎸 A new Beach Festival for Swansea!
🎅 Loads of Christmas fun!
… and tons more!

Let’s get to it.

— Andrew

THE DIGEST

🎸 Tunes on the Bay: Pop-rockers McFly will headline the first night of Swansea’s first-ever beach festival, Tunes on the Bay, supported by Scouting For Girls. It will be held from May 2nd to May 4th, 2025 on Swansea Bay. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, December 2nd!

🛴 E-Scooter Trials: Swansea Council has joined Cardiff in expressing interest in launching e-scooter trials, marking a potential step towards introducing the schemes in Wales. Discussions with the operator Voi have been "positive," but no concrete plans are in place yet.

🚛 Bin Collection Changes: From the week beginning December 2nd, Swansea Council is changing the weeks it collects black bags and garden waste. Black bags will be collected on a green week and garden waste will be collected on pink week.

🐶 Self-Serve Dog Wash: Dewkes got in touch to tell me about its new Self Serve Dog Wash at its Sketty store. Pop down after a walk to clean off your mucky pup’s paws, and grab yourself a takeaway coffee at the same time.

Would you welcome e-scooters in Swansea? 🛴

👍 Yes - bring it on!

👎No - keep them away!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

WHAT’S ON

It’s behind you! Oh, no it isn’t! Oh, yes it is! No, not my long-forgotten youth. Those words can only mean one thing - panto season is back!

There are several smaller productions in and around Swansea, but this year’s big Grand Theatre Production is Jack and the Beanstalk.

Join Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills, Kev Johns, and a star-studded cast as you follow Jack's daring quest to defeat the greedy giant, save Buttercup the cow, and turn his family's fortunes around.

Jack and the Beanstalk opens on December 7th and runs until January 5th, 2025. Click here for more info and to get your tickets.

SCRUMPTIOUS SCOOPS

Credit: The Lighthouse Bar & Kitchen

Don’t fancy cooking this week? Feast your eyes on some of the latest foodie offerings around Swansea:

🍴 No. 18 Cafe on Bryn-y-mor Road is hosting its first-ever Tuesday Supper Club this week. To kick things off, it’s serving 3 courses of delicious, plant-based festive food.

🍴 The New Valley Bishopston recently launched its Festive Menu for December, featuring giant pigs in blankets, turkey burgers, Christmas pudding, and loads more.

🍴 The Lighthouse Bar & Kitchen at Bracelet Bay has launched a refreshed buy-one-get-one-free pizza menu, plus fresh desserts including calzones and Nutella dough balls. Get them daily from 12 PM.

BEST OF THE REST

There’s loads more to do and see across the city this week, starting with:

Monday December 2nd

📻 Christmas Nostalgia Show: Join Rob Pendry at All Saints Church for a fun and entertaining evening looking back through Christmas music, film and TV over the decades.

7 PM | £5

🎻 Christmas Classics Concert: Join the Swansea Philharmonia at St Mary’s Church, where they’ll entertain you with an orchestral concert of uplifting classics and Christmas favourites.

7.30 PM | £5 (under 16s free)

Tuesday December 3rd

🎄 Christmas Theatre: The Welfare, Ystradgynlais hosts Lighthouse Theatre, performing O Little Town of Aberystwyth - a darkly humourous Welsh noir set in gritty Christmas-time Aberystwyth, where a department store Santa is found murdered. Sold out at The Grand!

7.30 PM | £13 - £17

💌 Love Actually With in Concert: Experience the magic of Love Actually like never before with a live orchestra performing its iconic score alongside the film at Swansea Arena, in a festive tradition that has captivated audiences year after year.

7.30 PM | From £36.85

Wednesday December 4th

😄 Live Comedy: Duck Phaser Comedy Club will be at The Cross Keys pub in the city centre, showcasing a selection of rising stars and comedy circuit favourites.

8 PM | £3

🎶 Carols on the Cliffs: Wrap up warm and join Three Cliffs Coffee Shop in Southgate for an evening of carols and drinks. Then, at 5.30 PM on Saturday December 7th, they’ll have mulled wine, food and treats as they welcome the Pennard Lantern Parade.

6 PM

💀 The Nightmare Before Christmas: Head down to the Taliesin Arts Centre to catch Jack Skellington in Tim Burton’s stunning stop-motion feature film on the big screen.

7.30 PM | £5 - £7.75

🚒 Home Fire & Winter Safety: Join The Mens Group at Volcano Theatre for a special home fire and winter road safety session, presented by the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Free cuppa provided!

