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

Welsh Government writes off £1.6m after failed Porthcawl Maritime Centre project

The Welsh Government has formally written off more than £1.6 million in public funding after a planned Maritime Centre in Porthcawl collapsed without being built.

A new report from Audit Wales found “basic failings” in the way the project was managed, concluding that warning signs and opportunities to limit the loss were missed.

The centre — planned for the harbourside — was intended to include a coastal science and discovery hub, well‑being facilities, a café and restaurant, group accommodation and events space. It was promoted as a flagship attraction to boost tourism, celebrate maritime heritage and support regeneration.

Funding and collapse

In 2016 and 2017, the Welsh Government approved up to £2.7 million for the scheme, combining European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) support with domestic match funding.

The project was led by Credu Charity Ltd, working with Bridgend County Borough Council. Between May 2016 and March 2020, £1.6 million was paid to Credu.

By August 2020, amid concerns over rising costs and slow progress, the Welsh Government withdrew ERDF funding and sought to recover the grants. In November that year, Credu entered voluntary liquidation and the Maritime Centre was never built.

A police investigation into matters relating to the project concluded in 2024 with no charges brought. Audit Wales says it is unlikely any of the £1.6 million will be recovered.

Oversight criticised

Audit Wales found a lack of clarity over roles between the Welsh European Funding Office and Visit Wales, ineffective monitoring, and late or insufficient due diligence. Public money was committed before full match funding was secured, and controls over expenditure claims were described as weak.

Auditor General Adrian Crompton said:

“While time has passed since the events described in this report, there were basic failings in this case and the lessons from it remain relevant today.”

In a written statement to the Senedd, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans confirmed the write‑off, describing the loss as a “Claims Waived and Abandoned” entry in line with public money rules. She said lessons from the case had informed stronger pre‑payment checks, earlier risk identification and tighter expenditure controls.

Political reaction

Welsh Conservative finance spokesperson Sam Rowlands MS called the loss “another colossal waste of taxpayers’ money” and said the Auditor General’s review showed the Welsh Government “did not put proper arrangements in place to manage the risks”.

The Welsh Government said it accepted Audit Wales’ conclusions and noted that “ultimate reasons for the Maritime Centre’s failure were complicated and outside the scope of this report”.

Funds originally earmarked for the Maritime Centre were reallocated to Bridgend Council for a smaller development at Cosy Corner, which has since opened to house local retail and start‑up businesses.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Politicians have a whale of a time at Porthcawl’s Cosy Corner
Local leaders celebrate completion of new seafront development.

Public urged to avoid Porthcawl funfair after ride accident
Safety concerns raised following incident at a popular attraction.

Sauna start‑up steams ahead in Porthcawl with Business Wales support
Wellness venture gains momentum on the South Wales coast.

Coney Beach Amusement Park to close after more than 100 years in Porthcawl
End of an era for beloved seaside institution.

#AuditWales #BridgendCountyBoroughCouncil #CosyCorner #CreduCharityLtd #ERDF #EuropeanRegionalDevelopmentFund #Porthcawl #PorthcawlMaritimeCentre #RebeccaEvansMS #VisitWales #WelshEuropeanFundingOffice #WelshGovernment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TQ_pkLeWRs Bodnant Garden, near Tal‑y‑Cafn, Conwy in North Wales, is a celebrated 80‑acre hillside masterpiece run by the National Trust.

Founded in 1874 by Henry Pochin and landscape architect Edward Milner, and expanded through five generations of the McLaren family, it was royally gifted to the National Trust in 1949. #bodnantgarden #NorthWales #virals #beautifuldestinations #visitwales