Bristol News by HANA - Edition 49
Bristol Bites: Fabulous Festivals
As the season shifts from heatwaves to cooler downpours, we say goodbye to Bristol’s festival season.
It’s a good time to reflect on how lucky we are to live in a city that provides such a rich and reliable summer of festivals. Pretty much every weekend the city puts on a show - the headline being the International Balloon Festival, but also includes Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol Pride, Upfest, Love Saves The Day and last weekend, Forwards Festival (record attendance of 60,000+).
Not forgetting the more niche festivals catering for every taste, from Afrofest, Festival of Nature, Bristol Sounds and Comedy Garden, to various food, craft beer, chocolate, and walking festivals.
Here at Hana News, we extend our thanks to all the organisers, volunteers and support staff who make our weekends so enjoyable. Thank you!
Now it’s time to pack away the sun cream and switch gears for an awesome autumn of rugby, football, cosy pubs and culture.
Bristol is many things, but never dull.
Mark Riley, CEO Hana News
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Databox
Forwards Festival in Bristol saw a rise in attendance from approximately 30,000 people in 2024 to about 60,000 in 2025. This marks a significant increase, essentially doubling the number of festival-goers year-on-year
The 2025 lineup included Grammy-winner Doechii, Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party (recent BRIT Award winners), Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Orbital, and many more.
A new dance tent, The Arches, debuted this year, featuring top DJs like Annie Mac, LTJ Bukem, and Jamz Supernova, drawing significant crowds and expanding the festival’s genres from live bands to electronic music
The festival added a growing and popular kids’ area, making it a more family-friendly event in 2025.
Late-night performances and artist development programs, such as those through Bristol Beacon and Big Team’s Next Level, kept the community aspect front and centre and nurtured the next wave of Bristol’s music talent.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Top News Stories in Bristol This Week
as chosen by our editors
Thatchers Cider enjoys record harvest due to heatwave Bbc - A producer has advanced the apple harvest by 10 days due to unseasonably warm weather, which may affect both the quantity and quality of the fruit. This decision highlights the profound impact of climate conditions on agricultural practices and timelines. |
Woman released after arrest at Bristol immigration protest BBC - August 24, 2025 A woman was arrested at an anti-immigration protest in Bristol for allegedly assaulting an emergency worker, but has since been released without serious injuries reported among police. The event concluded peacefully with a few additional arrests, and a dispersal order remained in place overnight to ensure order. |
Police clash with protesters in Bristol Sky News - In Bristol, protests calling for the abolition of the asylum system clashed with counter-protests from anti-racism activists, leading to tense confrontations and police intervention in Castle Park. This escalation underscores the ongoing debates around immigration policies and the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK. |
Immigration march met by large counter group Bbc - August 23, 2025 In Bristol, a small anti-immigration protest of 50 demonstrators faced off against around 250 counter-protesters in Castle Park, resulting in brief disturbances but no significant incidents, according to police. Authorities maintained a strong presence to ensure peace, while local leaders reiterated their support for asylum seekers amidst the tensions. |
Bristol Women's ultimate frisbee players help win Great Britain gold medal Bbc - August 26, 2025 The Bristol Women's Ultimate Frisbee team, featuring seven members who contributed to Great Britain's historic gold medal win at the European Championships, is now gearing up to defend their national title at the UKU National Ultimate Frisbee Championship in Nottingham. Co-captains Carla Link and Saskia Kantorowicz reflect on their pride in this achievement while looking ahead to competing for a medal at the world championships in 2027. |
Bristol saw hundreds more births than deaths last year Yahoo News - August 26, 2025 Bristol's population is thriving with a natural increase of 1,574 residents from last year, in stark contrast to the South West region's overall decline. Meanwhile, South Gloucestershire shows positive growth, while North Somerset faces challenges with a significant drop in births relative to deaths. |
August: Ivan Lewis student story After witnessing devastating floods in Kathmandu, anthropology student Ivan has initiated a vital community safety and response plan to aid residents, raising over £1,000 for first aid supplies and training. Supported by the University of Bristol’s Turing Scheme, Ivan's project underscores the power of collective efforts in building resilient communities against future disasters. |
