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- Bristol News by HANA - Edition 36
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 36
Bristol Bites: community, commuting and a cheeseburger
Rhidian Wynn Davies
May 30, 2025
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 36
Bristol Bites: community, commuting and a cheeseburger
The Bristol social scene has been spectacular this week and will be in the coming days. A beautiful city graced by beautiful people. The festival season is well underway: “Love Saves The Day and Good Times.”
The sporting season is over for the Bristol City Robins and the Bristol Rovers Pirates. Valiant efforts, but both fell short. But in rugby, the Bears can still growl a roar. A win against Harlequins will see Ashton Gate erupt as the Bristol boys seek a play-off place.
Elsewhere, Bristol’s problem with public spaces and public disputes continues. We can only hope that common sense prevails. We must all remember that these are places where children kick footballs, walk dogs and generally scream and shout. They are kids. Deal with it.
The search is on for an artist to create a mural for Ashley Down station. Stick your painty fingers up.
Finally, who doesn’t like the odd dirty burger? Scroll down to find out more.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
Bristol’s summer festivals by the numbers:
Festival | Estimated Attendance | Location | Dates |
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta | Over 500,000 | Ashton Court Estate | Early to mid-August |
Bristol Harbour Festival | Around 250,000 | Bristol Harbourside | Mid to late July |
Upfest | Over 50,000 | Bedminster and Southville districts | Typically held in July |
Bristol Pride | Over 40,000 | The Downs | Early to mid-July |
Love Saves The Day | Approximately 60,000 | Ashton Court | Late May (Spring Bank Holiday) |
Forwards Festival | Approximately 30,000 | The Downs | Late August (Bank Holiday) |
Dot to Dot Festival | Estimated 10,000–15,000 | Various venues across Bristol city centre | Late May (Spring Bank Holiday) |
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Image by Ian Procter from Pixabay
Hyper-local news articles
Search is on for artist to create mural at Ashley Down station BBC - May 26, 2025 A mural celebrating community spirit and local rail heritage will be created at Ashley Down railway station in Bristol, thanks to £4,000 in funding from GWR and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. Set to be unveiled in September, the project will involve a local artist collaborating with community groups to reflect the station's significance since its opening in 2022. |
Legendary Bristol burger joint named among UK's best restaurants Yahoo News - May 28, 2025 Oowee Diner, the beloved Bristol burger joint, has been crowned South England and Wales' best independent restaurant at the 2025 Deliveroo Restaurant Awards, thanks to its award-winning range of beef, chicken, and plant-based burgers. Co-founder Charlie Watson credits loyal customers for their support as the diner continues to innovate with exclusive monthly collaborations featuring local chefs. |
Bristol in Pictures: Love Saves the Day and Good Times BBC News - May 25, 2025 Bristol's vibrant festival season is in full swing, with Love Saves The Day attracting crowds despite the rain and Good Times Live featuring a star-studded lineup including Chesney Hawkes, Will Young, and comedy acts like Katherine Ryan. Meanwhile, the Hippodrome buzzes with audiences enjoying the musical Chicago, and local rights are celebrated with sheep grazing on the Downs. |
Inaugural Forkbeard Fantasy Award recipients announced Bristol - May 28, 2025 Interdisciplinary artists China and Naomi, celebrated for their adaptable and irreverent style, have received an award to develop a travelling performance that parodies the digital utopia touted by tech corporations. Drawing inspiration from Forkbeard Fantasy, they will use low-budget sets, video, and virtual reality to explore bizarre and whimsical themes in their innovative project. |
Bristol Airport is among UK's worst for flight delays and cancellations Bristol Airport has been ranked among the UK's top three worst airports for summer flight delays and cancellations in 2025, frustrating passengers amid increased traffic and staffing shortages. Travellers are urged to check flight statuses regularly and arrive earlier to navigate potential disruptions as airport management works to improve operational efficiency. |