11 AM - 1 PM | Free (booking required)

Christmas Fairs 🎄

Oldwalls Gower | Christmas Market | 3.30 PM - 8 PM

Thursday December 5th

🎭 Christmas Musical Theatre: Enjoy a festive concert at the Brangwyn Hall with Welsh of the West End, the viral musical theatre super-group featuring stars from Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked, performing holiday classics and theatre favourites.

7.30 PM | £31.50 - £37

🎭 Christmas Theatre: Join Swansea Little Theatre at the Dylan Thomas Theatre for The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge, a hilarious twist on the classic tale where Scrooge sues Jacob Marley and the Christmas Ghosts in a comedic courtroom showdown. Until December 7th.

7.30 PM | £12 - £15

😄 Live Comedy: Head down to Elysium for the Rogues’ Gallery Comedy Club, with performances from Morgan Rees, Welsh Jesus, and Carly O’Connor.

7 PM | £8

🏳️‍🌈 Queertawe Fringe Festival: Starting today and running until Sunday December 8th, this four-day festival will celebrate queer culture in Swansea with over a dozen events across six locations, including cabaret, comedy, music, art, and more.

Multiple dates, times, and ticket price

🎨 Christmas Sip & Paint: Join City Church on Dyfatty Street for a cosy evening of hot chocolate, mince pies, and painting beautiful Christmas candles with friends.

6.30 PM - 9.30 PM | £6 - £10

🦖 The Christmasaurus: InspireU Studios is hosting a magical Christmas experience for families at the Gower Heritage Centre today and other Thursdays and Saturdays in December before Christmas: the Christmasaurus story, dinosaur trail, crafts, duck race, and a visit from Santa.

4.30 PM - 5.30 PM | £8 - £12.50

🎭 A Christmas Carol Theatre: Experience the magic of A Christmas Carol like never before as Dyad Productions brings Dickens' timeless ghost story to life in a captivating solo performance filled with redemption, compassion, and festive cheer.

7.30 PM | £13.50 - £15.50

Christmas Fairs 🎄

CREST, Cwmbwrla | Crest Christmas Market | 12 PM - 5 PM

Cranes Pop Up | Xmas @ Cranes | 3 PM - 8 PM

St Joseph’s Cathedral Primary School | Christmas Fayre | 3.45 PM - 5.30 PM

Friday December 6th

🧞‍♂️ Adult’s 18+ Pantomime: Join Aladdin and friends at the Pontardawe Arts Centre for a lewd, crude, and hilariously twisted pantomime packed with innuendo, witty one-liners, and dark humour. Runs on various dates until 18th December.

7 PM | £20

🎄 Free Christmas Concert: Join The Morriston Orpheus Choir and special guests for a spectacular evening of choral singing at the Tabernacle. And best of all, it’s free!

7 PM | Free

🎶 Male Voice Choir: The Gwalia Singers male voice choir will be joined by Ladies Excelsior for an evening of Christmas tunes at St Catherine’s Church in Gorseinon. Also at various other venues and dates around Swansea in the run-up to Christmas (see link).

7 PM | TBC

👠 Running Track Fashion Show: Swansea Fashion Week presents THERXNTRXCK, a bold and inclusive Autumn Winter Showcase on the running track at Swansea Bay Sports Park.

6.30 PM - 8 PM | £20

🥳 Dancing Through the Decades: Head to Swansea Arena for its Dancing Through The Decades Christmas Party, featuring a welcome drink, three-course meal, live music by Ryan D’Auria and an 11-piece band, a DJ, festive novelties, and more.

6.30 PM | From £55

✂️ Winter Window Decorations Workshop: Celebrate the festive season by making your own beautiful window decorations, totally free, at Volcano Theatre.

1 PM | Booking preferred, but walk-ins welcome

Christmas Fairs 🎄

Pennard Community Hall | Christmas Fair | 5 PM - 8 PM | £2 Entry

Saturday December 7th

🫏 Vintage Craft Market: Discover unique vintage treasures and locally crafted gifts at the Winter Vintage and Makers Market, held at the National Waterfront Museum in partnership with Cow & Ghost Vintage.

10 AM - 4 PM | Free

🧞 Family Pantomime: Join Aladdin this Christmas at the Pontardawe Arts Centre for a magical, funny, pantomime adventure packed with dazzling costumes and sensational songs. Various dates until Monday December 16th.

£13.20 - £16.50 | 1 PM and 5 PM

🎅 Clydach Christmas Parade: Head down to Vardre Road Community Centre to catch Clydach Community Council’s annual Christmas parade. It’ll go down High St and onto Forge Fach, where Santa and his elves will be there to meet you.

5.30 PM

🚲 Christmas Bike Ride and Boat Ride: Join Wheelrights for its Christmas Bike Ride, from Bikeability in Dunvant to The Environment Centre in the city centre. After refreshments, enjoy a free boat trip on the Copper Jack.

