Swansea was bursting with music, food, and community spirit as Croeso 2026, the city’s flagship St David’s Day celebration, took over the city centre on February 28 and 1 March.
Across the two-day event, thousands of residents and visitors enjoyed a free, vibrant programme of music, arts, cookery and bilingual entertainment.
In the Cookery Demo tent, visitors immersed themselves in Welsh culinary excellence with inspiring sessions from the likes of The Great British Bake 2024 winner Georgie Grasso, TV chefs Sam & Shauna of Hang Fire, and Celebrity MasterChef finalist and grand slam champion, Alun Wyn Jones.
The brand new Pabell Pawb a Phopeth debuted this year, quickly becoming one of the event’s most popular spaces. Audiences participated in exclusive Q&A sessions with singer Dafydd Iwan, rugby player Alex Cuthbert and Welsh contestants from BBC’s The Traitors, while others got creative with hands‑on rhythm workshops with One Heart Drummers and Duke Al’s Poet Treehouse Club Open Mic Poetry.
Crowds gathered throughout the weekend to watch live music on the main stage which had an extensive line-up including Swansea Youth Choir, Pseudo Cool and Galore. Saturday headliners Band Pres Llareggub also led the colourful St David’s Day parade through the streets which saw the triumphant return of the red dragon. North Walian rapper Sage Todz closing out the main stage activity on Sunday.
Festivities continued in the evening with the Croeso x Nightworks, a series of bi-lingual free entry gigs spanning music and comedy in collaboration with grassroots venues across the city. The Nightworks series culminated in a sold-out performance from folksinger Gwilym Bowen Rhys in Tŷ Tawe.
Throughout the weekend families interacted with giant daffodils and rugby players, learned Welsh phrases from the ‘Tea Cosy’ trio, enjoyed craft activities, the popular children’s trail and posed for photos with beloved characters including Fireman Sam and, Minnie and Micky Mouse.
Families, food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike embraced the opportunity to say “Shwmae!”, putting their Welsh language skills into practice as they met local makers and browsed artisan stalls, soaking up the welcoming bilingual atmosphere that defines the Croeso experience.
Councillor Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights & Equalities at Swansea Council, said: “Croeso 2026 once again demonstrated Swansea’s commitment to bringing people together through culture.
“With its bilingual programme, free family friendly activities, and dynamic entertainment, the festival highlighted the city’s passion for celebrating Welsh heritage in all its forms and the Council’s commitment to providing affordable high-quality events and experiences for our residents.
“Swansea Council and its partners extend thanks to performers, traders, local businesses and the thousands of residents and visitors who attended the event.”
This event was organised by Swansea Council, part funded by the Welsh Government and Food and Drink Wales and in association with Shirgar Butter.
