On the 1st of March, people across Wales will join to celebrate our Patron Saint, St David. It’s one of the most colourful days in the Welsh calendar, with bright yellow daffodils, green leeks, red dragons and vibrant traditional dress.
There’s no better way to join the festivities than with the ultimate Welsh weekend at Croeso Festival in Swansea. The festival celebrates all things Welsh with plenty of things to see, do and eat for families, friends, and visitors – including live music, children’s activities and street entertainers.
Below is round-up of some of the activities available at Croeso Festival:
Live Entertainment
Music, dance & Croeso Parade
There is a whole host of live entertainment taking place over the four-day festival, like music from Phoenix Choir, pop-rock group, Gwilym and Swansea-based rock band, Spwci, to dance performances, storytelling, and the Croeso Parade. The parade will be led by the City of Swansea Pipe Band, and feature Welsh characters on stilts, mascots and the legendary Welsh Dragon. Don your rugby shirts, Welsh costumes and flags and join the fun. The parade begins at St David’s Place @ 12:30pm.
Nightworks
More of a night owl, or want to continue the party after a day full of activities? Join the festival as the sunsets for three nights of live Welsh music. Kick back and celebrate with artists like Sage Todz, Luke RV and Islet across a range of venues: Swansea Arena, The Bunkhouse, Ty Tawe and Elysium.
Can I Gymru 2024
The song writing competition for Song for Wales is back – broadcast live from Swansea Arena for St David’s Day. The show will feature performances from several well-known artists, previous winners and the competition’s final 8 songs with a live band. As S4C’s largest interactive event broadcast, this isn’t one you want to miss. General Admission only. Friday 1stMarch @ 8pm.
Family Fun
St David’s Day Mini Party
The National Waterfront Museum are hosting a FREE morning of activities for Under 5’s. Celebrate St David’s Day with cool crafts, action songs and playing fun games. The party features stories from the wonderful Lowri Sion, and magical fairies Daff, Dil and Del.
FREE St David’s Day photos at Swansea Market
Bring your little ones to Swansea Market – not just for the Welsh cakes, but to snap a professional keepsake photo, whether in a St David’s Day costume or not. Available from 11am – 4pm.
FREE Arts & Crafts
Quadrant Shopping Centre are running children’s workshops creating Welsh crafts from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 2ndMarch. Visitors can also take part in the National Waterfront Museum’s drop-in dragon and daffodil mask crafts, from 12:30-3:30pm.
Follow the Croeso Trail!
As you make your way around Swansea taking in all the fun activities, make sure to pick up a competition flyer and follow the Croeso Trail for the chance to win some great prizes.The trail follows multiple venues across the city centre where you can find various Welsh-themed images. Find all eight and you could win a prize bundle containing a family pass to Buzz Trampoline Park, Plantasia Tropical Zoo (plus a Zoo cuddly toy), and 2 tickets to a Swansea City AFC match. Every completed entry will also receive a goody bag full of vouchers and tasty treats.
Food and Drink
Welsh Street Market
Peruse stalls from traders across Wales for some delicious Welsh treats. From bread and cakes to cider and wine, there’s plenty on offer at our food and drink stalls. You can also take a stroll around the Welsh crafts marquee to see handmade jewellery, prints, woodcrafts, and much more.
Live cooking demonstrations
Across the weekend, you can attend live cooking demonstrations from some recognizable faces…Featuring Swansea’s very own Michelin Star chef of The Beach House, Hywel Griffith, TV Chef Rustie Lee, Great British Menu’s Nathan Davies and more.