10 AM.

🥗 Vegan Mini Market: Join Brontosaurus Vegan Lifestyle Store and a host of other traders for the Swansea Vegan Mini Market at the centre of Swansea Market.

10 AM - 3 PM

🎭 Live Theatre: Join Stagecoach Swansea at the Taliesin Art Centre for Imagine - a play that follows a young girl on a magical journey as she unravels the curse trapping beloved storybook characters. Also Sunday December 8th.

6.30 PM | £17.50

🎄 Christmas Concert: Join Morriston RFC Male Choir for their celebration of Christmas at St David’s Church in Penllergear, in aid of the Penllergare Valley Woods Trust.

7 PM | £7

Christmas Fairs 🎄

The Big Circle, Pontardullais | Popup-y-Bont Christmas Market | 10.30 AM - 2.30 PM

St Paul’s Church | Sketty Community Market | 9.30 AM - 12.30 PM

GS Artists, High St, Swansea | 9 to 90 Craft Fair | 11 AM - 5 PM

Hippos & Elysium | Pop up Winter Market | 10 AM - 5 PM

Bonymaen RFC | Bonymaen Christmas Fayre | 9.30 AM - 1.30 PM

Sunday December 8th

🌰 Chestnuts and Carols: Head to the National Waterfront Museum to join GRAFT in their garden in the centre of the museum - enjoy hot toddies, chestnuts, crafts, and singing around the fire pit.

12 PM - 2 PM | Free

😆 Stand-up Comedy: Enjoy a night of laughter at the Stone Circle Comedy Club, hosted by Pinatas Burrito Bar, with acts including Steffan Evans and Bennett Arron.

7 PM | £10

🎅 Winter Lantern Parade: Make your way to Cwmdonkin Park for a Winter Lantern Parade, hosted by the Friends of Cwmdonkin Park and Green Grove. There’ll also be live music, mince pies, mulled wine, and a special visitor!

Starts at The Grove, Uplands at 4.15 PM | Free

📽️ Festive Film: Visit the National Waterfront Museum and cwtch up to watch an animated version of A Child’s Christmas in Wales, based on the Dylan Thomas Classic, either in English or Welsh.

2 PM (English, 2.30 PM (Welsh) | Free

🎶 Handel’s Messiah: Celebrate the Gower Chorale's 30th anniversary with their eighth performance of Messiah at the Brangwyn Hall, a cherished tradition since 1998.

7 PM | £24

🎤 Carols in the Park: Join the Friends of Parc Williams in Loughor to sing traditional Christmas music, see the tree lighting, and enjoy music from the Loughor Town Band and the Tenovus Choir.

4 PM - 5.30 PM | Free

🏃 Christmas Fun Run: Grab your trainers and fancy dress costume, and head to Oyster Wharf for the Mumbles Great Christmas Fun Run (choose from 5K, 10L, or children’s 1K), raising money for the RNLI.

From 10.30 AM | Entry £19.95 - £24.95

🎅 Santa in Gorseinon: Starting at Gorseinon Car Park, Santa and his sleigh will travel to the Canolfan Centre where you’ll find live acts, a Santa’s grotto, food trucks, children’s rides, and more.

6 PM - 9 PM

👚 Marina Market: Head down to Dylan Thomas Square where local traders bring you the best in local produce, food and drink, clothes, jewellery, art, and more.

10 AM - 3 PM

♟️ Boardgame Bring and Buy Sale: Common Meeple on St Helen’s Road invites you to buy, swap and sell your boardgames at its latest Bring & Buy Sale, with a huge selection of pre-loved games available.

10 AM - 2 PM

Christmas Fairs 🎄

The Lodge, Gorseinon | Crafters & Co. Pop Up Christma Market | 11 AM - 3 PM

CHRISTMAS GIVING OPPORTUNITIES 🎅

Looking to volunteer your time or donate to a good cause this Christmas? Here are some of the local organisations asking for help:

🧥 Zac's Place in the old Gospel Hall on George Street needs hoodies, socks, and boots for both men and women, to help the vulnerable that visit regularly. See its Facebook Page for drop-off times.

🎒 The Rucksack Appeal Swansea needs help to fill bags with clothes, sleeping bags, and other essentials, which it will distribute to Matt's Cafe, Zac's Place, Swansea Women's Aid, among other places.

🎁 Mission Christmas needs help with donations of toys and presents for thousands of children across Swansea and South Wales, who might not otherwise receive any.

SWANSEA WORDLE (#12) 🧠

Swansea Wordle is the back of a horse in Panto this Christmas, but it hasn’t forgotten you. Are you Swansea’s Wordle Champ? Prove it!

