Swansea Bay life

There is much to see and do in Swansea Bay and the surrounding region. Whether your interest is in the Theatre, Art Galleries, Events or Festivals Swansea offers diverse cultural entertainment, activities and events throughout the year.

a rich heritage

Swansea celebrates the varied story of its rich and interesting history through its Museums, Theatres, Galleries, Events and Festivals. Swansea is the birth place of Dylan Thomas. His poems and work are featured on many regional public artworks and permanently at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea’s Waterfront.

Swansea hosts both the oldest and newest of Wales’ museums – Swansea Museum and the National Waterfont Museum which capture the area’s varied agricultural and industrial history.

a wealth of culture

Across Swansea Bay, a varied range of entertainment can be found from opera and ballet to drama, dance and musicals, as well as film and comedy nights. Choose from Swansea’s Grand Theatre, Dylan Thomas Theatre or Taliesin Arts Centre and other local theatres in Llanelli, Neath or Port Talbot.

Swansea is home to its own touring opera company, Swansea City Opera and also hosts the Glyn Vivian Art Gallery. This gem of a gallery boasts work by Old Masters as well as contemporary artists, an international collection of porcelain and Swansea china.

a diversity of festivals and events

At its heart, Swansea is a city of celebration. For over 60 years the Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts has featured world class opera, jazz and classical music, such as the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Choir of King’s College Cambridge.

A variety of music can be enjoyed at Margam Park and Swansea’s Guildhall, home to the Brangwyn Hall. Its famous wall panels by Sir Frank Brangwyn were originally intended for the House of Lords but were installed in Swansea in the 1930's.

Outdoor events include “Shakespeare in the Park” in the Oystermouth Castle grounds and big screen showings of sporting events in the city centre. Major music festivals are held annually in Swansea’s Singleton Park, and major acts such as The Who and Elton John have entertained crowds of 20,000 plus at the Liberty Stadium.

Get involved and participate or enjoy being in the audience for choirs such as the traditional Welsh male voice choirs, theatre groups, workshops, ensembles, bands and various art and literary groups.

Also check What's on in Swansea for more events and activities.

The whole of Swansea is a stage!

“The vision for Swansea Bay area is a network of independent settlements with Swansea at its heart, which pull together effectively as a city region with a modern competitive economy designed to deliver a high quality of life, a sustainable environment, a vibrant waterfront and excellent national and international connections”

Felindre Development Framework

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Heather Lawrence

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