Bristol: New scheme to 'bring back nature' to Barton Hill BBC News - May 26, 2025 A new community garden initiative by Friends of the Earth and The Co-operative Bank aims to revitalise nature-deprived areas across the UK, launching with the Aiken Street Community Garden in Bristol. Residents are invited to celebrate with an afternoon picnic on May 22, as the project seeks to create "wonderful havens" for local wildlife and the community. |
Care leavers to get free bus travel in and around Bristol for longer BBC - May 29, 2025 Care leavers in the West of England can now travel for free on buses until age 26, a significant extension that could save them up to £1,050 annually. Funded by a £16 million grant, this initiative aims to support their transition to independence and improve access to education and job opportunities. |
New images of £15m regional cycling centre planned for north Bristol Yahoo News - May 29, 2025 Bristol City Council has proposed a £15 million Regional Cycling Hub in Lawrence Weston, featuring a 1km competition track and inclusive facilities for cyclists of all abilities, set to open in 2027. This new hub aims to replace the Bristol Family Cycling Centre and will enhance local cycling connectivity with improved accessibility for all users. |
Human-like robot dexterity within grasp after £5 million funding boost University of Bristol - May 29, 2025 Professor Nathan Lepora and Dr. Ed Johns have received funding to advance the ‘Democratising Co-Design of Hardware and Control for Robot Dexterity’ project, aimed at enhancing robotic manipulation through AI-driven design and intelligent controllers. Their initiative will also include a 3D-printable robot platform for rapid prototyping and a testing center, potentially transforming human productivity with advanced robotic capabilities. |
Teenage boy stabbed near Bristol shopping centre - Avon and Somerset Police appeal for witnesses Police are appealing for witnesses following the stabbing of a teenage boy near a shopping centre in Bristol, raising community safety concerns. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as they investigate the incident and work to ensure public safety. |
No arrests made as over 100 protesters gathered at Bristol park Bristol Live - May 24, 2025 A protest in Castle Park, Bristol, on May 24 saw about 150 participants, including 50 protestors and 100 counter-protestors, as part of the nationwide Great British National Strike, which drew around 500,000 people across the UK. The event remained peaceful, with no arrests made, while attendees voiced concerns over issues like illegal immigration and net zero policies. |
Iconic Bristol beer festival returns with over 300 beers and live DJs Yahoo News - May 29, 2025 Join the celebration at the Bristol Craft Beer Festival from June 13 to June 14, marking its tenth year with over 300 beers from 50 top breweries, all-inclusive pours, live music, and gourmet food. Experience exclusive brews, a diverse lineup of artists, and culinary delights in a vibrant atmosphere that highlights creativity and community! |
Inaugural Forkbeard Fantasy Award winners announced Bristol UK - May 27, 2025 Forkbeard Fantasy, a groundbreaking performance group that thrived for fifty years, has closed its doors but left behind a rich legacy through their archive and an endowment fund for artists. Interdisciplinary duo China Blue Fish and Naomi Smyth are set to utilize this fund to develop a darkly comedic performance critiquing the idealized digital utopia of tech corporations, inspired by Forkbeard's innovative spirit. |
October trial for Bristol trio accused of Eddie Kinuthia's murder BBC News - May 27, 2025 Three men, Zachariah Young, Paul Hayden, and Cartell Williams, have been accused of murdering 19-year-old Eddie Kinuthia, who was fatally stabbed in July 2023 in Bristol. The trial is set to begin on October 6, 2023, at Bristol Crown Court. |
Bristol man's horror ordeal in African prison Bristol Live - May 27, 2025 After enduring over 100 days of harsh conditions in Guinea's Conakry Central Prison on espionage charges, Richard Perham and Paul Inch have been released, thanks to persistent efforts from UK officials. Their harrowing experience began on January 1, 2025, while on a work assignment, leaving them to miss precious moments with their loved ones. |
Sport
Bristol Bears
It boils down to a battle with Harlequins at Ashton Gate tomorrow at 3.05pm. The final game of a helter-skelter season for the brilliant but baffling Bears. They currently lie fourth in the English Rugby Premiership – good enough for a semi-final for now. But, with one match to play, a win is crucial. A big win might even secure a home tie. Coach Pat Lam has described the game against Quins as a quarter-final. No pressure lads. Just stand, scrummage, streak down the wings and bloody deliver for Bristol.