Every answer is a place, person or thing related to our fine city.

Have a go, then reply to this e-mail to let me know how you got on!

Want a clue? Find it at the bottom of the newsletter.

➡️ Click here to play ⬅️

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

December 2nd

The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

December 3rd

The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM

December 4th

The New Valley Bishopston | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

Cu Mumbles | Jim Mullen Organ Trio | 8 PM

December 6th

Sin City | Dick & Dom | 10 PM

December 7th

Patti Pavilion | Motley Crude | 6.30 PM

December 8th

Hippos | Open Mic | 4 PM

THANKS

Thanks for reading the Swansea Scoop. If you found something useful, share it with a friend who loves mince pies.

Catch you next week!

Andrew.

✅ Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up

📧 Want to advertise your business to over 3,500 Swansea Scoop readers? Learn more

👉 Sometimes things change, so please check the details for events and activities directly with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Wordle clue: Where Dylan grew up.

Hi all!

I’m going to be moving to Swansea shortly for work, and in the process I’ve been trying to find a gym near me. I’ve looked through a few options and am really interested in joining the Mainway Fitness Gym in Llansamlet.

I was wondering if anyone had experience going there and how spacious was it? And also how busy? (I’m planning to go in the evenings around 6:30/7pm)

I do weight lifting and their amount of equipment listed on the website really appealed to me!

Tia x

Hi. I've no prior job experience and looking for a job. I wanted to get some suggestions about where I can find one.

I've tried indeed, filtered the jobs that require no experience. Most were care jobs, which I don't think I can do because of social anxiety. Things like customer service requires a good level of English and I'm not a native speaker. Driver jobs would be perfect for me but I don't have a licence yet. I looked into warehouse operative at Amazon etc. but there were no listings.

I'm not too picky about what I would do, with the exception of need to deal with customers.

I thought maybe I don't search it the right way. Is it that small business don't use job boards much and I should look into facebook or smth?

Thank you

My mum is having a hard time sourcing cranberries in Mumbles this year, does anyone have any sources in Swansea?

TIA!

I am looking for buying a used bike , any leads? Thanks.

Any recommendations for Christmas day lunch for 2? Not having any luck trying to book, have I left it too late?🙃

Does anyone know of a band who will be available for the 21/12/24 at Skewen Football and Cricket Club?

DM me

Hello, I am 22F and wanting to make friends in Swansea. Can anyone suggest any social groups? I prefer a quieter night in, I love films, reading and board games. Any recommendations? :)

Can anyone help me find a hair stylist within swansea area?

My hair is currently ridiculously straight and flat and i have no concept of what style would suit me, budget isn’t a concern as i’m mostly looking for a stylist that can suggest some cuts that will suit me and not cock up my hair for 2 months.

I have short-medium length hair with zero texture if that helps

Thanks in advance!

I’m in a position to buy something for another child this Christmas. I’d prefer to shop for a child with a wish list if possible like the Angel Tree concept. But would be happy with Mr X appeal too.

I think Nick Knowles is coming to Waun Wen. Opposite the chip shop on Carmarthen rd the hill is closed to deliveries by DIY SOS. (Big yellow sign). That’s Nick’s program. Exciting!!

Been trying for well over three years and everywhere says they are not currently taking on any NHS patients.

Obviously Toby Carvery is standard. Love the woodman's roast in Blackpill. Any others?

Hi all,

I’m looking to get a SIA license and need some advice as there are many categories of SIA license. As I wanna work inside the club. Will door supervisor license would be enough?

Cheers

Hello everyone!

I am thinking of getting a tattoo. This will be my 2nd tattoo and i wanted to know the prices they offer, also Recommendations of any tattooist would be great.

Cheers! 🥂

Anyone here been upto the meridian tower bar. What's the price up there compared to the other bars?

Can't find online, anyone know when it's opening?

Hi all, I'm back with the Swansea Scoop, a round-up of all the great stuff going on across the city this week.

Find it below, or it looks and reads better with images/links/formatting here:

👉 https://www.swanseascoop.com/p/swansea-christmas-things-to-do

Please let me know your thoughts and subscribe for free :)

------------------

36 Festive Things to Do in Swansea This Week 🎄

Free PYO Christmas Tree, Doggy Grotto, Laser Show, Gin Tasting, Live Comedy

Good morning, Swansea! This is the Swansea Scoop. The local newsletter that’s like finding an old gift card still -has money on it 😊

Are you starting to feel Christmassy yet? I’m a “Christmas starts in December” kind of person, but if you like to get into the festive season early, there are loads of Christmas-themed events going on this week as we creep into December.

In this week’s Swansea Scoop:

🎄 PYO Christmas tree (free!)

