Organising an Event this Summer in the Swansea Bay area?

EVENT organisers are being encouraged to get in touch with Swansea Council if they’d like details included in summer marketing materials.

The council produces 70,000 printed copies of the Swansea Bay Festival guide every year and includes event information on the swanseabayfestival.co.uk website.

People have the chance for their events to be included for free, but they have to get in touch with the council before Friday February 22.

If you have an event anytime from May to August that you’d like to promote, then email swanseabayfestival@swansea.gov.uk or call 01792 635458 with the details

 We will also be interested in your event as we'll be running an events feature and will be including clips of events during the summer.

You can contact us at info@swantv.com

Our launch approaches fast so watch for details.

Swan TV Pilot Show

Saturday 18th January was to be the day we recorded our pilot show but instead we had to cancel because of the snow.

So it was the following Sunday that we gathered in our studio in Swansea High Street and set up the kit ready for our guests to arrive at 1.45 for a 2pm start. Initially we shot our musicians and then immediately set up the lighting for the chat show. 

Keth and Jenni were on the sofa whilst Flora was our "roving" reporter.

Our three presenters Keith Maynard, Jenni Crane and Flora Blathwayt arrived early and we were able to do a run through and discuss the guests.

Right on cue Cllr Nick Bradley, the Swansea Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Dylan Thomas, Geraint Davies the Member of Parliament for Swansea West and  Geoff Hayden, owner of the Dylan Thomas house in Swansea Uplands arrived.

Soon we were ready to go. Cameramen, lighting and sound operators, presenters and guests waited for the count-down and we got under way.

It took just one take to complete.

Dave Long of Onlyoneword started a monochrome piece of art and just before we started recording and completed it as we finished. We are planning to have this on display at the launch on 29th February.

Watch out for the channel going live at the end of the month.

Dylan Thomas Literary Prize Week sundry items

Out and about at the end of October. I just couldn't believe my eyes to see Xmas decorations up already.

Driving near Cross Hands I had to stop and take a photo. I know celebrations start earlier each year but it's mainly shops that are after our custom. Do you think this is too early? Let me know. Drop a comment in at the bottom of the page.






Driving through the Hafod last week I just had to catch this shot of what could be scaffolding being erected to reach out to the silver lining.

 The Dylan Thomas Literary Award is here again. This most prestigious event celebrated young authors (under thirty years) from around the world.

We followed three of them this week from Mozart's where they read excepts from their short-listed books, across to Noah's in Swansea Uplands where they were interviewed by Peter Stead, who created the awards back in 2006. There is a glittering prize - of £30,000. A bonus to any author today: and particularly to a young author in this very competitive market. The readings were such a contrast and all held the packed room audience spell-bound.
 


Introduced by Hannah Ellis, grand-daughter of Dylan Thomas. This was a warm and inspiring event.

 Lighting was extremely poor at this location as was the sound but we have managed to capture the essence of the intimate atmosphere. Watch out for footage on SwanTV

Tuesday evening the  Dylan Thomas Literary Finalists went to the Swansea Print Workshop where there was a presentation on the Dylan Thomas Project run 10 years ago with both original and new artists. The work is very delicate and cotton gloves were the order of the day. Touching the paper may have a damaging effect.

As a memento of the occasion the Print Workshop had set each author's name in cold type and produced a simple poster for each to take away. They actually printed off their individual copies.  

There are some really interesting old printing presses at the Swansea Print Workshop that are still used today. 

Action!!! Out and about with the Team

SwanTV up and running. Not just running but racing to get the first programme up in the New Year. In fact as early as January.

Now with Mike Scott on board and partnering up we have both creative juices and technical genius to bring the best that Swansea Bay has to offer.

And we have covered a few events already so that we can put together a Showcase of what's to come.

Here we are at the Admiral 10k run where we spoke with the some of the front runners and winners. We caught a glimse of the mascots as they sped past us as if running through a sea of treacle.Well done guys!!

