Live Music

Amphitheatre - Saturday 8th August

10:00am to 10:45am - Beaufort Scale

Beaufort Scale is a popular sea shanty group hailing from the heart of landlocked South Wales. Despite being far from the coast, they are well-known across the UK for keeping maritime traditions alive with their tight harmonies, rousing singalongs, and mischievous stage presence. 

12:00pm to 12:45pm - Jemma Krysa With Special Guest Lucian Romanescu

Jemma Krysa is an acoustic folk singer songwriter from the rural mining village of Tairgwaith, near the Black Mountains in South Wales. Jemma’s unique voice has a captivating velvet warmth and together with her emotive lyrics and beautiful rhythmic melodies, Jemma is proving a big hit on the musical circuit, and is joined today by special guest Lucian Romanescu. 

2:00pm to 2:45pm - Buttonsville

Formed in 2004, Buttonsville are true veterans of the Swansea live music scene. For over two decades, this tight-knit group has performed with an unchanged lineup, bringing an undeniable chemistry and seasoned musicianship to every stage they grace. The band has built a dedicated following in Swansea and we’re delighted to introduce them to you today.

4:00pm to 4:45pm - Whilbur

Hailing from the scenic Gower Peninsula near Swansea, Whilbur is an original folk band formed in September 2019 as a collaborative project dedicated to crafting and celebrating authentic, homegrown songwriting. Deeply rooted in the musical traditions of South Wales, the group blends soulful storytelling with rich folk melodies to capture the unique spirit of the Swansea Bay area. Regular fixtures in the local music scene, they bring a captivating energy to regional venues and festivals, connecting audiences through their distinct, evocative sound.

Amphitheatre - Sunday 9th August

10:00am to 10:45am - Hermione Wild

Hermione Wild is a contemporary folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in South Wales, known for her authentic, intimate music that is deeply rooted in the local landscape, folklore, and community.

12:00pm to 12:45pm - Sam Baggott

Sam Baggott is a versatile singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has become a defining voice in the region’s live music scene. Sam is renowned for delivering high-energy acoustic performances that seamlessly blend folk, country, bluegrass and acoustic pop.

2:00pm to 2:45pm - Tanglejack

Tanglejack is a renowned acoustic folk-rock duo based in the Swansea and South Wales area, celebrated for their tight two-part harmonies and intricate guitar work. Formed by lifelong friends John-Paul Davies and Duncan Leigh, the duo combines traditional storytelling with contemporary relevance, often drawing inspiration from the streets and valleys of South Wales. 

4:00pm to 4:45pm - Meic Agored

Meic Agored is a Swansea-based tribute band dedicated to the music of the legendary Welsh singer-songwriter Meic Stevens. Formed by musician and Welsh learner Ian “Tich” Thomas, the band brings together some of the finest musical talent in the Swansea area to celebrate and perform classic Welsh folk-rock. The band is made up of seasoned musicians, Ian Thomas, Kate Ronconi, Huw Rees and Danny KilBride, who have toured prolifically with their own projects.

Saturday 8 August

Rising Tide Stage

• 11:00-11.30 Angharad
• 11.30-12:00 Joseph Lewis
• 13:00-14:00 Bay Buccaneers
• 15:00-16:00 Shanty Jacs
• 16:30-17:15 Ophelias Beard

Workshops

• 12:00-13:00 Sing-along Shanty
• 14:00-15:00 Sing-along Shanty
• 16:00-16:30 Sailors Stories with Dan Mitchell

Sunday 9 August

Rising Tide Stage

• 11:00-11.30 Cennedy Craven
• 11.30-12:00 Manon
• 13:00-14:00 Baggy Wrinkle – Swansea Shanty Men
• 15:00-16:00 Bowen
• 16:30-17:15 Bwca

Workshops

• 12:00-13:00 One Heart Drummers
• 14:00-15:00 One Heart Drummers
• 16:00-16:30 Sailors Stories with Dan Mitchell

The Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) trains members in maritime and communication skills, supports safety at sea, assists local events and organisations, encourages interest in maritime activities, and motivates volunteers to develop their skills while contributing to their community. 

At Swansea Sea Festival, the local branch will be staging a series of displays in the marina that showcase different lifesaving techniques including use of a life raft and a man overboard rescue. They will also be providing throwing line activities for those looking for a more hands-on experience.