🍸 Gin tasting!

🔦 Laser show!

🐶 Santa’s doggy grotto!

… and more!

Let’s get to it.

— Andrew

P.S. If you enjoy the Swansea Scoop, could I ask you a big favour this week? Please share it with two friends who you know would like to receive it as well 🙏

THE DIGEST

🦁 New City Centre Soft Play: Jungle Play has begun fitting out to open a new soft play adjacent to the Albert Hall in the city centre, with plans to open soon. The company already has a venue in Newport Market, where food and coffee from vendors can be ordered and served straight to your table.

✝️ WWI Memorial: A new memorial in St Thomas honours 70 local World War I heroes, including Victoria Cross recipient Lieut Francis Grenfell. The professionally restored tablets from the former All Saints, Kilvey church have been incorporated into the granite and steel monument.

🚄 Train Timetable Upgrade: Starting December 15th, rail passengers in Swansea will benefit from more frequent train services, including Swanline trains running hourly during peak times and a later last train to Cardiff at 11.30 PM on weekdays.

WHAT’S ON

Santa’s Grottos in Swansea

He might be in Lapland gearing up for the busiest day of the year, but Santa Claus always finds the time to visit Swansea to ask its children what they want for Christmas. Just how does he do it?

Here’s an early list of all the places you can meet The Big Man in his grotto in the run-up to Christmas. Have I missed any? Reply to this e-mail to let me know! (image in link above)

Screengrab this image and share it around!

CHRISTMAS FAIRS UPDATE

After I shared last week’s Christmas Markets graphic to the Swansea Scoop Facebook Page, I had a huge response to tell me about all the ones I had missed!

Here’s an updated list of the best spots to find locally-made, unique Christmas gifts (image at link above).

Screengrab this image and share it around!

BEST OF THE REST

There’s loads more to do and see across the city this week, starting with:

Monday November 25th

💃 Free Argentine Tango Classes: Ever wanted to dance the Tango? Urban Tango Nights offers free classes every Monday at the Taliesin Studio on the Swansea University campus. No need to come with a partner and no previous dance experience is necessary.

7.30 PM - 10 PM | Free

Tuesday November 26th

✂️ Dylan Thomas Craft and Play: The Dylan Thomas Centre’s Learning Space is open for free A Child’s Christmas in Wales-themed self-led play throughout November and December, starting today. Activities include making a snowflake to add to its giant ‘snowglobe’ window, create a Christmas Card, creative writing, games, reading, and dressing up.

10 AM - 12 PM | Free (see website for full list of dates)

📽️ Film and Music Quiz Night: Swansea University’s film and music societies host a free quiz celebrating all things cinema and music at the Taliesin Arts Centre, with trivia spanning the last four decades, with prizes on offer!

6.30 PM | Free (booking recommended)

Wednesday November 27th

🎄 Christmas Light Trail: Gower Fresh Christmas Trees’ new light trail opens today, featuring 1km of exciting light installations including animal sculptures, light tunnels, a lit-up enchanted forest. Open multiple dates from today until December 30th.

£9.95 - £42.45

🏆 Short Story Awards Launch: Join Waterstones to celebrate the launch of The Rhys Davies Short Story Award Anthology 2024 with discussions from guest judge Rebecca F. John, editor Elaine Canning, and featured authors on the transformative power of short stories.

Free (just turn up!) | 7.30 PM

🎺 Jazz Orchestra: Join Swansea Jazz Club at Cu Mumbles as the RWCMD Big Band and guest vocalists celebrate the timeless music of Ella Fitzgerald and the Count Basie Orchestra, featuring classic arrangements by jazz legends.

8 PM | £15

☃️ Jingle Bell Journey: Head to Pontardullais Primary School for a magical journey through its Winter Wonderland, where you can make Christmas decorations, enjoy storytime with an elf, and even meet Santa himself.

£5 per child | 4.15 PM - 6.30 PM

💿 Talk Talk Evening: Celebrate the music of Talk Talk and the legacy of Mark Hollis at Elysium, featuring a discussion of the updated biography A Perfect Silence with author Ben Wardle, an album playback of Spirit of Eden, and a book signing.

7.30 PM - 9.30 PM | £12 - £28

Christmas Fairs 🎄

Oldwalls Gower | Christmas Market | 3.30 PM - 8 PM

Thursday November 28th

👸 Cinderella Pantomime: Join the Estuary Players for a panto performance of Cinderella at Llanmorlais Hall. Also on November 29th and November 30th (including a matinee show).

£8 - £30 | 7.30 PM

🎅 Christmas Laser Show & Lantern Parade: Christmas Kicks off in Gorseinon this evening with a lantern parade (with Santa switching on the lights!) and a spectacular laser show at Lime Street Car Park, where the parade also starts and finishes.

