**Anticipation Builds as Swansea’s First Beach Festival Draws Near**
Preparations are in full swing as Swansea gears up to welcome music lovers to its very first beach festival, Tunes on the Bay. Scheduled to take place from Friday, 2 May until Sunday, 4 May, the event is set to transform Swansea Beach into a vibrant hub of live music and festivity over the Bank Holiday weekend. Despite the site still being a work in progress just a day before the festival’s opening, organisers remain confident that the finishing touches will be in place for revellers eager to make the most of the bank holiday.
The three-day event has generated considerable excitement within the local community, with many eager to see how the sandy stretch of coastline adapts to its new role as a festival venue. Tunes on the Bay will feature two stages and an impressive lineup of over 20 acts, promising diversity for fans of various musical tastes. Internationally recognised pop band McFly will headline the festival, joined onstage by Ellie Sax, with the renowned Cuban Brothers set to bring their energy as headline performers for the afternoon slots.
Alongside these major names, festival-goers can look forward to performances from local and up-and-coming acts including Who’s Molly, Brook Fox, Just Dylan, Tickled Pink, Sam Owens, The Afterparty, and The Lost Cause. The organisers have carefully curated the lineup to offer a blend of genres and styles, aiming to create an inclusive and memorable musical experience catering to all ages and backgrounds.
With road closures and extensive logistical arrangements underway, temporary structures and facilities are being swiftly assembled on the beach. Pictures snapped from the site this week show teams working hard to erect the main stage, while essential amenities—such as portable toilets and dedicated refreshment areas—are put into position. The coastal backdrop promises not just musical entertainment, but also a scenic feast for festival attendees.
Pairing live music with the natural beauty of Swansea Bay is a novel venture for the city, and many local businesses and tourism providers are keenly watching to see how visitors respond to the innovation. It is hoped that, if successful, the festival could become a regular highlight in Swansea’s cultural calendar, bolstering the city’s reputation as a destination for major events.
Crowds planning to attend Tunes on the Bay are advised to familiarise themselves with festival guidance, including information about parking arrangements and community transport, as access will be regulated due to road closures. A comprehensive list of performance schedules and transport options has been made available on the event’s website to help festival-goers plan their visit accordingly.
Organisers have reminded attendees to check the list of prohibited items before arriving at the site. As with most large-scale events, certain items will not be permitted, so advance preparation is recommended to ensure smooth entry and an enjoyable experience for all.
With the countdown to opening underway, all eyes are on Swansea Beach as it prepares to play host to thousands of visitors, offering not only a diverse mix of musical acts but also the unique atmosphere that only a beachside venue can provide. The event is being closely monitored by city officials and business leaders, who hope its success will pave the way for further innovative cultural events in the region.
In the coming days, the true measure of Tunes on the Bay’s impact will be seen in the crowds, the music, and the memories made by those attending Swansea’s first major beach festival—a bold step in expanding the city’s vibrant cultural offering.