Bristol News by HANA - Edition 42
Bristol Bites: Loud and Proud 🏳️🌈
The sun may be beating down, but rainbows will dominate Bristol this weekend because it’s Pride time. The parade, festivities and food will showcase the city at its best – a celebration of inclusivity and love.
That the event is so popular should come as no surprise. More than 6% of Bristolians aged over 16 identify as LGB+. That’s nearly double the proportion in the rest of England and Wales. Bristol – the Rainbow City.
Bristol’s reputation for academic excellence and innovation continues to grow apace. The Complete University Guide ranks 27 Bristol University subjects in the top 10, with engineering rating particularly highly. And following the Anglo-French summit, Bristol’s Centre for Supercomputing and France’s GENCI have formed a partnership to enhance AI research in a range of areas, including cybersecurity.
The van-dwelling issue continues to be a major problem. Labour MP Darren Jones has criticised Bristol City Council for its slow progress in tackling van dwelling on the Downs. The City Council now plans to create 250 temporary pitches by this autumn.
The sweltering heat has prompted Bristol Water to close the Cheddar Reservoir until Monday, amid safety concerns. Temperatures could well exceed 30 degrees in a facility with no natural shade.
On that subject, those attending Pride should be mindful of the sun. So put on your sun hats, don your sunglasses and slap on the sun lotion. And have lots of fun.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
Make Bristol an even better community - share Bristol by Hana with friends and family for a more informed and better run city - local news and views you can use - forward this link for instant sign up
Databox
Happy Pride Weekend! 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
6.1% of Bristol’s population aged 16+ identify as LGB+, nearly double the England and Wales average of 3.2%
23,649 people aged 16 and over in Bristol identified as LGB+ in the 2021 Census, ranking Bristol 5th nationally for LGB+ population size
0.8% of Bristol’s population aged 16+ identify as trans, higher than the national average of 0.5%
70% of LGB+ people in Bristol are aged 16–34, compared to 39% of the total population in that age group
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Bristol News
Bristol Pride 2025: What you need to know about parade and festival BBC News - July 8, 2025 Bristol will host a vibrant Pride event featuring a walking parade that starts at Castle Park and culminates at the Harbourside Amphitheatre, followed by a festival with over 200 performers, including headliner Allie X. The celebration emphasizes love and diversity while offering free shuttle buses for attendees with wristbands. |
Clifton Down vans 'not acceptable,' says Bristol North West MP BBC News - July 4, 2025 Labour MP Darren Jones has raised concerns over the presence of over 100 caravans on Clifton Down, criticizing the slow progress of Bristol City Council's response. He urges for better data collection from van dwellers and the establishment of more temporary accommodation sites to address the needs of both the community and those living in vehicles. |
Bristol van dwellers to be offered council pitches BBC News - July 10, 2025 Bristol City Council plans to address the growing number of van dwellers by creating 250 temporary pitches on "meanwhile sites" this autumn, following a petition from residents concerned about parked vans on The Downs. The initiative will provide essential services for a small fee, offering a solution for those facing high housing costs. |
London Joins with Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Bristol as Heatwave Hits UK: Here is the New Information, Find Out Now Travel And Tour World - July 9, 2025 Britain is bracing for a heatwave this week, with temperatures soaring to 32°C in major cities like London, Bristol, and Cardiff. The UK Health Security Agency urges vulnerable groups to take precautions as rising temperatures may disrupt travel and public health. |
The 13 shows coming to Bristol Hippodrome for one night only this year, including Brian Cox Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring a diverse lineup of world-class actors, comedians, and tribute performers, as they celebrate the artistry of beloved entertainers through humor, drama, and music. This exciting event promises to honor the legacy of iconic figures in the entertainment industry while delivering captivating performances that will leave audiences inspired. |
Bristol Harbour Festival: What to expect from this year's event BBC News - July 10, 2025 Join the excitement at the Bristol Harbour Festival from July 18-20, 2025, featuring an incredible lineup of music acts like The Longest Johns and Harmer Jays, alongside vibrant cultural celebrations and entertainment across the city's iconic waterfront. Enjoy the festival's eco-friendly travel options and don't miss the return of the stunning tall ship Galeon Andalucia! |
Bristol made it onto Great British Architecture:
Reservoir closed to the public due to 'extreme heat' warning Bristol Live - July 8, 2025 Bristol Water has announced the closure of Cheddar Reservoir from Thursday, July 10, to Monday, July 14, due to safety concerns during an expected heatwave, urging visitors to plan alternative activities. With temperatures possibly exceeding 30°C and high pollen and UV levels, it's essential to stay informed and take precautions for your health this summer. |
Lidl evacuated after fire in Bristol city centre BBC News - July 9, 2025 Lidl on Union Street was evacuated due to a small fire on the first floor that broke out at 12:04 BST, but thanks to the swift response from Avon Fire and Rescue Service, it was quickly contained with no injuries reported. The store is currently closed but plans to reopen soon, while the surrounding streets are expected to reopen shortly as well. |
Only in Bristol - a funeral for a nightclub
'Important' phone from gay helpline on display at Bristol Museum Bbc - A historic phone from a helpline that supported thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals from 1975 to 2012 is now on display, highlighting the importance of support systems during a time of limited rights and stigma. This exhibit educates visitors about the history of LGBTQ+ activism and the ongoing need for advocacy and inclusivity. |
'Dire state' of Bristol river slammed as council set to spend £18.7m The council faces an urgent crisis as the New Cut riverbank rapidly erodes, threatening local infrastructure and ecosystems. Immediate action is needed to assess the situation and develop sustainable mitigation strategies involving community engagement and environmental expertise. |
Bristol riding charity targeted in suspected arson attack BBC News - July 10, 2025 The Avon Centre, a cherished riding charity in Henbury, Bristol, is reeling from a suspected arson attack that destroyed nearly four acres of hay essential for feeding its horses and funding programs. A fundraising page has been launched to help replace the lost hay, quickly raising nearly £3,000 to support their mission of aiding individuals with disabilities through horseback riding. |
Bristol HIV support group helping women live with virus BBC News - July 9, 2025 Leaders of Positive Women South West, a Bristol-based support group for women living with HIV, are encouraging more people to get tested while offering vital services like yoga and confidence-building workshops to around 50 members. Founder Bonnie Holt, with over 30 years in the HIV sector, emphasizes the need to combat stigma and foster open conversations about the virus, as highlighted by member Sarah's journey after her diagnosis. |
Gromit Unleashed - how many have you seen?
27 Bristol subjects in UK top 10, says Complete University Guide Bristol Uni - July 10, 2025 The Complete University Guide 2026 showcases Bristol University's impressive rankings, particularly in Engineering, where programs like Engineering Design and Aerospace Engineering are top-rated in the UK. The guide highlights the rigorous assessment of 155 institutions, emphasizing factors such as student satisfaction and research quality that underscore the high standards of UK higher education. |
UK And Turkey Forge Stronger Travel Links As Pegasus Airlines Launches Direct Flights From Bristol To Istanbul, Unlocking Seamless Access To Over 150 Global Destinations Travel And Tour World - July 8, 2025 Pegasus Airlines is set to launch a new nonstop service between Bristol Airport and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport starting July 8, 2025, operating three times weekly. This route aims to enhance travel accessibility for business travelers, holidaymakers, and the Turkish diaspora, while bolstering tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the UK and Türkiye. |
UWE Professor pushing for more diversity within academia BBC News - July 7, 2025 Emmanuel Adukwu, a microbiology professor at the University of the West of England, found inspiration to pursue academia after seeing a black associate professor present at a conference in the US, highlighting the need for greater diversity in higher education. In response, UWE and the University of Bristol aim to boost academic staff representation to 20% by 2030, alongside Universities UK's commitment to fostering inclusive environments. |
Taine Anderson: Bristol City left-back joins Cheltenham on loan BBC Sport - July 7, 2025 Cheltenham Town has secured a loan deal for 19-year-old left-back Taine Anderson from Bristol City for the 2025-26 season, with manager Michael Flynn highlighting his technical prowess and speed. After overcoming injury setbacks, Anderson is set to build his fitness in preparation for the upcoming season starting August 2. |
Bristol HIV support group helping women live with virus BBC News - July 9, 2025 Leaders of Positive Women South West, a Bristol-based group supporting women living with HIV, are advocating for increased testing to save lives. With activities ranging from yoga to confidence-building workshops, the organization provides vital support to around 50 women, including Sarah, who shares her inspiring journey and the importance of open discussions about HIV. |