6.30 PM | Free

🎤 Maggie’s Christmas Extravaganza: Enjoy the best local South Wales talent including Bronwen Lewis, Mike Doyle, and Steve Balsamo at Swansea Arena - all while raising money for Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre. Hosted by Kev Johns!

7.30 PM | £27.30

🎄 Christmas in Mumbles: Newton Road will be closed as Christmas comes to Mumbles for 2024, featuring a parade, Santa in the RNLI boat, children’s rides and stalls, music, and late night shopping.

5 PM | Free

💬 Richard Burton Lecture: Join the Richard Burton Annual Lecture with Geraint Talfan Davies at the Taliesin Arts Centre as he explores the historical and cultural legacies of Merthyr Tydfil and Port Talbot.

6 PM | Free (booking required)

🎥 Film Makers Club: Woodrows Coffee Co. in Bryn-y-mor is launching its Film Makers Club today, for anyone interested in writing, directing and acting to collaborate and work on a project together. All skill levels welcome!

6 PM | Free

☕ Cancer Research Coffee Morning: Join The King Arthur Hotel for tea and coffee, along with a sale featuring jewellery, plants, cakes, crafts, and more - all proceeds benefit Cancer Research UK.

10 AM - 12 PM | Free

🚵 Gee Atherton Live: Mountain biking legend, Gee Atherton, heads to Pontardawe Arts Centre to tell the remarkable story of his riding life, featuring championship wins, tough trails, and serious injury.

7.30 PM | £18.50 - £21.50

😂 Live Comedy: Hooper’s hosts the Tiny Comedy Club tonight, with comedians June Tuesday and Dan Thomas taking to the stage for a night of top laughs.

7.30 PM | £8.50

Christmas Fairs 🎄

Knelston Primary School | Christmas Fair | 3.30 PM - 6 PM

Friday November 29th

🕯️Country by Candlelight: Join Cu Mumbles for an evening of Country music with live music from Dusty Road - enjoy the first set by candlelight, then line dance to the second with Luke Shrimpton from LS Dance.

7 PM | £12

🖼️ Art Exhibition Launch: The Mumbles Art Collective launches its Winter Art Exhibition at Newton Hall today, featuring work from over a dozen local artists, including Kate Bell and Graham Parker. Runs until December 3rd.

7 PM | Free

🤣 Live Comedy: Join Comedian Ivo Graham as he brings his sharp wit and hilarious storytelling to the Taliesin Arts Centre stage, reflecting on his Taskmaster antics and radio mishaps.

8 PM | £18

🍸 Gin Tasting Evening: Join Gwyr Gin and Newton Athletic Football Club at the Underhill Hub for a fun evening where you’ll get to sample a whole host of its award-winning drinks.

7 PM - 11 PM | £10

 🎶 Music and Poetry Evening: Experience an evening of bilingual music and poetry at The Welfare Ystradgynlais, celebrating Wales’ coal-mining heritage with traditional musicians Aneirin Jones and Tracy Hales, and historian Geraint Roberts.

7.30 PM | £5

Christmas Fairs 🎄

Murton Methodist Church Hall | Christmas Market | 6.30 PM - 8 PM

Saturday November 30th

🫏 Christmas Farm Experience: Will’s Petting Farm on Gower launches its Christmas event today. The farm will be decked out with festive decorations, while you meet goats, sheep, pigs, and a Christmas donkey. Runs until December 23rd.

10 AM - 4 PM | £3.50

🧝 Elf Workshop Craft: Join the Christmas cheer at the National Waterfront Museum, as children get the chance to make their own sparkling snowglobe with eco glitter. Also Sunday December 1st.

11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM (Welsh)

👛 Mistletoe & Markets: Swansea Market hosts a day packed with family fun and festive cheer, including a kids show by Kelly & Debbie, face painting and decorate your own cookie, Disney characters, plus live entertainment from Hot Gin Swing Duo, The Spinettes, and Christmas choirs.

🍪 Decorate Christmas Cookies: On loads of dates from now, through December and into January, children can decorate three Christmas biscuits at the cafe inside the National Waterfront Museum. Tickets also include a hot drink for both children and grown-ups.

11 AM & 2 PM | £10

🍨 GG’s Christmas Fun: It’s GG’s Gelato’s annual Christmas Lights Switch On this evening, featuring a live brass band, face painting, Santa’s grotto, festive food stalls, and meet-and-greet with GG The Bear!

Lights Switch on at 6 PM

✂️ Children’s Winter Craft Club: Mission Gallery launches its Winter Craft Club today - a set of five craft activities for children every Saturday morning from now until Christmas. Make seasonal wreaths, cardboard gingerbread houses, festive decorations, and more.

