Bristol News by HANA - Edition 46
Bristol Bites: Balloons and football. Both prone to hot air, high spirits, soaring ambition and occasional deflation
Up, up, up and away! Our beloved Bristol skyline is now peppered with giant multi-coloured jelly tots, making kids realise that their parents are quite smart about taking them to cool stuff once in a while.
Our balloon fiesta is airborne and runs until Sunday, 10 August. It needs your help, though. Events as spectacular as these need your support to stay in our super skies. Ballooning is in so many ways the reason that travel over vast distances was made possible and inspired further innovation in transportation. Put simply, if a bag full of hot air can go that far, how far can we go?
Ballooning is a tricky thing to pull off. Wind and weather can scupper the best laid plans. So why not help by purchasing a car parking ticket, jumping on the shuttle bus, digging into some excellent hospitality and adding to that Bristol vibe.
Visit: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk for further details.
Housing. Sorry, councillor. Did you not hear me? I could resort to what once passed as a passable baritone, but I fear for your cloth ears. I have resisted the temptation to describe Bristol’s housing situation as a crisis. Until now. From van dwellers to illegal caravan encampments to uninhabitable, vermin-infested, crumbling so-called housing. Well, listen up, you mutton jeff morons. History will judge you. Unkindly. And this correspondent plans to kick your slack butts off those ill-deserved sun loungers and golf club stools and into the council chamber. Work and public service? Or did we all put an X in a box pointlessly?
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
The first mass ascent of 2025 as seen from The Observatory this morning
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Databox
Ballooning numbers
A Bristol Tradition: Founded in 1979, what began as a local experiment by balloonist Don Cameron has become one of Europe’s largest hot air balloon festivals, currently attracting crowds nearing half a million over its 3-day run.
Community Power: Over 2,000 people, many as volunteers, help stage the event each year. Nightglow, crowd-pleasing aerobatics, family activities, and local food stalls ensure there’s something for everyone.
Economic Impact: The festival is a significant driver for the region, contributing £14.7–£22.2million to the city’s economy each year, much of which is "new expenditure" that wouldn’t occur without the Fiesta.
source BBC
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Bristol News
Hi there, councillor. Sorry to intrude upon your G&T and nap time. But might time out of your hectic schedule to read this story
Number of empty homes on the rise across England Bbc - August 6, 2025 Residents of Bristol's St Werburgh's neighbourhood are increasingly alarmed by a dilapidated, rat-infested house that has become a hotspot for crime, reflecting a broader crisis of over 700,000 empty homes in England. Efforts are underway to transform vacant properties into affordable housing, with initiatives like the Welsh Government's £50 million scheme and local charities working to address homelessness and revitalise communities. |
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Apple closes Bristol UK store without replacement The Apple Post - August 6, 2025 Apple is permanently closing its Bristol retail store near Cabot Circus, with no plans for a replacement, as part of major redevelopment efforts in the area. This marks an unusual move for the company, given that the store had not been modernised like its counterparts nearby. |
The Bristol Beat. Johnny Gurnett sings the story of his Bristol romance. Credit: Johnny Gurnett
New pop song about Bristol is inspired by one 'magical' night in the city Yahoo News - August 6, 2025 Johnny Gurnett, a rising music star from Essex now in Cardiff, has released his upbeat BritPop song "Bristol City", inspired by an unexpected romance at Bristol Pride 2024. The track showcases the city's vibrant atmosphere and features iconic locations in its music video, reflecting Gurnett's passion for storytelling and commitment to growing as an independent artist. |
Reminds me of my late grandfather’s workshop
Bristol campaigners tour UK in fight against river sewage BBC News - August 2, 2025 Bristol's Conham Bathing group is raising awareness against raw sewage discharges into the River Avon by creating a giant puppet named Avona, symbolising the river's rights. Collaborating with local artists, they aim to highlight the need for legal personhood for rivers, with Avona making appearances at events like the Green Man Festival and Bristol Aquarium for World Rivers Day. |
NTF and CATE awards Bristol - August 7, 2025 Professor Bruce Hood and Dr. Rabeya Khatoon have been honoured as National Teaching Fellows for their remarkable contributions to student learning, while Professor Kirsten Cater and her MyWorld Skills and Training Team received a Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence for their efforts in fostering inclusivity in education. These accolades celebrate the dedication and innovation of UK higher education professionals committed to enhancing the student experience. |
Another council spat in a city which prides itself on peace and harmony. Why can’t our elected representatives act like the Bristolians they purport to serve? Cool, calm and achingly chic.
Bristol councillor's 'school is like Hamas' remarks 'disgraceful and divisive' Yahoo News - August 5, 2025 Cllr Mohamed Makawi condemned Tory councillor Richard Eddy's "disgraceful" comparison of Cotham School’s leaders to Hamas, calling for a public apology and expressing solidarity with the school's diverse community. Eddy, who stood by his remarks despite backlash from local leaders, criticised Labour and Green councillors for their reactions, insisting his comments were justified. |
'Such a worrying incident': Bristol man charged after woman dragged off street walking to work in attack A man is set to appear before magistrates on Monday, August 4, following an incident in Bristol on Friday 1 August, with details about the charges yet to be revealed. The case mirrors ongoing legal proceedings in the area and could have significant implications for the local community. |
Thunderbirds are go!