Say hello to the team working to keep us safe near water. Head to their stand at Museum Park on both days to find out how they install and maintain a range of lifesaving equipment along our coast and inland waterways, before having a go at one of their fun games and activities. 

If you enjoy live music, don't miss this fabulous live music events in a venue that is unique to Swansea with performances for Swansea Sea Festival!

• Sunday 9 August 3.30pm - The Shantyjacs - SOLD OUT: Copper Jack’s very own shanty duo! Lesley and Kit will perform a selection of traditional and contemporary shanties. Audience participation is essential! 90 mins.

Meet the some of the members of the Royal Naval Reserve, a part-time force of volunteers who support the Royal Navy in times of tension, humanitarian crisis and conflict. They’ll be speaking about their exciting project and their work at sea, and performing live training demonstrations in the Marina on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Plus, you can immerse yourself in their world with their simulator truck. 

Marvel at the specialised handcrafting of maritime figureheads, carved wooden sculptures fixed to the bows of sailing ships, serving both decorative and symbolic purposes. Sailors believed they protected the vessel and guided it safely through dangerous seas, so great care and respect went into their making and maintenance. Maritima are highly experienced ship carvers, having specialised in decorative work for maritime environments for over 30 years, making ship figureheads, nameboards, and trailboards. They’ll be at Museum Park on both days. 

The Steam Boat Trust supports the preservation of the steam tugs Challenge and Portwey ensuring they continue to operate for the public to enjoy. Soon to join their fleet is the Canning, currently moored in the Marina where they will be talking about its history and their plans for the vessel’s future, whilst offering people the opportunity to practice different rope tying techniques. 

Swansea Council’s Lifelong Learning Team will be making a splash at Swansea Sea Festival with a range of fun, sea-themed activities designed to inspire creativity and learning for all ages. Visitors can take part in hands-on arts and crafts sessions celebrating Swansea’s rich maritime heritage and marine environment. 

Talking of pirates… Swansea Sea Festival will have its very own pirate ship at Museum Park on both days. Don’t walk the plank but remember the pirate code and ask for ‘parlay’ to meet the captain and have safe passage! But beware! The Pirates will be manning the ship and are prepared to protect it by any means necessary! 

Dive into a sea of colour and imagination with Designs in Air’s giant marine-themed inflatable sculptures inspired by the wonders of the ocean, this eye-catching installation will transform the waterfront into an underwater world above the waves. Perfect for photographers as much as families, these larger-than-life creations are sure to be one of the festival’s must-see attractions. 

Enjoy FREE sea-themed face painting and transform into your favourite ocean-inspired character. From colourful fish and mermaids to pirates and sea creatures, it's the perfect way to add a splash of seaside magic to your day! Free face painting will be available in Dylan Thomas Square on Saturday and Museum Park on Sunday. 

Swansea University will be bringing along their Sonar Sub, which will be in Swansea Marina - head to the marquee in Dylan Thomas Square to watch the live feed on the big screen and see what the sub is capturing from the Marina! 

Meet our Stilted Fisherman – a towering, colourful character bringing fun, laughter, and plenty of photo opportunities. This unique walkabout attraction is sure to delight visitors of all ages and brighten anyone’s day! 

Come and see Beach Academy’s sea shell library and learn the names of the animals that made them and identify how rare they are! Also snap some photos in their dress up kit full of marine creature costumes. Find them in Dylan Thomas Square on Saturday. 

Discover Crafters Cove, a vibrant marquee celebrating the creativity and talent of local artisans and makers. Brimming with beautifully handcrafted gifts, jewellery, textiles, and one-of-a-kind treasures, Crafters Cove offers the chance to browse and buy directly from passionate local traders. 

The Chinese in Wales Association will also be running Chinese sea-themed crafts across the weekend, including Chinese Origami boat and Fish making! 

Day's Motor Group & Chery at the Swansea Sea Festival – supporting the Chinese Origami Boat & Fish making activities.

11am – 4pm, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August

Make sure to join us at the Museum to dive into a world of watery wonder.

✨ Discover the wonders of nature with our friends from Marine Matters, and specimens from our Natural History collections

🎶 Sit back and enjoy some toe-tapping sea shanties in the GRAFT garden

📖 Listen to thrilling tales from the high seas

🎨 Get creative and make your own colourful sea slug, or design a sea‑inspired mask.

