#brangwynhall — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA PRIDE: Get ready to sashay away — the city’s most colourful LGBTQ+ celebration is back on 16 May

Swansea is about to get its glitter on. Swansea Pride returns on Saturday 16 May – and this year’s lineup includes a Lady Gaga tribute headline act, a Y Llais singing sensation, a performer literally called Wayne King, and a host who has been there since the very beginning.

The march sets off from Wind Street at 11am, weaving through the city centre along Oxford Street and St Helen’s Road before arriving at the Guildhall in what has become one of the most joyful processions on Swansea’s annual calendar. Be on Wind Street by 10.45am if you want to be part of it. Individuals and small groups just turn up – groups of ten or more need to register in advance.

From noon until 7pm, the party moves to the Guildhall and the Brangwyn Hall – and it’s completely free. No tickets. No wristbands. Just Pride.

Drag on stage at Swansea Pride in 2025

Closing the show is Donna Marie as Lady Gaga – a full tribute experience that promises drama, glamour and more than a few power ballads. Channel your inner Little Monster.

Before the headline act, the stage will be graced by Will Whitehead, Rikki Withers, Justin Drag, Khloe Buttlift, Brooke Darci, Jessica Rarebit, Jordropper and LYWIS – a singing sensation who lit up Welsh language talent show Y Llais.

Then there’s Wayne King – previously seen at the Swansea Grand Theatre’s all-star cabaret – whose name requires no further editorial comment. You either get it or you don’t.

Crowds party at Swansea Pride 2025

Holding it all together on stage will be a team of hosts including Jamie J Rampage, the face of SwanScene and a featured member of the Pinc List, alongside Swansea drag icons Ruby Slippers, the double act of Tallulah Bandersnatch and Clem Dandy, and Zoe and Benjamin.

Ruby Slippers deserves a special mention – she has hosted every single Swansea Pride since the event returned in 2019, making her as much a part of the day as the Guildhall itself.

Host, Ruby Slippers, Council Leader, Rob Stewart and Pride organiser Elliott King

Swansea Pride started as a grassroots idea in 2008, when a group of local LGBTQ+ people decided to organise an outdoor event entirely by volunteers. The first event – Pink in the Park – took place at Singleton Park in 2009. After a difficult period that saw events cancelled in 2015 and 2016, Pride bounced back in 2019 with the first ever parade through the city centre. COVID wiped out 2020 and 2021, but it returned in 2022 bigger than ever – and hasn’t looked back.

Today Swansea Pride is a registered charity, entirely community-led and volunteer-run. Every pound raised goes back into the event and the LGBTQ+ community it exists to celebrate.

Last year’s Pride drew huge crowds to the Guildhall, with thousands marching through the city centre. More acts and the full running order are expected on the Swansea Pride website as the day approaches.

Saturday 16 May. Wind Street. 10.45am. Free entry. 🏳️‍🌈

#BrangwynHall #Guildhall #LGBTQ #Swansea #SwanseaPride

SWANSEA: Brangwyn Hall named one of the UK’s top 10 micro wedding venues

Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall has been named one of the UK’s top ten most popular venues for micro weddings — the only Welsh venue to make a national ranking dominated by London locations.

The Grade I listed hall, part of Swansea’s Guildhall complex and licensed for civil ceremonies, tied for ninth place in a ranking compiled by luxury chauffeur service SIXT ride.

The company analysed TikTok searches, Instagram posts and Google searches to identify the venues generating most buzz among couples planning intimate weddings in 2026.

The Guildhall’s 48-metre Art Deco clock tower, illuminated at night — a landmark visible across the city. Image: Brangwyn Hall

Brangwyn Hall scored 19.8 out of 100, level with Sheffield Town Hall, based on 5,200 TikTok searches, 1,000 Instagram posts and 8,100 Google searches in the past year. The top spot went to Chelsea Old Town Hall in London, which scored 86.8 — a reflection of the capital’s dominance of the micro wedding scene, with four of the top five venues located in London.

The ranking reflects a growing national trend towards smaller, more intimate weddings. Searches for “how much is a registry office wedding UK” have grown 1,200% in the past year, while searches for “registry office wedding package” are up 967%.

The trend has been driven partly by high-profile celebrity weddings including that of singer Charli XCX and Made in Chelsea stars Sophie Habboo and Jamie Laing.

The Brangwyn Hall’s main room at its most atmospheric — the British Empire Panels by Sir Frank Brangwyn provide a dramatic backdrop for evening events. Image: Brangwyn Hall

Brangwyn Hall is one of Wales’ most distinctive event venues — and one with a history that goes well beyond weddings. Built as part of Swansea’s Guildhall and opened in 1934, the hall was originally designed to house the British Empire Panels: sixteen large paintings by artist Sir Frank Brangwyn, commissioned in 1924 for the Royal Gallery of the House of Lords to commemorate the First World War.

