Swansea’s Christmas Parade named UK’s best council outdoor event

Swansea’s dazzling Christmas Parade has been crowned the UK’s best council‑organised outdoor event at the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) Awards 2025.

The accolade comes just days after tens of thousands lined the city centre streets to enjoy the annual festive spectacle, which featured floats, performers, and a visit from Santa.

The awards, held in Bath, celebrate excellence across the UK’s outdoor events industry and bring together leading professionals from across the country. Swansea Council took home the Event of the Year – Local Authority Sector title, recognising the creativity and impact of the teams who deliver the parade each year.

“A phenomenal achievement for Swansea”

Council Leader Rob Stewart said the award was a testament to the city’s ability to stage cultural experiences that unite communities and attract visitors:

“Our Christmas Parade is far more than a spectacular show, it’s a tradition that brings people together, supports local businesses, and creates shared moments that strengthen our sense of community. Winning this award is a phenomenal achievement for Swansea and something the whole city can be proud of.”

This is the second time Swansea’s events programme has been recognised nationally in 2025, following success as a finalist at the Visit Wales Tourism Awards earlier this year.

National recognition

Susan Tanner, CEO of NOEA, praised Swansea’s approach:

“Swansea Council triumphed in Event of the Year – Local Authority Sector for its forward‑thinking approach to delivering major public celebrations. The calibre of this year’s winners shows the innovation, passion and talent shaping the UK’s outdoor events industry.”

Recognition for Swansea’s events team

The award caps off a busy year for Swansea’s events programme, which has already drawn national attention at the Visit Wales Tourism Awards.

For many residents, the Christmas Parade has become a highlight of the city’s festive calendar, bringing families into the city centre and giving local businesses a seasonal boost.

This latest recognition from the National Outdoor Events Association underlines the growing reputation of Swansea’s events team and the role their work plays in shaping the city’s cultural life.

#christmas #christmasParade #cllrRobStewart #councilOrganisedOutdoorEvent #eventOfTheYearLocalAuthoritySector #nationalOutdoorEventsAssociation #noea #swansea #swanseaChristmasParade #visitWales #visitWalesTourismAwards

Swansea ranks #2 in UK’s best winter seaside list – only beaten by Brighton!

Swansea has been crowned the UK’s second best winter seaside destination, finishing just behind Brighton in a national survey of 45 coastal towns and cities.

The study, carried out by SuomiCasino, found Swansea’s mix of 69 coastal trails, many along the dramatic Gower Peninsula, plus 558 bars and restaurants and 46 landmarks, made it one of the country’s most appealing off‑season escapes.

Swansea’s strong showing means it outranked well‑known seaside names including Portsmouth, Penzance, Blackpool and Eastbourne — and secured the title of Wales’s top winter seaside destination.

Winter by the Welsh coast

The survey highlights Swansea’s combination of scenic walking routes, cultural sites and dining options as ideal for a winter getaway.

Visitors can explore Mumbles Pier, walk the dramatic paths around Three Cliffs Bay, or enjoy local seafood at cosy waterfront restaurants. With an average winter temperature of 6.0°C and 3.8 hours of sunshine per day, the city offers a relatively mild and bright coastal experience compared to many rivals.

Brighton tops the list – but Swansea close behind

Brighton took the top spot thanks to its extensive dining scene, with 949 bars and restaurants, alongside 52 landmarks and 35 beach walking trails. But Swansea’s higher number of trails and strong mix of attractions put it firmly in second place, just behind the south coast city.

Portsmouth came third, praised for its maritime heritage and extensive seafront, while Penzance and Blackpool rounded out the top five.

Northern beaches offer longer daylight

While Swansea ranked highly for overall winter appeal, the study also highlighted northern destinations such as Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay, and St Andrews for their longer daylight hours — each averaging 4.4 hours of winter sunshine per day.

These locations were noted for their dramatic coastlines, historic architecture and extended walking opportunities, proving that winter seaside escapes aren’t limited to the south coast.

Full rankings: Top 20 UK winter seaside destinations

#coastalCity #coastalTown #coastalTrail #gower #mumbles #seasideDestination #swansea #tourism #winterSeasideDestination

Swansea restaurants fined after serving unsafe meals to allergy sufferers

Three Swansea restaurants have been fined thousands of pounds after investigations revealed they had served meals containing undeclared allergens to customers who had specifically warned staff about their allergies.