⚓ And don’t miss the chance to meet a Victorian ship’s surgeon… and a mermaid marine biologist!

Come along and make a splash with us! 🌟

• The extraordinary marine life of Swansea & Gower - bookable activity
• The Case of the Disappearing Seagrass - with Mermaid Joanne | Museum Wales
• Myth or Marine Biology? - with Mermaid Joanne | Museum Wales

1pm, Sunday 9^th August

• Story telling sessions ‘At the Seaside’ at the Tram Shed all day Saturday. (2 hourly slots)
• Elizabeth Belcham talk ‘Swansea’s Bad Boys and Bad Girls’ Swansea Museum. 1PM Sunday. The Bad Boys/Bad Girls exhibition and this talk has direct relevance to the development of the docks in Swansea.

10am – 4pm, Saturday 8^th and Sunday 9 August

⚓At the Dylan Thomas Centre, drop-in 10am – 4pm, Sat & Sun: Looking for some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the main event? The Dylan Thomas Centre’s free entry ‘Love the Words’ family friendly interactive exhibition is open from 10am – 4.30pm. Between 10am and 4pm our accessible learning space will be set up with a range of sensory activities and resources, and lots of seaside themed self led activities. 

All exhibition staff have received autism awareness and family friendly training and would be delighted to welcome you to our exhibition.           

⚓At the National Waterfront Musuem: Saturday 1.30pm – 3.30pm 

‘The Star of Wales’ Puppet Theatre

Come and make some sea-creature themed puppets to use at our ‘Star of Wales’ ship puppet theatre. Dylan Thomas wrote extensively about Swansea’s ‘splendid curving shore’ but he also imagined sea characters like blind Captain Cat and Nogood Boyo in Under Milk Wood, who would ‘tilt and ride’ on and under the sea, even when they are lost in their dreams…

Can you make some sea creatures and characters for our puppet theatre? Would you like to create a drama between an octopus and a dolphin? Or a heron and a starfish? Come and decorate our boat – we will use recycled materials and quotes to bring our diorama to life.

⚓At the National Waterfront Museum Sunday 11am – 1pm

‘The Star of Wales’ Puppet Theatre

Come and make some sea-creature themed puppets to use at our ‘Star of Wales’ ship puppet theatre. Dylan Thomas wrote extensively about Swansea’s ‘splendid curving shore’ but he also imagined sea characters like blind Captain Cat and Nogood Boyo in Under Milk Wood, who would ‘tilt and ride’ on and under the sea, even when they are lost in their dreams…

Can you make some sea creatures and characters for our puppet theatre? Would you like to create a drama between an octopus and a dolphin? Or a heron and a starfish? Come and decorate our boat – we will use recycled materials and quotes to bring our diorama to life.

10am – 4pm, Saturday 8 August

Beach litter pick commencing at 10.30pm, plastic free children's activities, testing beach sand for microplastics

Saturday 8 August 11am - 1pm and Sunday 9 August 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery's ‘Let’s go fly a kite!’ workshop. Design and make your own miniature kite inspired by our amazing exhibition – Art in the Sky. Activity is taking place in the National Waterfront Museum.

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 11am – 12pm and 2pm – 3pm,

Decorate The ‘Flying Angel’ boat

Join us in making and decorating our boat ‘The Flying Angel’! Mission Gallery is based in Swansea’s Maritime Quarter and we are proud of our rich history. Long before it supported artists and welcomed those who enjoy creativity, the building was formally known as St. Nicholas’ Church (The patron saint of sailors). It was a place dedicated to meeting the spiritual needs of all visiting seafarers. To celebrate this unique heritage, we need your help ! We want you to create the perfect vessel for the upcoming Sea Festival!

Our vessel will be named ‘The Flying Angel’ in honour of our building's former use as a Seamen’s Mission and how the gallery has evolved and flourished over the years. Together, we will decorate the boat before parading it through the festival before it docks at our neighbours the National Waterfront Museum to display. We will be working in line with our current project Precious Thing’s which is to reimagine how waste materials can be used in creative practices. Transforming what is otherwise disregarded and transforming it into a precious part of the creative process. Join us in having fun parading the boat around the marina before we set it to display.