John Harris of the Guardian presents a new series telling the story of the UK in 2021 through the voices and stories of ordinary people in four places with a distinctive identity.

In this programme, he and his producer Leala Padmanabhan visit Wales's second city, Swansea, to talk to people about their lives, work and how they see the future.

Once a centre of copper, coal and steel, Swansea is now a post-industrial city in which retail, leisure and higher education play a big role. In a city which is also famous for its many call centres, John and Leala find friendly people happy to share their hopes and fears as Swansea emerges from the Covid pandemic into an uncertain future.

Shoppers and business owners describe deep sadness at the loss of major stores such as Debenhams, Clarks and Toys R Us, a decline sharply accelerated by the pandemic, with some predicting a 'bleak' future for the city centre. Others have high hopes of a £1bn regeneration project around Swansea's upmarket waterfront.

In the Mayhill area of the city, John and Leala explore the aftermath of a riot which took place in May. Some attribute the eruption of violence to frustration after months of Covid lockdown. John talks to a delivery driver whose home was targeted about his recovery and his hopes of a better future for the Mayhill community.

We also visit Swansea University and the Volcano community theatre on Swansea high street to talk about emerging from the pandemic, devolution and questions of identity - discovering strong enthusiasm for Welsh independence among the teenage theatre performers.

The programme features music by the Swansea group Bandicoot and the voices of many seagulls.

Producer: Leala Padmanabhan. Show less