Trading Standards officers from Swansea Council carried out undercover sampling and inspections at Saporito Pizza and Grill House on Gower Road in Killay, Indian Street Kitchen on Walter Road in Swansea city centre, and Joyato Sushi and Grill on Salubrious Passage, off Wind Street in the city centre. In each case, staff gave false assurances about food safety, but laboratory analysis later confirmed the presence of allergens including gluten, milk and egg.

At Swansea Magistrates’ Court, all three owners admitted offences under the General Food Regulations 2004 and the Food Safety Act 1990, including placing unsafe food on the market and falsely describing menu items.

The penalties varied, but all were significant. The owner of Saporito Pizza and Grill House, Seckin Bulutoglu, was ordered to pay more than £2,000 in fines, surcharges and costs. At Indian Street Kitchen, Muminul Uddin faced a bill of over £2,300. The heaviest penalty was handed to Yanrui Yi, who runs Joyato Sushi and Grill, with fines and costs totalling close to £9,500.

Council officers said the breaches included mislabelled menu items, poor allergen management systems, and a lack of staff training.

Council: “No excuses”

Cllr Andrew Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Service (Performance), said the cases showed how dangerous poor allergen practices can be.

“These cases highlight the potentially fatal consequences of failing to manage allergens and provide accurate information to customers,” he said.

“All the businesses involved have no excuses, having received significant advice about staff training and the dangers associated with allergens.

“Swansea Council is committed to protecting public health and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against businesses that put consumers at risk.”

Warning to businesses and customers

The council is urging all food businesses to ensure staff are properly trained and that allergen information is accurate and up to date. Consumers are also advised to ask about allergens and, if in doubt, walk away.

#allergens #cllrAndrewWilliams #featured #foodDrink #foodSafety #gowerRoad #killay #restaurant #salubriousPassage #swansea #swanseaCityCentre #swanseaCouncil #walterRoad #windStreet

Brynymor Road sinkhole larger than expected, says councillor

The sinkhole that forced the closure of Brynymor Road in Swansea last week is “significantly larger than first anticipated,” according to Uplands councillor Peter May, who shared an update on social media after meeting with Welsh Water engineers.

Cllr May said the company had accepted liability for the collapse, which is believed to have been caused by a major leak just above the affected area. That leak was repaired last week, but engineers are still working to assess the full extent of the damage beneath the surface.

“The hole is significantly larger than first anticipated,” he wrote, “and when I left site they were still trying to find the extent of the void under the road.” Based on surface cracking, the damage could stretch around three metres wide, five to six metres long, and just over one metre deep.

Welsh Water plans to excavate the area fully, backfill it with new material, and reinstate the carriageway. While repairs were initially hoped to be completed by Thursday evening, Cllr May said that timeline was “somewhat optimistic” and that a Friday reopening was more likely.

“There was a significant leak just above the sinkhole which was repaired last week,” he added. “Welsh Water agree that this has in all probability caused the collapse.”

Council investigation continues

Swansea Council last issued an update on 24 November, confirming that highways teams had begun investigating the cause of the sinkhole, which appeared at the junction of Brynymor Road and Westbury Street.

The council said the road would be reinstated once the investigation was complete and the area made safe. In the meantime, Brynymor Road remains closed to traffic between Westbury Street and Eaton Crescent. Westbury Street itself is open, but there is no access onto Brynymor Road from that junction. The section of Brynymor Road between St Helen’s Road and King Edward Road remains open to traffic.

#brynymorCrescent #brynymorRoad #eatonCrescent #kingEdwardRoad #roadClosure #sinkhole #stHelensRoad #swansea #swanseaCouncil #uplands #welshWater #westburyStreet

Fifth daily train to run on Heart of Wales line from December

From 14 December, passengers travelling between Swansea and Shrewsbury via the Heart of Wales line will have access to a fifth daily train.

Transport for Wales is adding a new midday service in both directions, increasing the number of trains from four to five per day. The Heart of Wales line runs through Llanelli, Llandeilo, Llandrindod Wells and Knighton, connecting rural towns with Swansea and Shrewsbury.

The change is part of the UK-wide December rail timetable update. Journey planners have already been updated, and passengers can now check times for travel after 14 December.

Funding and political agreement

The extra service is being funded through the Welsh Government’s 2025–26 Budget deal with Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds.

