**Excitement Builds on Swansea Beach as Tunes on the Bay Festival Prepares for Inaugural Event**
Preparations are in full swing along Swansea’s iconic shoreline, as the city gets ready to welcome its first-ever large-scale beach festival. Set against the scenic backdrop of Swansea Bay, the ‘Tunes on the Bay’ music festival promises to be a highlight of the upcoming Early May Bank Holiday weekend, drawing anticipation from music lovers across Wales and beyond.
With the event scheduled from 2nd to 4th of May, the transformation of the sandy expanse into a vibrant festival site has already commenced. Large white tents have started to emerge on the coastline, and images released by organisers show a hive of activity, with orange cones demarcating zones and security fencing beginning to frame the site. The operation to construct the festival infrastructure represents months—indeed, years—of planning by the organisers, who are keen to make a lasting impression with this ambitious debut.
Festival director Tommy Job, head of Tunes Festivals, expressed his excitement about bringing such an event to Swansea. “Swansea is a vibrant and exciting city, but up until now, it hasn’t had a large festival that the community can rally around. It has taken two years of dedicated effort to get to this point, and we made the decision to delay the festival by a year just to ensure that what we deliver is truly something special,” he stated.
This decision appears to have been well-received, with locals eager to embrace a new cultural event that puts Swansea on the map as a destination for live music by the sea. Organisers are hopeful that the festival can become a staple in the city’s entertainment calendar and draw visitors from further afield. The picturesque coastal setting is sure to add a unique atmosphere, blending the rhythm of music with the natural beauty of Swansea Bay.
The festival is set to offer an eclectic mix of acts, catering to all ages and tastes. The opening night on Friday, 2nd May, features chart-toppers McFly as headliners, supported by live performer Ellie Sax and afternoon favourites The Cuban Brothers. The diversity of acts aims to capture a broad audience, from families to die-hard music enthusiasts.
Saturday’s line-up builds further, with Britpop legends Supergrass headlining, and appearances from Feeder and acclaimed singer-songwriter Jake Bugg. Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne will take to the decks for an afternoon DJ set, with novelty acts like the Doritos Mariachi Band and several tribute performers—including those channelling the spirit of Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and ABBA—adding to the festive atmosphere. Local talent will also feature prominently, giving a platform to rising Welsh performers.
Rounding off the weekend on Sunday, 4th May, is house music favourite Sosa, with Rossi featuring as the afternoon headliner. A host of DJs and live acts will ensure the festivities continue until the final curtain, with special guest Prospa expected to provide an energetic finish.
Beyond the music, the event is notable for other reasons. As Swansea’s first serious venture into hosting a beachside festival of this scale, it brings with it logistical challenges including road closures, managed access, and a detailed list of festival guidelines. Event organisers have provided clear information regarding banned items, parking arrangements, and accessibility concerns, demonstrating a commitment to keeping festival-goers safe and informed.
Commentary from local residents and business owners has so far been positive, as many hope the festival will boost trade and provide a fresh focal point for the community after a challenging few years for the live music and events industry. There is a sense of pride in seeing Swansea attract headline acts and invest in major cultural experiences.
In sum, Tunes on the Bay is shaping up to be a landmark occasion for Swansea and a potential blueprint for future events of its kind. As the big weekend draws nearer, the excitement is tangible both on the sands and throughout the city, with hopes high that the festival will live up to its billing as ‘the best Swansea has seen’. For full event details, stage times, and practical information, festival-goers are encouraged to check the official event website in advance.