Prisoner trapped on abolished indefinite jail term took his own life after government refused to resentence him The Independent - August 27, 2025 Keith Gadd, a 60-year-old prisoner who served nearly 13 years beyond his original IPP sentence, tragically died by suicide at HMP Bristol, highlighting the critical failures in mental health support and the ongoing crisis faced by Indeterminate Sentenced Prisoners. His case underscores the urgent need for reform in the treatment of IPP inmates, as campaigners call for resentence measures to address the despair affecting many in similar situations. |
Cosy Bristol pub is named the most exclusive restaurant in the UK Mail Online - August 25, 2025 The Bank Tavern in Bristol has skyrocketed to international fame, now ranked as the sixth most exclusive restaurant in the world, celebrated for its exquisite roast dinners and a year-long waiting list. With only seven tables and a menu that changes weekly, this acclaimed venue offers a unique dining experience fueled by local ingredients and community contributions. |
Bristol e-scooter chaos tackled with ban but locals say 'nothing will change' Yahoo News - August 27, 2025 Bristol Live readers express scepticism over new measures aimed at improving e-scooter safety and parking, including designated bays and a crackdown on tandem riding, as concerns about enforcement and the persistent obstruction of pavements remain prevalent. While some suggest innovative solutions like enforcement cameras, anecdotes highlight ongoing issues with policing illegal riders and the dangers posed by multiple passengers on single scooters. |
Knowle West shooting: Police investigate threats to resident Bbc - August 22, 2025 Avon and Somerset Police are investigating a shooting incident on Donegal Road in Knowle West, Bristol, where a suspect fired at a house and threatened the occupant early Friday morning, causing property damage but no injuries. The police are actively seeking information and evidence from the public, including dashcam or doorbell footage. |
Sport
Fulham cruise past Bristol City in Carabao Cup BBC Sport - August 26, 2025 Fulham cruised to a 2-0 victory over Bristol City in the Carabao Cup, with an own goal from George Tanner and Raul Jimenez's strike sealing the win. Despite a late push from Bristol, Fulham's dominance ensured their progression to the third round. |
Property news
'I tried Bristol's newest sauna - hidden in a car park in an industrial area' Yahoo News - August 24, 2025 Discover Wild Sauna, a new sanctuary in Fishponds, East Bristol, offering a unique space for relaxation amidst nature, complete with cold plunges and a vibrant community atmosphere. Experience the invigorating benefits of sauna culture while enjoying affordable access to wellness and meaningful conversations. |
Build to Rent for Private Landlords: Is it Worth it? Property Notify - August 26, 2025 The UK's Build to Rent (BTR) sector is rapidly expanding, with over 141,000 operational units and a pipeline exceeding 300,000, driven by rising demand from younger tenants and significant investment projections of £6 billion by 2025. As development spreads beyond major cities like London and Manchester, Birmingham emerges as a key player in this growing market, highlighting promising opportunities for investors amid challenges such as construction costs. |
There is no ‘landlord exodus’ – for now Property118 - August 25, 2025 Despite the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, which seeks to abolish 'no-fault' evictions, a recent report from Benham and Reeves shows no mass exodus of landlords from England's Private Rental Sector; instead, rental stock has surged by 23.5%, with Bristol seeing an impressive 79.1% increase in available properties, although some regions like Herefordshire face significant declines that may indicate deeper economic challenges. |
Plans for hundreds of homes near Bristol Temple Meads given green light Business Live - August 28, 2025 Bristol City Council has greenlit the Iron Works project at Silverthorne Lane, set to deliver 434 new homes and vibrant amenities near Bristol Temple Meads station, including workspace, dining options, and a waterside walkway. This development is part of a larger initiative in the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, which will also feature offices, student housing, and a new secondary school by 2029. |
Planning application lodged for new sauna at popular swimming lake in Bristol A new planning application for a sauna at a popular swimming lake in Bristol aims to enhance the lakeside experience, offering a unique relaxation option alongside existing outdoor activities. This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to promoting wellness and community engagement while encouraging local feedback on developments that enrich public spaces. |
Woman buying house saved from making 'huge mistake' thanks to little-known hack Bristol Live - August 25, 2025 Lisa's TikTok hack revealed how she and her partner retracted their home offer after discovering concerning posts about the neighborhood on Facebook, highlighting the importance of thorough research in the home-buying process. She emphasized that potential buyers should be mindful of what sellers share online, as these insights can reveal critical red flags. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
All photos are credited to source articles or Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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