In a statement, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said:

“The Heart of Wales line provides a spectacular and scenic journey for tourists but is also a vital link for rural communities in Mid Wales, so this will be welcome news for residents and visitors alike.”

“Railway connections are vital in driving prosperity. These changes will make a real difference to customers, who will benefit from more services across Wales and the Borders.”

“This has been made possible by our £800m investment in brand-new trains for the Wales and Borders network.”

Transport for Wales said the new service would give passengers more flexibility for day trips and essential journeys, and help support the local tourism economy.

What it means for passengers

The new train will run midday every day, giving people more choice when planning journeys.

Passengers are being advised to check journey planners for travel after 14 December to see the updated timetable.

#additionalTrains #heartOfWales #janeDoddsMs #kenSkatesMs #llandeilo #llanelli #swansea #trains #transportForWales #welshGovernment

Free childcare scheme to expand across Swansea says council

The scheme provides up to 12.5 hours of funded childcare per week during term time for two‑ and three‑year‑olds. Places are available through school‑based nurseries, private providers, Welsh‑medium cylchs and registered childminders.

What Flying Start actually offers

Flying Start is essentially a package of early‑years support. For parents, the most immediate benefit is the free childcare hours, which can help reduce costs while giving toddlers structured play and learning before school. Alongside childcare, families are offered extra contact with health visitors, advice on parenting, and help with children’s speech and language development. The idea is to combine practical childcare with wider support for families during the crucial early years.

Council welcomes completion of rollout

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Alyson Anthony, said the funding was intended to “give young children the best possible start in life” and urged parents to take advantage of the offer.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the rollout meant “all parents and carers can now apply for Flying Start childcare,” regardless of where they live in Swansea. He noted the scheme is available in both Welsh and English settings and thanked Welsh Government for funding the initiative, which he said would “make a real difference to young children and their families.”

How to apply

Applications can be made online via Swansea Council’s eligibility tool. Parents and carers can also contact the Family Information Service on 01792 517222 or by emailing Fis@swansea.gov.uk for further guidance.

#childcare #childminder #cllrAlysonAnthony #cllrRobStewart #cylch #earlyYears #familyInformationService #flyingStart #healthVisitor #swansea #swanseaCouncil #toddler

Ospreys to bring cutting‑edge 5G technology to redeveloped St Helen’s

The technology, due to be fully operational by July 2026, will make St Helen’s one of the most advanced connected rugby stadiums in the UK, supporting both matchday experiences and player performance.

Stadium upgrade with digital innovation at its core

As part of the redevelopment, St Helen’s will be upgraded to an 8,000‑capacity venue. The addition of Vodafone’s 5G MPN will allow the stadium to act as a live test bed for new devices and technologies in a high‑performance sports environment.

Unlike public mobile networks, a private 5G system offers ultra‑fast speeds, low latency and secure connectivity. That means fans could benefit from immersive experiences such as augmented reality replays, real‑time player stats, and seamless ticketing and payments. Coaches and analysts will also be able to use live data from wearables and sensors to inform training and injury prevention.

A vision for Swansea sport

Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley said the partnership was about blending history with innovation:

“Our vision for St Helen’s is to create a home for the club that connects supporters more closely with the team, enhances player performance through technology, and acts as a hub for digital innovation in the region.”

He added that the collaboration would ensure St Helen’s becomes “one of the most advanced connected stadiums in Europe.”

Vodafone Business UK CEO Nick Gliddon said the project would showcase how 5G can transform sport:

“This initiative goes far beyond simple connectivity – it is about opening up fresh opportunities for enhanced performance, streamlined operations, and deeper fan engagement.”

Building on a track record

Vodafone has already delivered similar projects at Leicester Tigers’ Welford Road Stadium, as well as boosting connectivity at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wimbledon Tennis Club.

For the Ospreys, the move to St Helen’s marks a significant milestone after announcing plans last year to relocate from the Swansea.com Stadium. The club hopes the redeveloped ground will become a digitally enabled, future‑ready home that cements Swansea’s place at the forefront of sporting innovation.

#5g #mobilePrivateNetwork #ospreys #stHelensStadium #swansea #technology #vodafone

Urban explorers reveal hidden interior of Swansea’s long-abandoned Elysium Theatre

Beth and Robbie, who run the page B&R Urban Explorers UK, documented their visit with over 170 photographs and a series of short video clips. Their footage reveals the faded grandeur of a building that once entertained thousands — and has now stood silent for decades.