Then off to St Mary's Church where there was an Open Day. Whether a church goer or not this was an opportunity to see inside the church, pick up a coffee and look around, or climb the 129 steps to the top of the tower for some spectacular views.

We were given a tour and had an interview with the Treasurer on the battlement like top. You can see from these pictures that this is a great vantage point looking right across to the Brecon Beacons in the far distance.

I'm sure you'll be able to pick out the buildings around the city.

We looked in at the bells on the way up (thankfully appreciating the break).

With the changing face of the City with businesses closing down or re-locating it was good to see the new Polish Bakery and Cafe opening up in Cradock Street, city centre. The smell of fresh bread is compelling when you pass: the taste is yummy!

Art across the City continues. This is in Castle Square. The plaque will give other locations and dates. Well worth going on the tour and seeing what our local artists are doing.

 

And finally we are ramping up on posts now and getting some respectable number of views every day. Our new website is almost there and you can get your business out there. Ask about out peanut intro rates, no monkeying around!!

I Love Swansea Campaign

Bay of Life Campaign! I Love Swansea Campaign!

How many more campaigns are running right now to promote Swansea? Wouldn't it be better to get together and have a bigger impact? Divided we fall: united we stand!

It is now a week since I contacted the Evening Post to tell them that Cllr Chris Holley, Leader of the Council, will be accompanying me on a walk through Swansea talking to both shoppers and traders to get some gut reaction about what is good and bad in the city and ideas of what can be done to promote it as both a destination and shopping city. I should have thought it was pretty damned easy to connect this with the "I Love Swansea" campaign but it sees not.

I note in the Evening Post yesterday that the there has been no increase in usage at the High Street car park. I'm not surprised. I have asked several people in the city centre about the reduced parking fees and without exception nobody knew about it! There seems to be a poor mechanism for spreading information. I know there have been articles in the paper but I think most have been linked with safety or other negative issues.

At a meeting with Phil Roberts and two of his colleagues at the Civic Centre I suggested that perhaps free transport from the railway station to the bus station would be beneficial to rail travellers arriving in town but this was immediately rejected. This quick-fix would also encourage people parking in the High Street car park, particularly on wet or cold days and for those carrying bulky or heavy purchases.

Why aren't there Street Ambassadors giving out information? A couple of students giving out leaflets. Or perhaps the Street Wardens could give a helping hand whilst they patrol the streets. Couldn't BIDS help here too? They have put up some material in empty shop windows. Wouldn't a special parking offer be a great message in shop windows? How about distributing leaflets to the retailers. After all they are the biggest beneficiaries.

On the point of parking I still hear complaints from drivers that they are charged in the NCP car parks for their first hour on Sundays. Ballers clearly say "First Hour Free" it must be very small print about the £3 Sunday charge!!! The fact that parking is free in the council car parks on Sundays does not compensate.

Mike Leahy

Elysium Gallery Bus Stop Cinema

Friday was the private viewing of Bus Stop Cinema, a collection of 12 short films chosen by the organisers as a represenation from the submitted entries.

I personally find some works of art and arty films difficult to understand. maybe I'm a pleb!! But I was pleasantly surprised to find a wide range of film that was, in the main, interesting and understandable. I was late by a few minutes so was unable to read the programme. And there wasn't a lights-up period between films to catch up. So that meant that I couldn't read the synopsys of each. Do you judge films on entertainment or information value? presentation? or do you look at the artist's notes to gain a perspective.  guess it's a bit of all these. 

In the end I found some films stood up on entertainment value whilst others I had to wait until the end of the Show to gain an insight. And maybe I'm impatient so I found some too long. The gallery was converted into a small blacked-out cinema for the event and a nice touch was the popcorn we were given. And supplied in cups went there wasn't that appalling rustle that you normally get. I missed the drinks before the show but there was an opportunity to take a glass afterwards and discuss the productions. 