Unmanned police helicopter tested in UK for first time Bbc - August 3, 2025 The UK has launched its first test of the Schiebel Camcopter S-100 unmanned police helicopter, which boasts flight times of up to 12 hours and a 90% reduction in emissions compared to crewed aircraft. Aimed at enhancing search operations for missing persons and collaborating with healthcare and infrastructure providers, these tests mark a significant step towards integrating advanced drone technology into public safety efforts. |
Yours for five quid and a chip butty
Van dwellers cleared from long-standing East Bristol site after allegations of threatening behaviour Bristol Live - August 5, 2025 Bristol City Council has successfully cleared a long-standing encampment of van dwellers near Ikea due to anti-social behaviour and threats to contractors, while also addressing similar issues at other city locations. Amid rising concerns from residents, the council plans to implement preventative measures to stop future encampments, as the number of live-in vehicles in Bristol has surged to around 650. |
Sat Navs can prove sub-optimal. Just ask the council. It’s been going round in circles for years
Bristol vans removed after 'evidence of drug dealing' BBC News - August 1, 2025 Bristol City Council is tackling drug dealing and anti-social behaviour by removing vehicles from Carlton Park and Tramways while developing a new policy to support vehicle dwellers amid high housing costs. The initiative includes creating temporary "meanwhile sites" with essential services for up to 250 residents, emphasising inclusivity and community engagement. |
Sport
Robins to face up to Blades (ko: 5.30pm, Sat 9 August)
City begin their Championship campaign (now officially the toughest league on the planet, according to experts and, er, me) away to Sheffield United. I would take an honourable draw at Bramall Lane against a half-decent Blades. Rock on you Robins!
Bristol City captain Jason Knight says the new style of play implemented by head coach Gerhard Struber will suit the squad. Struber wants to bring in a more aggressive, attacking-minded style this season since being appointed in June.
"I think we've definitely got the squad for it - we've got a young, hungry group that want to be aggressive, on the front foot and hopefully the fans will see that and the results will back it up," Knight told BBC Radio Bristol.
Property news
New suburb for South Bristol takes big step forward as huge field finally sold Yahoo News - July 31, 2025 Bristol is set to welcome a new suburb with the development of approximately 500 homes on a 26-acre site purchased by Allison Homes, paving the way for the Sporting Quarter at Ashton Gate, which includes an indoor arena and various amenities. After years of delays due to legal challenges and council issues, the project aims to create over 1,700 jobs and contribute nearly £23 million towards affordable housing while focusing on walkable streets and sustainability. |
The help available to first-time house buyers of which you've never heard Discover a captivating selection of homes, from elegant Georgian townhouses and luxurious penthouses with stunning views to quirky converted campervans and budget-friendly getaways, each offering unique charm and character. Find inspiration for your dream home or next adventure in this diverse range of stunning residences catering to all tastes and budgets. |
You can’t check it out… but you might never leave
'Dilapidated' house goes up for sale but buyers aren't allowed to see inside Bristol Live - August 3, 2025 A dilapidated two-bedroom house in St George is up for grabs at £140,000, significantly below the area's average of £327,083, but potential buyers face risks as viewings are not permitted and the property may have tenants. With no recent sale history and appliances untested, interested parties are warned that purchasing without a viewing is at their own peril. |
NHS worker Orima bags a Bristol beauty
What I Own: We bagged our dream £665,000 Bristol home with a cheeky discount Metro - August 2, 2025 Orima Kamalu and her husband, NHS workers who moved back to Bristol from London, successfully purchased their dream home in Westbury-On-Trym for £629,000, creatively blending traditional features with a modern aesthetic. With plans for future expansions and a commitment to community, they reflect on the rewarding yet complex journey of homeownership amidst evolving local dynamics. |
Womble Bond Dickinson and big tower. But remember, you might have Uncle Bulgaria, Wellington and Tomsk as neighbours, noisily rifling through things everyday folks leave behind
Cain & Olympian acquire St James House to deliver co Btrnews - A new report by Womble Bond Dickinson reveals a rapid increase in investment in the UK's Build to Rent sector, aligning with the government's goal of delivering 300,000 new homes annually. This growth presents a significant opportunity for the construction industry to address housing shortages and meet rising demand through strategic investment and development. |
Bib photography
Does the UK property market still offer investment opportunities? Descrier - August 6, 2025 The UK buy-to-let market faces challenges from rising mortgage rates, sluggish property growth, and stricter regulations, prompting investors to seek alternatives like REITs and P2P platforms, which offer attractive yields and tax advantages. Notably, P2P platforms such as Kuflink and Housemartin present opportunities for direct property investment with yields over 7%, outpacing most REIT options. |
One of Bristol's oldest family-run curry houses closes suddenly Yahoo News - August 6, 2025 After 44 years of serving quality Indian cuisine, Raj Pavillions in Horfield has permanently closed due to financial struggles. While the community mourns the loss of this cherished family-run restaurant, a new eatery, Pepes Piri Piri, is set to open in its place, bringing fresh flame-grilled chicken to the neighborhood. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Sundowners at The White Lion Terrace
Balloons over Bristol today
All photos are credited to source article or Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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