The search is on to find Swansea’s greatest icon as the city celebrates its 50th birthday.
The Swansea Icon initiative has been devised in a bid to resolve an issue that’s divided the city for generations – who or what is our city’s greatest icon.
A list of 50 people, places and events – there’s even a dog involved – has been drawn up for people to vote on ahead of the announcement of the winner in October.
On the list are people who’d be expected to make it like Dylan Thomas, Bonnie Tyler and Catherine Zeta Jones.
But also there are moments in time like Gary Sobers’ six sixes in an over at St Helen’s, the Swans’ epic rise to the Premier League and the legendary life-saving exploits of two Swansea women more than 150 years ago.
There are places too like Rhossili Beach and the St Helen’s ground – the only British venue where every Southern Hemisphere rugby and cricket nation has been defeated by the local team.
And, naturally, there’s Swansea Jack, the black labrador who achieved international fame saving the lives of people who’d fallen into the city’s docks.
Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said the search for Swansea’s greatest icon will generate great debate across the city.
He said: “When you come up with a shortlist of names, places and events you start to realise what an amazing place our city really is.
“Swansea has been home to pioneers of business and the creative arts, to incredible achievements in fields like music, sport and photography. The people of our city have participated in or witnessed barely-believable acts of bravery and breath-taking moments of greatness or commitment.
“In their different ways, the list of 50 are already Swansea icons. The truth is that we could probably have come up with many more iconic people, moments and places.
“But we are hoping the public will vote for their favourite icon from the list and perhaps settle the argument about the greatest Swansea icon for the next 50 years at least.”
He added: “Swansea Icons is part of the Swansea 50 festivities – an opportunity for residents to get involved in celebrating our city status announced by the Prince of Wales on July 3, 1969.
“We’ve seen street parties, Golden Tickets to money-can’t-buy events and, of course, a royal visit from the Prince of Wales on the 50th anniversary of his announcement.
“But there’s lots more to come and it’s easy for people to be part of it.”
50 iconic people, places, events and more. But who or what is Swansea’s greatest icon? You decide.
Blooming marvellous city anniversary display
You’ve got the Kardomah gang but not the cafe? It’s one of Swansea’s longest standing cafes. Even listed as the Telegraph’s top 50 greatest cafes in the world. Why isn’t it listed?
Our judging panel had a tough job narrowing the field down to just 50 icons, and unfortunately there were a number of iconic people, places and events that just missed the cut.
I can understand that, it’s just a shame that when the Kardomah have received such an amazing accolade from the Telegraph;
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/food-and-wine-holidays/best-cafes-in-the-world/
Literally the Kardomah is one of the top The 50 greatest cafés on Earth - it’s a shame Swansea City haven’t grasped this with both hands to coincide with Swansea’s 50th. It’s a shame really. What could be more fitting.