I particularly liked Foto by Thomas Canning. Strong story and although it began with a stereotype character that was particularly necessary and actually enhanced the film for me. It was fast paced and full of twists and turns that had me wondering throughout. Interestingly this is Cannings debut as writer and director and he certainly pulled it off for me. In fact he has shown at several festivals and was awarded best thriller at the Limelight Film and Arts Awards in 2009. 

Jayne Wilson's All that Might Heart did tell a particular story that tied the film together when I read the synopsys at the end but I just enjoyed the images and music which gained pace, peaked and slowed down to the end leaving me feeling that this was a piece to relax through, and that I'd be happy to play in the background, just as I play music that I enjoy.

David Marchants's Love Boat was lively with plenty of action and although I didn't necessarily pick up on the writers inner thoughts and motivation I did feel that the story flowed well.

And my final selection is Downfall: Self Service Tills and Jaffa Cakes which had me suddenly sitting up and enjoying this humour that mocked the 20th century's most iconic monster: making him look ridiculous. The message came across within a few seconds and was well written so that the humour stayed tight and continuos.

I think you'll find that my selection probably tells you I'm a real pleb and do like films that are pacey and with a strong storyline. Go and take a look. Is my selection sound? Would you choose a completely different group?

It is brilliant to have the Elysium Gallery in town where artists of different disciplines can display and share their work. But of course without you popping in to see what is on then there is no point. Artists like us all like feed-back.  Well done guys.

The Elysium Gallery is open until Saturday 3rd September on Wednesday through til Friday afternoons 12 - 5pm. You can pop in a get a taste or sit through the show which consists of 12 short films with a total performance of an hour and a half. 

Comments are welcome.

Theatre is alive and ready to entertain you in Swansea this Week

Filming The Doll here in Swansea back in February went well and the editing is now on couurse again so watch out for the finished film. Two of the cast are performing in plays locally until Saturday so this is a great opportunity to enjoy great entertainment at either the Grand or Dylan Thomas Theatres. Why not take in both.

Michelle Morris is appearing at the Grand Theatre until Saturday in Ian Dickens Productions International Ltd present Jack Popplewell’s comedy thriller Busybody. The story centres on a meddlesome cleaning woman who keeps telling the cops how to mind their business and who steps forward with the right evidence in every pinch.

She lives in the basement of the office building she cleans and one night finds a body. By the time the police arrive, there is no body and no evidence. The wrong alarms are sent out, murdered men turn up alive, and the whole thing is chalked up to the cleaning woman’s imagination until. . .

Meanwhile Rob Stradling appears at the Dylan Thomas Theatre 

Date / Time: 17th - 20th August 19:30

Swansea Little Theatre is proud to present an hilarious new comedy. It will receive its World Premiere at the Dylan Thomas Theatre in August 2011. Written and directed by Dave Jenkins, his last play, “Welcome To The Neighbourhood” was a big hit at Swansea Little Theatre in August 2010.

Gareth Evans is 35, English and unlucky in love. After splitting from his latest girlfriend, he moves to Swansea looking for a brand new start. He has no choice but to move back in with his parents for a while, which brings along several problems of its own! After unwanted help from his family, he soon meets the girl of his dreams, a lovely Welsh girl named Bronwyn. But will her extremely patriotic Welsh Father be so impressed with his daughter’s decision to go out with a football loving Englishman!

This is a heart-warming, feelgood Wales based comedy that looks at what it means to be Welsh and what it can often mean to be English!

Go on. Get out and have an evening at the Theatre. 

Help make our market matter at celebration event

IT'S celebrating its 50th birthday this year after being rebuilt following the Swansea Blitz and now a major event is being held at Swansea Indoor Market later this week to help raise its profile.

The Making Markets Matter roadshow is coming to the city on Thursday August 18 between 10am and 4pm to help persuade the shopping public to savour the joys of the attraction.

The event is being held in collaboration with the National Market Traders Federation and will feature cookery demonstrations, free face-painting and a find a fruit treasure hunt.

It's one of many similar events being held across the UK this summer to help put the country's 1,400 markets on the map and show people why they matter.