£22.38 (no fee if booked directly).

🎸 Classical Guitar Concert: Head to Sketty Park Community Centre to watch the Swansea Classical Guitar Circle perform its 25th Anniversary Winter Concert - an evening of delightful classical guitar music, with tea, coffee, sandwiches, and cakes in the interval!

6.30 PM | £7.50

🎨 Art Exhibition Launch: Head to Mission Gallery for the opening of Perfectly Strange, an exhibition celebrating myths and stories from Wales and beyond through the works of invited and open-call artists, including a storytelling event on the opening weekend. Runs until January 11th, 2025.

11 AM - 5 PM | Free

🤣 Free Live Comedy: Treatz Beatz in Pontardawe hosts Mortal Wombat Comedy this evening, with comedians from South Wales and further afield gathering to treat you to a night of hilarious stand-up.

8 PM | Free

👕 T-Shirt Printing Workshop: Join the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery to create a custom, collaged t-shirt from vintage imagery that celebrates 90s dance music culture, using Gelli plate printmaking. For ages 16+.

10.30 AM - 1 PM | Free (booking required)

✍️ Queer Shapes Life Drawing: Join the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery for Queer Shapes, a life-drawing session celebrating marginalised bodies in a safe and inclusive space, where artists of all skill levels can explore new perspectives and challenge their creativity.

2 PM - 4 PM | Free (booking required)

🪈 Winter Orchestra and Dance: At the Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea University Musicians' Society presents a festive evening of music starring its Symphony Orchestra, Big Band and Wind Orchestra, featuring performances from the Choral and Dance Societies.

7 PM | £7.50 - £10

👛 Uplands Market: Pop down to Gwydr Square for the monthly Uplands Market, where local traders bring you the best in local produce, food and drink, clothes, jewellery, art, and tons more.

 9 AM - 1 PM

🍎 Fruit Trees Workshop | Join The Environment Centre for Beyond Apples, Pears & Plums: Other Fruit Trees to Grow to explore some lesser-known fruit trees and bushes, like persimmon, figs, and Japanese plums.

Free | 10.30 AM - 12.30 PM

🚶 Early Winter Wonders Walk: Join Clyne Gardens’ Head Gardener, Teifion Davies, on a guided walk to discover some of the hidden seasonal beauties around the park. Meet by the Touring Tea Room Caravan.

11 AM - 12.30 PM | £3

Christmas Fairs 🎄

The Dylan Thomas Centre | Not Your Average Christmas Fair | 10 AM - 4 PM

The Black Boy | The Pettifor Trust Christmas Fayre | 12 PM - 4 PM

The Commercial Inn, Killay | Cancer Research Wales Christmas Fete | 12 PM - 4 PM

Pantygwydr Baptist Church, Uplands | Save Our Seized Dogs Christmas Market | 10 AM - 4 PM

Brangwyn Hall | Swansea’s Christmas Craft & Flea | 11 AM - 5 PM

Purple Elephant Coffee Shop (Grace Church) | Christmas Fayre | 10 AM

Evolve Youth Club, Townhill | Christmas Fete + Santa’s Grotto | 1 PM - 3 PM

St Nicholas on the Hill and St Jude | Christmas Fair | 12 PM

Sunday December 1st

🎅 Big Waterfront Christmas: Experience a festive afternoon at the National Waterfront Museum, featuring an Elf Show, real little donkeys, a polar bear lantern, kids crafts, live music, youth dance, and Santa storytime.

12 PM - 4 PM | Free

🎄 PYO Free Christmas Tree: Help continue the work to rewild Kilvey Hill by joining them for their Christmas Tree Day (SA1 7AN), where you can take away a free pine tree. There’s loads going on, including woodland crafts, food and drink, campfire with marshmallows, music and carols, and more.

11 AM - 4 PM | Free

👚 Swansea Bay Market: The monthly market in Victoria Park has tons of stalls selling local food, drink, and more. They’ll also be hosting a charity raffle and a dog Christmas jumper competition!

10 AM - 2 PM

⛪ Bubble Church: St Hilary’s Church in Killay launches its new church service for young families this morning. Bubble Church is described as a “puppet-packed, croissant and coffee-fuelled family 30-minute adventure.”

9.45 AM | Free

👛 Pontardawe Inn Market: Head down to the Pontardawe Inn for its monthly market, featuring food, crafts, and a whole host of local traders.

📿 Swansea Bead Fair: Head to Pontlliw Village Hall for loads of beady bargains, for what is the last planned Bead Fair due to retirement.