UK Export Finance backs Bristol tech firm revolutionising automotive industry GOV.UK - July 6, 2025 Bristol-based simulation firm Dynisma has landed a €10.7 million export contract with a European client, bolstered by UK Export Finance and NatWest, as part of its strategic expansion in the automotive sector. The company continues to drive innovation in motion simulation technology, creating high-skilled jobs and enhancing the efficiency of vehicle development for leading manufacturers like McLaren and Ferrari. |
83-year-old Bristol priest arrested for being a pacifist Bristol24/7 - July 6, 2025 Reverend Sue Parfitt, an 83-year-old retired priest, was among 27 arrested for peacefully protesting against the UK government's proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The ban has drawn criticism from figures like Green Party MP Carla Denyer and Amnesty International, raising concerns over civil liberties amid escalating tensions surrounding recent protests. |
Bristol man jailed for 'cruel' rape of woman 20 years ago BBC News - July 7, 2025 David Watson-Williams, 43, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for raping a woman in her bed over two decades ago, following the victim's recent report to police. In a powerful court statement, she shared how his actions profoundly impacted her life, forcing her to abandon her home and live with lasting trauma. |
UK-France Summit: University of Bristol to lead a supercomputing partnership with France Bristol - July 10, 2025 The University of Bristol's Bristol Centre for Supercomputing and France's GENCI have launched a partnership to enhance AI research across diverse fields, including materials science and cybersecurity. This collaboration will include knowledge sharing, training programs, and innovative approaches like federated learning, aiming to strengthen the European AI landscape. |
Bristol graduate overcomes life-changing injuries to fulfil dream of becoming a doctor Bristol - July 8, 2025 After a life-changing motorbike accident at 17, Paul overcame years of recovery and chronic pain to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, graduating from the University of Bristol at 32. His inspiring journey of resilience and determination reflects his passion for medicine and commitment to making a difference in healthcare. |
Property news
Discover how much an average terraced house in Bristol will cost in 2045 To buy a terraced house in Bristol by 2045, projected to cost around £570,000 due to a 3% annual growth rate, it's essential to start saving early for a deposit of approximately £57,000. Setting a clear savings strategy now can help you achieve your homeownership goal in the future. |
Demand for refurbished office spaces set to surge in Bristol as refurbs challenge new builds on rent prices across UK The gap between prime office spaces and refurbished workspaces is closing, as businesses increasingly opt for modern, flexible environments that offer competitive pricing and attractive amenities. This trend reflects a growing demand for cost-effective solutions in response to evolving workforce preferences and hybrid work models. |
Strong demand for UK student housing as university applications grow, says Unite Business Live - July 8, 2025 Unite, a leading UK student housing provider, is experiencing increased demand with a 2% rise in university applications and a 29% surge in student visa applications for the upcoming academic year. Despite current occupancy at 85%, the company targets a return to 97-98% by year-end, projecting rental growth of 4-5% amidst a slight increase in portfolio value. |
Office building could be converted to storage UK Property Forums - July 7, 2025 Vanguard Storage Services plans to transform the vacant 54,000 sq ft Eurasia House in Maidenhead into a state-of-the-art self-storage facility, enhancing the site with electric vehicle charging stations and solar panels. The project aims to retain existing parking and bike spaces while revitalizing the property that has stood empty since 2023. |
Bristol office rents rise to record levels amid city centre property demand Business Live - July 9, 2025 Demand for office space in Bristol city centre has surged, driving rents to a record £49 per sq ft, with 45 deals completed in the first half of 2025 despite critically low supply. Experts warn of a potential "severe shortage" in the coming years unless new developments are initiated, highlighting the resilience of occupiers and the market's confidence amid rising rents. |
Fears as new homes set to be built on edge of Bristol... 'soon we will have no green land at all' Bristol Live - July 8, 2025 Taylor Wimpey plans to develop approximately 100 new homes on Green Belt land in Bishopsworth, Bristol, sparking concerns among locals about the loss of green space and increased traffic, with critics urging a focus on available brownfield sites instead. The proposed development aims to include 35% affordable housing and enhance local connectivity, but many residents fear it could compromise the area's character and exacerbate existing infrastructure strains. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Sundowners at The White Lion Terrace
All photos are credited to Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
This newsletter was partly curated and summarised by AI agents, who can make mistakes. Check all vital information.
For any issues or inaccuracies, please notify us here
View our AI Ethics Policy