Event to celebrate Swansea’s diverse nightlife

An event promoting Swansea’s diverse nightlife is taking place this weekend.

Venues across the city are showcasing what they do in a celebration of Swansea’s Purple Flag Award that recognises Swansea for the way it manages its evening and night-time economy.

There’ll also be lots of outdoor activities taking place across the city centre, which will be dressed in purple.

Over twenty different venues are joining in on Friday September 30 and Saturday October 1, with special offers, discounts and free events. The second annual Swansea Big Weekend coincides with the launch of the Swansea International Festival that includes many cultural offerings, along with performances at Swansea’s Grand Theatre.

First Cymru has also put on a special offer for buses across the region, offering a fixed fare of just £1 for any journey in the Swansea Bay area from 4pm on Friday September 30 and Saturday October 1.

Organisers are keen to stress that the event provides tasters of activities that are usually available to residents and visitors throughout the year.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “We want to challenge the out-dated perception that a night out in Swansea is just about the bars and clubs on Wind Street. Yes they have their place, but there is so much more to Swansea’s evening and night-time economy which is available for people of all ages and tastes. We want to encourage people as part of the Swansea Big Weekend and throughout the year to experience more of what the city has to offer after dark.”

Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea BID (Business Improvement District), said: “More businesses are opening all the time in the city centre, adding to the options available for a great night out. Since last year’s event we’ve seen the arrival of businesses including Copper, Zinco Lounge, Five Guys, Las Iguanas and Kaspas. The BID is pleased to be working with the council, the police and other key partners to ensure visitors have an enjoyable and safe night out. Initiatives such as the taxi marshals, night-time ambassadors and street pastors all make a difference.”

Cinema & Co on Castle Street are getting into the spirit and screening Purple Rain and the Color Purple during the weekend.

Anna Redfern, from Cinema & Co, said: “As an independent business, we’re really looking forward to showing off collectively what an exciting, diverse culture Swansea has to offer.”

The organisers have put on a number of events to add colour and sound to the city streets. On Friday night there’s a ‘Cinema at the Castle’ event where Swansea’s own solar-powered Sol Cinema will be showing short films in their unique mobile cinema. Joining them on Swansea Castle’s forecourt will be Copper’s pop-up bar, giving out tasters of their range of locally-brewed craft beers, and Café Piccolo, selling teas, coffees and snacks.

On Saturday evening the BID and UWTSD Creative Bubble project is holding the finale of their Summer Stage in Castle Square. Throughout the summer months, shoppers and visitors have been entertained by Creative Bubble artists, who have showcased some of Swansea’s finest talent including bands, singers, poets and dancers. Café Piccolo will also be back with Fabio the coffee tuktuk so people can enjoy a hot drink while listening to the acts.

In addition, look out for Revue Studios’ dancers aptly decked out in purple popping up in unexpected places. There will also be street entertainers and singers creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city centre. Like last year, key buildings will be lit in purple and Castle Square’s fountain will be turned purple.

All the events are listed on www.enjoyswanswanseabay.com and www.bigheartofswansea.co.uk

Updates will also be made available on the Purple Flag social media accounts on Twitter @SwanseaPF and www.facebook.com/SwanseaPurpleFlag