“We were taken away by what we were seeing — an old gem kept away for decades,” said Beth. “The rows of chairs still standing, covered in dust… old arcade machines left behind… it’s so sad to see a huge part of history go to waste and be forgotten.”

The Elysium opened in April 1914 as a cinema and social club for working men. Designed by Messrs. Ward and Ward and built by Fred Pitcher Ltd, the building once housed shops, showrooms, a ballroom, reading rooms, and offices for the Dockers’ Union. Its main hall, run by the Anima Company, could seat around 1,400 people.

The cinema is thought to have closed in 1960, with the building later used as a bingo hall before falling into disuse in the 1990s. Since then, it has remained sealed off — its interior largely unseen by the public.

Beth and Robbie described the building as “incredibly unsafe,” with crumbling floors and collapsed sections that prevented them from accessing all areas. But what they did capture offers a haunting and powerful glimpse into Swansea’s entertainment past.

“Up on walking into the property, everything was decayed,” said Robbie. “Slowly making our way through the mess, we came up to the old wall of tiles and then the doors to the theatre.”

“The bingo hall had been converted into the theatre,” added Beth. “We found the stairs to the old theatre above it — the rows of chairs still standing, once seated thousands of guests, families and friends.”

“Old machines were still left behind from the arcade — a few retro arcade machines,” said Robbie. “The place is falling apart. It’s so dangerous, so we didn’t manage to explore all the floors, but we still managed to get many of its main features.”

Their images show tiled walls, projection equipment, retro arcade machines, and the decaying remains of the auditorium. A caption video is being prepared to showcase the highlights, and a full gallery will follow once the archive is curated.

The Elysium from the outside: faded grandeur and forgotten purpose

“It’s so sad to see a huge part of history go to waste and be forgotten.” — Beth

First steps into decay: the silence, the dust, the danger

“Up on walking into the property, everything was decayed… slowly making our way through the mess.” — Robbie

Where thousands once gathered: the heart of the Elysium

“The rows of chairs still standing, once seated thousands of guests, families and friends.” — Beth

Built for the people: the Dockers’ Union and civic life

“The building had a ballroom, a ladies reading room, and offices used by the Dockers’ Union.” — Historical record

Echoes of entertainment: machines, memories, and retro relics

“Old machines still left behind from the arcade — a few retro arcade machines.” — Robbie

Time stands still: the artefacts left behind

“We didn’t manage to explore all the floors, but we still captured many of its main features.” — Beth

#arcadeMachines #brUrbanExplorersUk #bingoHall #cinema #derelictBuilding #elysiumTheatre #formerCinema #highStreet #history #homepage #socialClub #swansea #urbanDecay #urbanExplorers

Campaign launched in Swansea to highlight signs of domestic abuse

Timed to coincide with White Ribbon Day (25 November), the initiative is being led by Swansea Council in partnership with South Wales Police, Safer Swansea, survivors, licensees, and members of the Business Improvement District.

According to the council, the campaign aims to raise awareness of “red flags” in unhealthy relationships and promote access to local support services. Posters and stickers — designed with input from survivors — are being placed in toilets across licensed premises in the city centre.

Guildhall to be lit up in orange

Council officials say an information table will be hosted at Morriston Hospital on White Ribbon Day, offering advice and resources to those affected by domestic abuse. The Guildhall will also be illuminated in orange that evening to mark the campaign.

Cllr Alyson Anthony, Cabinet Member for Well-being, said she was “very grateful to all the licensees, businesses and partners supporting this campaign,” adding: “It’s about providing practical advice on the red flags to be aware of — and making sure people know that confidential support is there if needed.”

Council Leader Rob Stewart described the white ribbon as “a symbol of commitment to ending violence and promoting gender equality.” He said this year’s theme — We Speak Up — encourages men and boys to challenge sexism and harmful behaviours.

Support services available locally

The following organisations offer confidential support for anyone affected by domestic abuse:

#bawso #businessImprovementDistrict #cllrAlysonAnthony #cllrRobStewart #domesticViolence #saferSwansea #southWalesPolice #swansea #swanseaBid #swanseaBusinessImprovementDistrict #swanseaCouncil #whiteRibbonDay #womensAid