10.30 AM - 3.30 PM

🐴 Christmas Pony Party: Join Ponies At My Party at the Gower Heritage Centre for a special Christmas Pony Party. You’ll be able to meet, groom, and pamper Santa’s miniature Christmas ponies - plus craft some glittery pony-themed Christmas tree decorations. Every weekend throughout December.

10.30 AM | £20

Christmas Fairs 🎄

The Dylan Thomas Centre | Not Your Average Christmas Fair | 10 AM - 4 PM

Friends of the Young Disabled, Cwmbwrla | Christmas Fayre | 12 PM

St Paul’s Church, Sketty | Sketty Christmas Fayre | 3 PM - 6 PM

Gower Dough Co. HQ, Crofty | Crofty Pop-Up Market Christmas Edition | 11 AM - 3 PM

Hippos, High St | Under 18 Christmas Market | 11 AM - 5 PM

Ystradgynlais Leisure Centre Sports Hall | The Big Christmas Fayre | 11.30 AM - 2.30 PM

CHRISTMAS GIVING OPPORTUNITIES 🎅

Looking to volunteer your time or donate to a good cause this Christmas? Here are some of the local organisations asking for help:

🎁 The Mr. X Appeal works with nearly 150 childcare agencies across Swansea and South Wales to deliver thousands of donated Christmas gifts to children.

✂️ Crisis Skylight South Wales’ salon is looking for volunteers to help make members pampered and confident as part of their popular Wellbeing Day Services.

🍽️ Swansea Council and JR Events and Catering need help to support the free Together At Christmas dinner at the Brangwyn Hall for people who are vulnerable, feel isolated or may be homeless.

🎁 St Thomas Church is running a Gift Grotto to support families referred to them who need help to provide Christmas toys and gifts to their children. All donations can be dropped off at the church office from Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 2 PM.

Do you know a Swansea charity, business or organisation looking for volunteers or donations this Christmas? Reply to this e-mail to let me know.

SWANSEA WORDLE (#11) 🧠

Swansea Wordle has entered I’m A Celebrity, and it’s back for Round 11. Are you Swansea’s Wordle Champ? Prove it!

Every answer is a place, person or thing related to our fine city.

Have a go, then reply to this e-mail to let me know how you got on!

Want a clue? Find it at the bottom of the newsletter.

➡️ Click here to play ⬅️ (link in post linked above)

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

November 25th

The Uplands Tavern | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

November 26th

Patti Pavilion | Newton Faulkner | 7 PM

The Bayview | Open Mic | 8 PM

November 27th

Cu Mumbles | Count Basie Orchestra | 8 PM

The Bunkhouse | Purple Waters | 6 PM

The New Valley Bishopston | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

November 28th

The Bunkhouse | The Now | 6 PM

Swansea Arena | Maggie’s Christmas Extravaganza | 7.30 PM

Waterloo Stores | Open Mic | 7.30 PM

Tangled Parrot | The Silver Field | 7 PM

November 29th

Patti Pavilion | Newton Faulkner | 7 PM

The Bunkhouse | Collateral | 6 PM

Sin City | Dr. Feelgood + 9 Below Zero | 6.30 PM

Taliesin Arts Centre | Ivo Graham | 8 PM

Pinatas Burrito Bar | Stickman + The Vandrels | 7 PM

Ty Tawe | Steve Eaves a Rhai Pobl | 7.30 PM | 7.30 PM

Elysium | Sort Yourself Out - House and Breaks | 6 PM - 1 AM

November 30th

The Garage | The Greedy Souls (Oasis Tribute) | 7 PM

Hangar 18 | ZZ Toppd | 7.30 PM

Elysium | SUN Baby Bank Funraiser w/ Swan Hill + Daisy + Guy Challenger | 7 PM

The Station Inn | The Love Cats 80s Duo | 8 PM

The Coopers Arms | Lywis | 7 PM

HQ Urban Kitchen | Saturday Sessions Open Mic | 1 PM - 4 PM

December 1st

The Bunkhouse | Melys | 7 PM

Hippos | Open Mic | 4 PM

THANKS

Thanks for reading the Swansea Scoop. If you found something useful, share it with a friend who always recommends the best TV shows.

Catch you next week!

Andrew.

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👉 Sometimes things change, so please check the details for events and activities directly with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Wordle clue: Jewelry piece near a sheltered bay.

Well I played rugby when I was like 14 for morriston but i wouldn't consider myself experienced. I'm 30 now. Would like to play again, any suggestions?

Hey I was wondering if anyone knew of any trustworthy jewellers that would be able to resize a ring? And preferably buy some rings off me at the same time?

Anyone else just hear a massive explosion or something similar? Can't figure out what it is