THE UK’s top magic yellow bear will be celebrating his 75th birthday in Swansea!

Sooty will turn 75 on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, and will be joined on a tour across the UK later this year by Sweep, Soo and Richard Cadell.

The Sooty Show has been named as the longest running children’s TV programme in the world by the Guinness World Records.

Sooty was bought by Harry Corbett on Blackpool North Pier in 1948 to entertain his children on their summer holiday. He began performing with the puppet on the BBC in 1952 and has been a mainstay in the lives of children for generations ever since.

Harry’s son Matthew Corbett took over in the 1970s, 80s and 90s before Richard Cadell took the puppet to ITV where he has been Sooty’s right hand man for the last 25 years.

Sooty, Richard and Sweep and Soo are planning a very special birthday party for the tour – which will go across the UK from October 21, 2023, until April 12, 2024.

But unfortunately for the gang, nothing goes to plan as while the party preparations are underway, Sooty gets messy with baking the birthday cake while Soo tries to find the perfect party dress and Sweep practices his dance moves, with boys and girls needed to join in with musical statues.

Sooty is also planning his biggest magic trick yet – to make a member of the audience float in the air! He also has a turbocharged water pistol meaning no-one will be safe.

There will also be special appearances from the likes of Butch the Bulldog, Ramsbottom the Snake and circus superstar Michael Jordan of Blackpool’s Tower Circus.

Attendees will also have a chance to meet Sooty and Richard after the show.

The Sooty Show – 75th Birthday Spectacular will be at Swansea Grand Theatre on Wednesday, November 3 at 2.30pm. Tickets can be bought at www.swanseagrand.co.uk or by calling 01792 475715.