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DESIGNATED DRIVERS: Free soft drinks at Swansea pubs during summer of football — here’s how it works

Designated drivers can claim free or discounted soft drinks at pubs and bars across Swansea during this summer’s festival of international football.

South Wales Police is supporting the scheme — known as ‘DES’ — which runs from Thursday 11 June until Sunday 19 July, with more than 30 licensed premises taking part across the force area.

Four Swansea venues have signed up: Coyote Ugly Saloon, Jack Murphy’s and One Eyed Willy’s on Wind Street, and Jack Murphy’s Uplands on Uplands Crescent.

The idea is simple: a designated driver is someone who stays off the alcohol to get themselves — and everyone else — home safely. The scheme aims to make that job a little less thankless.

Drivers at a participating venue on a matchday just need to make themselves known to bar staff, who will hand over a ‘DES’ wristband — unlocking free or discounted draught soft drinks or squash for the rest of the visit.

Each venue decides the detail of its own offer — whether it runs all night, covers a set number of drinks, or applies to selected matches — as the pubs themselves cover the cost, with the force providing posters and wristbands to promote the scheme.

The campaign comes with a serious message about summer drink-driving — and a few reminders that bear repeating.

Police point out there is no reliable way to know how much you can drink and stay under the limit, as it depends on weight, age, metabolism, what you’ve eaten and other factors.

There is also no way to speed up sobering — a shower or a coffee might make you feel better, but it won’t remove alcohol from your system.

And the morning after counts too: after a heavy evening, you may still be over the limit the next day — and could lose your licence if you drive.

The force said driving under the influence of drink or drugs can create false confidence behind the wheel and increase risk-taking — with the biggest danger of all being causing a collision that puts your life and others’ at risk.

Licensed premises interested in joining the scheme are asked to contact their local licensing team.

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SWANSEA: Stay safe in the water this summer — council backs drowning prevention campaign
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SWANSEA: Japanese and Korean BBQ restaurant Joyato marks two years in the city — with UK expansion on the menu
More from the city’s food and drink scene.

More Wind Street stories from Swansea Bay News
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#drinkDriving #RoadSafety #SouthWalesPolice #WindStreet

SWANSEA: Everything you need to know about Swansea Pride 2026 — parade route, road closures and what to expect on Saturday

Swansea’s most colourful celebration of the year is almost here. Swansea Pride returns on Saturday 16 May, and as always it’s completely free and open to everyone.

The parade sets off from Wind Street at 11am, heading along Oxford Street and St Helen’s Road before finishing at the Guildhall on Guildhall Road South. The route is marked on the map above — if you’re planning to watch, Oxford Street and St Helen’s Road are your best spots to line up.

Drivers should be aware that there will be rolling road closures along the parade route between 10:30am and 12:30pm. Plan your journey accordingly and allow extra time if you’re heading into the city centre that morning.

Swansea Pride 2026 parade route. Picture: Swansea Pride / Swansea Council

Once the parade arrives at the Guildhall, the main stage outside will host live entertainment throughout the afternoon. The full lineup of acts is available at swanseapride.co.uk.

If you want to get out of the sun or explore what the wider Pride community has to offer, head inside the neighbouring Brangwyn Hall where the Swansea Pride Community Zone will be running throughout the day. There you’ll find information stalls from organisations, support services, charities and community groups, as well as some craft traders.

Swansea Pride is organised independently and supported by Swansea Council. It has grown steadily in recent years into one of the city’s most well-attended annual events, drawing people from across Swansea Bay and beyond.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a Pride regular, Saturday promises to be a brilliant day out. The forecast is looking dry with sunny spells — so dig out your best outfit and get involved.

For the full programme of acts and activities, visit swanseapride.co.uk.

#Guildhall #GuildhallRoadSouth #GuildhallSwansea #LGBTQ #OxfordStreet #Parade #PrideParade #StHelensRoad #SwanseaPride #WindStreet

Council promises “dazzling” Fire and Ice Festival in Swansea city centre

Ice and fire promised for city streets

According to Swansea Council, visitors will be able to follow a trail of ice sculptures, step inside a giant snow globe on Portland Street, and try interactive ice carving. Fire and ice shows are scheduled for St David’s Place, with fire performers lighting up Oxford Street. Families are told to expect roaming snowmen and characters from Disney’s Frozen, while the “Caroler’s Cabin” will host choirs and musicians.

Ice trail clues and performance timings released

A promotional map published by Swansea Council shows nine ice sculptures will be hidden across the city centre, each linked to a festive clue. Locations include Princess Way, Oxford Street, the Quadrant, Wind Street, and Castle Square.

Interactive ice carving is scheduled for Portland Street between 11:30am and 3:30pm, while a giant snow globe will be open from 10am to 5pm.

Fire and Ice shows are planned for St David’s Place at 1:30pm, 3pm and 4:30pm, with additional fire performances on Oxford Street at 12pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.

Trail maps will be available at Swansea Market, Costa Coffee branches, and the new central library at Y Storfa.

Promotional map for Swansea’s Fire & Ice Festival shows ice trail clues, sculpture locations and performance timings across the city centre
(Image: Swansea Council)

Music line‑up released by organisers

The council has published a full programme of performers, ranging from community choirs to swing bands, with sets scheduled across Saturday and Sunday. Maps for the ice trail will be available at Swansea Market, Costa Coffee branches on Whitewalls and Oxford Street, and the new central library at the Y Storfa development.

Festival part of wider Christmas programme

Council leader Rob Stewart said the festival was part of efforts to make this “the best Swansea Christmas ever,” following the return of the city’s Christmas Parade. Other attractions promoted by the council include the Christmas Market on Oxford Street and Portland Street until December 22, Mistletoe and Markets on December 13–14, and Waterfront Winterland at Museum Park until January 4.

More Christmas stories from Swansea Bay News

Free bus travel returns for Christmas Parade weekend
Council confirms free buses and extra parking after strike suspension — plus festive fireworks.

Free buses return to Swansea for Christmas
Shoppers and families can travel across the city at no cost on selected dates this December.

Victorian Fayre and Parade kick off festive season
Swansea’s Christmas starts with a new Victorian Fayre, Winter Wonderland and Santa switching on the lights.

Together at Christmas returns to Brangwyn Hall
Free meals, entertainment and support services offered at this community event on December 9.

Browse all Christmas coverage
Explore our full archive of festive stories, events and updates from across Swansea Bay.

#castleSquare #christmas #fireAndIceShows #frozen #iceCarving #iceSculpting #iceSculpture #oxfordStreet #portlandStreet #princessWay #quadrantShoppingCentre #stDavidsPlace #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaQuadrant #windStreet