The countdown is on to Swansea Council’s annual firework display.
Thousands of residents, families and students are set to return to the St Helen’s sports ground to watch the spectacular Night at the Movies themed display this Sunday (November 5).
It should be an entertaining, affordable night – and here’s all you need to know.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “This is a key event in our annual programme of great events for the people of Swansea – and we want to do all we can to ensure those who attend have a fantastic night out.
“It’ll be busy so I encourage people to set off as early as possible whether they’re coming on foot, by bike, by bus, car or other mode of transport.”
Key info – www.bit.ly/Swansea051123
All you need to know
Schedule
Show times are subject to change but key moments include: 17.00 – gates open; 17.00 and 19.20 – Penclawdd Brass Band; 17.35 – Anna & Elsa performance and chat; 18.00 – music from the movies; 19.00 – fireworks; 20.00 – close.
Entertainer Kev Johns will be your cheerleader-in-chief and, throughout the night, you’ll see movie characters ranging from Barbie to Spider-Man and from Batman to some Jurassic Park residents.
Travel and parking
Roads are expected to be busy before and after the event so please allow extra time for travel. Where road closures are in place, an alternative route will be signposted for motorists.
For help on planning bus, coach and rail journeys please visit www.traveline.cymru or phone 0871 200 2233. Buses will be running as normal although here may be delays due to heavy traffic. Taxis will be running.
If you’re travelling by car please car share if possible to save you money and reduce the amount of traffic.
Event car parks will be signposted and open from 4pm. Please pay on arrival; it’s £5 per car. Accessible parking is available on a first come first served basis and some disabled parking is available at Victoria Park via the entrance on Francis Street. Event car parks: Mumbles Road Recreation Ground, Civic Centre West car park, Guildhall car park, Singleton Park lacrosse field. Also open: City centre car parks.
Please be aware that a lot of the parking in the streets immediately surrounding St Helen’s is for resident permit holders only and enforcement will be in place for those that park illegally.
Road closures
These will be kept to a minimum to limit inconvenience. Alternative routes will be signposted.
Closures from 4-9pm – Gorse Lane and parts of Bryn Road, King Edward Road and Finsbury Terrace. Entry to Brynmill Crescent, Pantycelyn Road, Taliesyn Road and Ceiriog Road will be emergency services and local residents only.
Closures from 7.15-7:45pm – Mumbles Road in both directions from Brynmill Lane to Guildhall Road South.
No Parking, waiting or loading (with tow-away in place) – prohibition of between 5.30-8.30pm.
Tickets
Prices start at just £2, with those aged three and under going free. A family of five can attend for £10. For the best deals, buy in advance. Get them here – www.enjoyswanseabay.com
Accessibility
The ground will have an accessible viewing area with disabled toilet. Other disabled toilets will be available too.
A limited amount of free disabled parking is available at Victoria Park via Francis Street. Please show your blue badge to access this space.
A free carer ticket is available on production of a Hynt card. Please book in advance on 01792 475715.
Please note: The ground at St Helen’s is flat – but is mainly gravel or grass.
Food and drink
Vendors will be on site offering a selection of food, drink and cinema-style snacks.
FAQs
Are there accessible viewing areas in the ground?
Yes.
Will there be first aid facilities?
Yes. St John’s Ambulance crews will be onsite throughout the event.
Can I bring my own fireworks and sparklers?
No. In the interest of public safety no fireworks can be taken into the ground.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, but only guide dogs.
Will there be toilets?
Yes.
How noisy will it be?
This is large outdoor event with a PA system and large fireworks. If you’re concerned about noise, please use ear defenders.
What about security?
Security staff and South Wales Police will be at the event site and in the surrounding area.
What if it rains?
The event will still go ahead! If the weather becomes too windy or if visibility reduces due to low cloud or fog then the display’s timings may change. We’ll publicise any planned changes on social media.
Will I still be able to access Singleton Hospital and Swansea University?
Yes. Access will be as normal.
Can I buy tickets on the night?
Yes. As long as the event hasn’t sold out in advance, tickets will be available on the gate.
How can I protect my pets during the fireworks display?
Please keep animals inside from 7-7.30pm. Close windows and doors. Draw curtains, and if the animals are used to the sounds of TV or radio, switch them on (but not too loudly) in order to block out some of the noise of the fireworks. It may be worth giving your pet additional bedding to burrow into so it feels safe. If you know your animals react badly to loud noises perhaps consider moving them for the night.