Cricket
Gloucestershire take on Kent Spitfires in the men’s Vitality Blast at Bristol’s Seat Unique Stadium at 7.00pm tonight. Teams to be announced following the coin toss. Followed by 20 overs each of, what we hope, will be batting ballistics and brutal bowling. Meanwhile, Somerset meet Surrey in the same competition at Taunton. They toss the coin at 6.30pm this evening.
St Mary Redcliffe Image by Andrew Martin from Pixabay
Property news
UK House Sales Take Over Twice as Long as US, New Analysis by Bridging Finance Shows Wjhl - Bridging Finance's new research reveals a growing demand for bridging loans among property investors and developers, highlighting their appeal as quick and flexible financing alternatives in a competitive market. The report also stresses the importance of understanding the associated risks in today’s fluctuating economic environment, aiming to guide clients through their financing options effectively. |
The 15 most expensive UK cities outside London to buy a house The Week UK - August 18, 2021 London leads the UK property market with an average house price over £530,000, while cities like Oxford and Cambridge also command high prices. In contrast, more affordable options can be found in Glasgow and Newcastle, highlighting a growing "north-south divide" in house price inflation across the country. |
1960s Bristol house transformed into magnificent award-winning home Bristol Live - May 24, 2025 Discover a stunning 1960s detached property in Westbury on Trym, Bristol, beautifully transformed with an award-winning extension and renovation. Featuring a striking exterior, spacious open-plan living areas, luxurious bathrooms, and clever design elements, this family-friendly home is now on the market for £1,200,000. |
Bristol council paying to rent homes from banned landlord The Bristol Cable - May 29, 2025 Bristol City Council is controversially spending over half a million pounds on emergency accommodation from landlord Naomi Knapp, who has been banned due to safety issues, by leasing her properties through a third-party provider. Despite efforts to regulate her, Knapp continues to profit while the council struggles to address the urgent housing crisis affecting thousands. |
E-bike fire leads to Bristol tower residents being asked to leave their homes Thefpa - On May 20, Avon Fire and Rescue Service bravely rescued ten residents from a fire in a Bristol block caused by an electric bike, leading to significant damage in one flat and water issues for many others. Efforts are underway to assess the situation and restore utilities as fire risks from lithium-ion battery charging continue to rise. |
Social homes trial for Bristol to help tackle ongoing housing crisis Bristol Live - May 29, 2025 Bristol is set to tackle the housing crisis with the launch of the Small Sites Aggregator initiative, backed by £3 million in government funding, aimed at developing social rent homes on underutilized council-owned land. This collaborative effort involves Bristol City Council and various partners, focusing on innovative building methods to expedite construction and support families facing long-term homelessness. |
The 7 cheapest properties for sale in Bristol right now Bristol Live - May 26, 2025 Bristol's property market may be challenging, but affordable options do exist! From a one-bedroom garden apartment in Highridge for £80,000 to investment opportunities in Fishponds and stylish flats priced at £100,000, there are great choices for first-time buyers and investors looking to make their mark in this vibrant city. |
The eyesore Bristol site finally for sale for £12m Bristol Live - May 29, 2025 The long-vacant Grosvenor Hotel site in Bristol, now partially demolished after a fire, is up for sale at over £12 million, with potential plans for student accommodation or a new hotel. Owner Nimish Popat has resisted offers from Bristol City Council amidst ongoing disputes, despite interest from several parties in this key location within the Temple Quarter regeneration area. |
Somerset village getting new bungalows to tackle housing crisis Somerset Live - May 28, 2025 Construction of 37 new homes in Banwell is set to begin this summer, with 29.7% designated as affordable housing and a focus on accessibility through 24 single-storey bungalows. The environmentally friendly development will include solar panels and air source heat pumps, while also enhancing local wildlife habitats. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Sundowners at The White Lion Terrace
All photos are credited to Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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