Swansea Council’s Croeso celebration is back this St David’s Day weekend, with the return of Nightworks, a vibrant programme of bilingual, free-entry gigs across the city’s grassroots music venues.
The programme kicks off on Friday the 27th of February with an evening of post-punk and alternative rock at The Bunkhouse headlined by Slate.
Emerging from the depths of Cardiff’s burgeoning music scene, and heirs to their country’s lineage of storytellers, are Slate. The four-piece reimagine the gothic foundations of new-wave, charging their sound with melodic force and the white-knuckled intensity of post-punk. Their introductory singles “Tabernacl” and “St Agatha” found praise in the NME, Clash, So Young, DIY and more, as well as radio champions in Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq on BBC 6Music, and Jack Saunders on BBC Radio 1. A reclamation of Welsh identity, and love of poetry which is woven into their live performances, are influences which announce Slate as a fascinating and necessary arrival.
Slate are joined by the melodic slacker-rock of Los Blancos, alt-rock quartet VAIN, and Pypi Slysh, the 6-piece project of Sam Stevens and Siôn Teifi Rees from Ceredigion which also features members of Mellt and Slate.
Saturday the 28th of February sees a co-headline gig from Twat Union and HMS Morris at the Elysium.
Six-piece feminist comedy punk outfit, Twat Union, affectionately known as ‘The Twats’, bring their trademark, provocative humour and immersive show to Swansea as part of their UK tour.
HMS Morris are a band who thrive at the crossroads of art-pop, theatricality, and fearless exploration. Their unforgettable live shows have taken them across the globe — from Texas to Tokyo and Toronto and to stages at Green Man Festival, Glastonbury, Other Voices and many more — dazzling audiences with a unique blend of joyful chaos and meticulous musicianship.
Joining them on this bill delivered in collaboration with Mioe Creative Productions and R*E*P*E*A*T Records will be the X-Ray Spex inspired art-punk of The Nanaz, and the noise pop of Flatcat.
Amina Abu-Shahba from Mioe Creative Productions said, “We are delighted to be collaborating on this female led line-up as part of our St David’s Day celebrations entitled, Women Who Create Wales. We’re looking forward to a night of excellent live music.”.
On the evening of St David’s Day itself, Gwilym Bowen Rhys plays a special intimate solo show at the Tŷ Tawe venue. Hailing from Eryri – the mountainous North West of Wales – Gwilym has been singing in his native Welsh language since he can remember, giving him a deep connection with the traditional songs and music of his land. His music combines old melodies and lyrics, intricate guitar arrangements, and a rich powerful voice that effortlessly swings from velveteen sweetness to earthy grit.
Gwilym is supported by Llio Heledd, a musician originally from Morriston in Swansea, and after studying in Aberystwyth and Utrecht, now based in Cardiff. There, she began to compose songs with the guitar and using cynghanedd. The use of this ancient mode of Welsh poetry can be seen in her songs and in her debut single “Afon” which is a reflection on the experience of growing up in Swansea.
All gigs are free to attend but capacities are limited, and entry can be guaranteed by booking a free ticket for each night through the venue’s platforms or by visiting www.visitswanseabay.com
The Croeso entertainment programme is delivered in partnership with Menter Iaith Abertawe, Swansea’s Welsh language initiative. Menter Iaith Abertawe’s work involves creating opportunities for people of all ages to use and enjoy the Welsh language across the City and County of Swansea.
The Croeso x Nightworks programme forms a part of Swansea Council’s wider Croeso event, a festival celebrating all things Welsh. In addition to the live music programme, there will also be cookery demonstrations, street entertainers, workshops, art and crafts, and a children’s trail across Swansea city centre between Saturday the 28th of February and Sunday the 1st of March 2026.
Councillor Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights & Equalities at Swansea Council, said: “The Croeso x Nightworks programme provides a fantastic opportunity to discover new artists in the City Centre at Swansea’s grassroots live music venues. Vibrant new bilingual artists are at the heart of Croeso, as a celebration of Welsh pride. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Menter Iaith to deliver this exceptional programme.”
Croeso is brought to you by Swansea Council in association with Shirgar Butter, and is supported by Food and Drink Wales.
For more information visit www.visitswanseabay.com
Nightworks enquiries: special.events@swansea.gov.uk