Swansea's first Sea Festival took place over the weekend of August 8 and 9, transforming the city's Maritime Quarter into a hub of maritime celebration.
The two-day event offered a range of water attractions, live music, family activities, and heritage displays, including immersive demonstrations on the water. Visitors enjoyed free boat trips, sea shanties, and folk music performances.
Family Fun and Workshops
In Museum Park, attendees could learn traditional maritime building techniques, browse unique crafts, enjoy free face painting, or explore a giant inflatable sea anemone. The National Waterfront Museum hosted free activities and workshops, including colourful sea-slug inspired mask making, drum workshops, and a talk by a mermaid marine biologist.
Live Music and Entertainment
The festival featured an extensive live music line-up with stages at the Amphitheatre, the GRAFT Garden, the Queen's Hotel, and the Pump House. Performers included Swansea's own Baggy Wrinkle with classic sea shanties, folk artist Hermione Wild, and Welsh-language tribute band Meic Agored.
The event is set to return next year, with the council aiming to build a diverse programme of summer events including the Wales Airshow, Gŵyl Croeso, and Swansea Bay 10k.