The House of Lords rejected them — reportedly because they were considered too colourful and spirited — and Swansea Council acquired them instead. The panels now line the walls of the hall, making it one of the most visually striking wedding backdrops in Wales.

The venue offers spaces ranging from the intimate Lord Mayor’s Room to the grand main hall, with capacity for between 20 and 500 guests.

The George Hall — the smaller of the Guildhall complex’s two main rooms, with its ornate coffered ceiling and gold friezes. Image: Brangwyn Hall

The Guildhall complex has also served as a backdrop for some major screen productions. The building’s imposing neoclassical exterior and Art Deco interior have made it a favourite with film and TV producers.

Most notably, the complex featured in the Netflix blockbuster Havoc, starring Tom Hardy and Forest Whitaker, which used both the Guildhall exterior and the Brangwyn Hall interior for key scenes. Described as the largest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales, Havoc transformed the building into an American police precinct. The Guildhall has also featured in the BBC’s Sherlock and multiple episodes of Doctor Who.

The George Hall set for a wedding breakfast — one of several rooms in the Guildhall complex available for civil ceremonies and celebrations. Image: Brangwyn Hall

The hall’s profile as a wedding venue may be about to grow further. Swansea’s register office is currently housed at the Civic Centre on the waterfront — one of the last council services still operating from the brutalist building.

The Civic Centre is earmarked for a major redevelopment as a new City Waterfront district with apartments, an aquarium and a lido. It is understood that as the Civic Centre moves closer to redevelopment, the register office could relocate to the Guildhall complex — which would make the Grade I listed building the official home of Swansea’s civil ceremonies as well as one of the city’s most sought-after wedding venues.

The full top ten, according to SIXT ride’s analysis, is: Chelsea Old Town Hall, The Old Marylebone Town Hall, Islington Town Hall, Manchester Town Hall, Hackney Town Hall, Cheltenham Town Hall, Oxford Town Hall, Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham, and jointly in ninth place, Sheffield Town Hall and Brangwyn Hall.

The Guildhall’s Portland stone facade and colourful stained glass windows — designed by Sir Percy Thomas and opened in 1934. Image: Brangwyn Hall

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Flats, aquarium and lido: Swansea’s Civic Centre plans move closer as cabinet gives green light
The redevelopment plans that could see the register office leave the Civic Centre.

Y Storfa opens in Swansea city centre as council services move from Civic
The register office is one of the last services still operating from the Civic Centre.

Swansea Bay’s best businesses scoop top gongs at packed Brangwyn Hall awards
One of many major events the venue hosts each year.

#BrangwynHall #CivicCentre #GeorgeHall #Guildhall #GuildhallSwansea #Swansea #weddingVenue #Weddings

Nigel Kennedy to bring virtuoso tour to Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall

Nigel Kennedy, described by The Guardian as “one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced”, will perform at the Brangwyn Hall on 23 April as part of his new Virtuoso tour, according to promoters Derek Block Concerts.

The company says the show will reflect Kennedy’s long‑standing approach of blending classical and jazz influences, with the musician joined on stage by double bassist Alec Dankworth and cellist Peter Adams.

Early talent and global success

Promoters say Kennedy’s musical ability emerged early. He won a scholarship to the Yehudi Menuhin School at the age of seven, and at thirteen was introduced to jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. The pair later toured together, including performances at Ronnie Scott’s in London.

Kennedy’s 1989 recording of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons became one of the best‑selling classical albums of all time. Derek Block Concerts say the success transformed his career and helped reshape the classical music scene.

A spokesperson for the promoters said Kennedy continues to attract audiences worldwide because of his “inclusive and open‑minded approach to all styles of music”, adding that rumours within the industry suggest he is “playing better than ever”.

“Unique talent”, says Menuhin

Kennedy’s mentor Yehudi Menuhin once praised his ability to cross genres with ease.

Yehudi Menuhin said:

“Nigel has a unique talent and a special ear that enables him to play whatever he wants.”

Promoters say audiences can expect a mix of technical precision, improvisation and high‑energy performance when the tour arrives in Swansea.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Ibiza anthems, Nashville cowboys and a tidal wave of sausages and cider – Swansea’s biggest party weekend is coming
A huge mix of live music and food festivals is heading to Swansea for a packed weekend of entertainment.

“This could change your life” – young Swansea singers urged to enter £3,000 Voice contest
A major talent search is offering young singers the chance to compete for a life‑changing prize.

11‑year‑old Welsh DJ releases new single after BBC Introducing airplay and documentary feature
Rising young DJ and producer continues his rapid climb with a new release following national exposure.

Bryn Terfel launches hunt for Swansea’s hidden care heroes
The world‑famous bass‑baritone is calling for nominations to celebrate outstanding care workers.

#BrangwynHall #classicalMusic #concertsSwansea #liveMusicWales #Music #NigelKennedy #Swansea #violin #violinist #VirtuosoTour