The Making Markets Matter mascot Victor the Lion will be on hand to entertain children throughout the day and many of the 100 plus traders will be running special offers.

Presenters from the Wave will undertake a live radio broadcast between 10am and 2pm and other fun activities will include a voucher vault grabber and a Play Your Cards Right stall.

Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of the National Market Traders Federation, said: "Making Markets Matter is all about encouraging people to appreciate their local market and all it can offer. The Federation's road show is designed for the public to have a fun day whilst experiencing a great retail offer."

Have a look at www.swanseaindoormarket.co.uk for more information or call 01792 476370.

Though the days of huge landings of fish at the old docks are long gone, we are still blessed with a great choice of fishmongers, many of whom are to be found in the Swansea covered market. Each of these displays their own unique products as well as some of the more well known fish and shellfish.

One such fishmonger, occupying a corner plot on the main thoroughfare, is Coakley-Green. With a 150 year old pedigree, this business has become a local by-word for quality seafood and also does pretty well for a nationwide reputation. Opened in 1856, the original business was situated at No.1 Goat St., near the current location of the former David Evans’s building, but like much of the city centre was destroyed in the Blitz.  (www.swanseamarket.food-passion.co.uk). We are looking forward to returning to the market on Saturday where Adrian has promised us his usual weekend display of ice sculptures and giant fish. Watch this space for some fabulous photos and a forthcoming video about Swansea Market

The counter takes some time to prepare from being empty and we'll be rising early to follow Adrian through the day in his life. hat'll be an early one.

 Samphire is also known as sea asparagus is very slaty to the taste but this decreases with preparation and cooking. Blanching for a minute or so seems to be the trick.









The wonderful ice sculptures are made in amould that was specially created  for Adrian. They will last all day in the winter but melt very quicly duringt tyhe summmer. Fish is kept cool with constant ice being added to the counter. Adrian tells me that the ice maker is kept busy through the hot months.

 Here you see ice being sprinked over the counter area. The selection of fish is just so comprehensive to suit every pocket and palate. I took some white bait, fresh and of a good size. I must say that after being lightly shaken with seasoned flour they cooked quickly in hot oil to a crispy coating and where served with a spicy rice dish and salad were filling and healthy.  I recommend you visit the market and sample Adrians fish.



Watch out for the Swansea Market video coming shortly.

Toy Story in Castle Square

Castle Square Swansea presented Toy Story on the Giant Screen. The gardens were full of parents and children enjoying watching the film on a really sunny day. 

Fils will be shown over the next few weeks, every Wednesday at 2.30 so get your picnic packed and get the kids out in the fresh air for a fun packed afternoon

Our new logo and presenter

A big thank you to IMIGH UK for designing our logo and supplying printed polo shirts. We are now visible.

Here you see Allesandra, our new young presenter with Carol and below with Steve, the owners of Imigh who are backing us at Swan TV.

IMIGH UK has over 40 years experience in the manufacturing and personalising of garments. 

They are one of the few companies in the UK that locally manufactures Bespoke garments.

                                                                            For team wear, IMIGH UK is the right place to go.  Whether it is Rugby, Hockey, netball, Cricket, Soccer, Boxing or many other sports, they offer one-stop service for all your needs; team logo, numbers, names, even team caps.

And IMIGH UK now produce dance wear, either standard tops, leotards, hoodies and jackets but also personalised staage outfits to your design.

Everything with regards to the garments is kept in house, the Digitising, Artwork as much as possible in order to maintain high product quality and meet customers' deadlines. 
Now watch out for Allesandra who will be out and about talking to people in and around town. Watch out for her tomorrow near Marks & Spencer and BHS.

We will have a range of polo and tee-shirts, hoodies and baseball hats printed up with Swan TV with our new logo so if you want to support us and be ahead of the crowd watch for more details.

I've seen on Facebook that the new Cappuccino Girls show first week ticket deals may be p tomorrow or Friday. Watch out. And I'll try and keep yo updated.

The venue and style for this production look new and exciting.