FAIRIES LAND IN SWANSEA: Magical statue unveiled at station to bring Gower legend to life

The eye-catching installation, unveiled by Great Western Railway (GWR), brings to life the legendary Faeries of Pennard Castle — a haunting tale rooted deep in Gower folklore.

From Gower legend to city centre spectacle

The striking sculpture shows a winged faery perched among bright yellow flowers — a nod to the ancient story of how magical beings punished a cruel lord by burying his lands beneath sand dunes near Pennard.

Now, that legend has been transported from the windswept Gower coast straight into the heart of Swansea, as part of a wider campaign to get families exploring the stories behind the region.

GWR says the move is about turning everyday journeys into adventures — encouraging passengers to step off the train and discover the landscapes behind Wales’ most famous myths.

“Step into the stories”

The Swansea statue is part of a wider rollout linked to a new book, The Line to Legend Land, which retells traditional tales from across Wales and the South West.

A spokesperson for GWR said the aim is to “bring legends to life” and inspire a new generation to connect with the places around them.

And Swansea’s faery isn’t alone.

A giant red dragon has also appeared at Cardiff Central railway station — representing the iconic national symbol of Wales.

Boost for Swansea footfall?

The installation could also prove a boost for the city centre, with the station acting as a gateway for visitors heading to Swansea and the Gower.

With its mix of local heritage, family appeal and Instagram-ready visuals, the statue is already drawing attention from passers-by and travellers alike.

More than just a statue

The campaign is also supporting a children’s charity founded by author Michael Morpurgo, with hundreds of books being distributed to schools across the rail network.

But for Swansea, the focus is firmly local — shining a spotlight on one of Gower’s most enduring legends and putting it right in front of thousands of commuters every day.

And if GWR gets its way, this could be just the start — with more people swapping routine journeys for myth-filled adventures across South Wales.

The Triangle Event Guide Wednesday December 3rd Edition

Looking for fun, festive, and free things to do across the Triangle today? From Santa photos and holiday light displays to craft nights, board games, family programming, and stargazing, today’s calendar is packed with options for all ages. Here’s your full guide for Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

🎅 Free Santa Photos at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland

All Day | FREE | Multiple Bass Pro Shops locations

Stop by Santa’s Wonderland for free photos, holiday activities, and magical winter displays. Lines can get long—arrive early for the best experience.

🌿 Sculpture in the Garden

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | FREE ($5 suggested donation) | NC Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill

Walk through a stunning outdoor exhibit of regional artists’ sculptures placed throughout the garden’s natural setting.

🧸 Total Tot Time (Kids up to age 5)

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | FREE | W.D. Hill Recreation Center, Durham

A fun, open-play space designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Perfect for caregivers seeking an easy mid-morning outing.

🕎 Grand Menorah Lighting at UNC

12:00 p.m. | FREE | The Pit, UNC Chapel Hill

Kick off the Hanukkah season with a public menorah lighting, music, and community celebration.

🎲 Board Game Day at Gizmo Brew Works

12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | FREE | Durham

Bring friends or join a table for all-day games at Gizmo’s Durham taproom. Great beer, great people, and plenty of strategy.

🐾 Window on Animal Health

1:30 p.m. | FREE | Nature Research Center, Raleigh

Learn from experts at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences during this fascinating look into wildlife health and veterinary science.

🎲 Board Game Night at PourWorks

4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | FREE | Raleigh

More chances for tabletop fun! Grab a drink and settle in for a relaxed evening of casual gaming.

🤸 Free Acro Yoga (Indoors)

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | FREE | Pullen Park / Method Road Park, Raleigh

A beginner-friendly indoor acro yoga session. No partner required—just bring comfortable clothing and an open mind.

✨ Piper Lights in Wake Forest

5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | Wake Forest

A beloved, family-friendly drive-through light show that has been delighting visitors for over 30 years.

🚒 Contentnea Fire Department Christmas Light Display

5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | Wilson

A charming small-town light experience hosted by the Contentnea Fire Department.

🎄 Lake Myra Christmas Lights

5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | FREE | Wendell

One of the region’s most impressive synchronized light shows, featuring music, dancing lights, and plenty of holiday cheer.

🎁 21st Annual American Tobacco Tower Lighting

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | FREE | American Tobacco Campus, Durham

One of the Triangle’s biggest holiday traditions! Enjoy performances, treats, and the lighting of the iconic water tower.

🌲 Holiday Tree Lighting at JB Duke Hotel

6:00 p.m. | FREE | Durham

Warm beverages, festive décor, and holiday music set the tone at this elegant tree-lighting event.

🏮 North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival

6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | $16.74–$30.64 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary

Walk through stunning illuminated lanterns and cultural displays at this world-famous festival.

🧵 Bring Your Own Craft Night

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | FREE | Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh

Bring your knitting, drawing, scrapbooking, or any craft and enjoy a creative night with others.

🥁 Raleigh Drum Circle & Hoop Jam

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | FREE | Method Road Park, Raleigh

An energetic outdoor drum circle and flow arts jam—perfect for creatives, dancers, and percussion lovers.

🔭 Stargazing from The Willard Rooftop

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | The Willard Rooftop Lounge, Raleigh

Enjoy telescope views of the night sky with help from astronomy volunteers in one of downtown Raleigh’s best rooftop settings.

🌌 Astronomy on Tap

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | FREE | Durty Bull Brewing, Durham

Enjoy astronomy talks, Q&A sessions, and space-themed trivia over local beer.

🧶 Stitch N’ Bitch Craft Night

7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | FREE | Steel String Brewery, Carrboro

A cozy weekly craft night for makers of all kinds.

🎤 Karaoke at The Backyard Bar

8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | FREE | Apex

Sing the night away with a friendly crowd at one of the Triangle’s favorite casual karaoke spots.

🎳 Weekly Skee-Ball Tournament

8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham

Compete for prizes or just play for fun at this lively weekly tournament.

🎤 Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery

8:00 p.m. – 11:45 p.m. | FREE | Durham

A late-night karaoke favorite with great mead, great music, and great vibes.

🎙️ Open Mic Week at Abbey Road Cary

8:00 p.m. | FREE | Cary

Musicians, poets, comics, and storytellers take the stage—new performers always welcome.

🏓 Beer Pong Tournament

8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Raleigh

Grab a partner and compete in Boxcar Raleigh’s weekly beer pong showdown.

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