Bristol News by HANA - Edition 65
Bristol Bites: unseasonable strikes and a nefarious night at the museum
Before we focus on the bad news, let’s dwell on the Yuletide run-up. I’d like to say it’s all about those smiling faces as youngsters open their presents. But, for me, it’s about stuffing my own smiling face full of Christmas pudding and brandy butter. Then falling asleep in front of a James Bond movie, having missed the King’s Speech because the roasties needed another five minutes.
Back to the bad news. Junior doctors have gone on strike (the new nomenclature of ‘resident’ doctors is both pointless and pompous. I used to be known as a ‘journalist’, but I now identify as a ‘writer in residence’, as it sounds better at dinner parties, to which I am rarely invited.
The strike will impact the otherwise excellent Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI). It will place a strain on wider Bristol services as we approach a flu-ridden Christmas. Apparently, there will be picket lines.
How terrifying. The sight of fresh-faced men and women in white coats demanding more money. Some of us are old enough to remember the miners’ strike of the mid-1980s, when picket lines really were scary. Grizzled men in donkey jackets. Misled, perhaps. But certainly not privileged, middle-class quacks bleating for pay rises way in excess of what anyone else expects.
Those doctors who work at the BRI and other hospitals around our nation have been poorly led by the British Medical Association (BMA). The miners had, at least, a degree of public support back in the 80s. The doctors have virtually zero public support. They and the BMA had the chance to postpone these strikes (which they are entitled to stage) until the New Year, when the flu threat begins to dissipate. Shame on you. It will take most Bristolians and the broader British public a long time to forgive you. Train strikes are a pain in the backside. Hospital strikes, at this time of year, are life-threatening.
Back to Christmas. Bristol’s main Christmas Market at Broadmead in the city centre runs until 23 December. So get down there pronto to avoid disappointment. There are “German-style” (the mind boggles) stalls, including bars serving Gluhwein and hot chocolate (no mention of Christmas pud, though).
Merry Christmas to all our loyal readers. Your Bristol Bites newsletter will be back on 2 January, following a (largely undeserved) festive break.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
It’s the economy, stupid.” That was the catchphrase coined by strategist James Carville during Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 US presidential campaign.
And the state of our local economy in Bristol will dominate people’s thoughts, particularly during this expensive time of year.
Thanks to the Office for National Statistics, we can provide a ‘ham and eggs’ snapshot.
Employment
Economic inactivity rate. Bristol 20.8%, the same as the national local authority average in 2023.
Employment rate. Bristol 76.1%, slightly lower than the national local authority rate of 76.6% in 2023.
Pay and income
Gross disposable income per household. Bristol £24,696, better than the national local authority average of £23,192 in 2023.
Gross median weekly pay. Bristol £671, better than the national local authority average of £629 in 2025.
Children in relative poverty. Bristol 23.0%, much worse than the national local authority average of 18.9% in 2024.
Productivity
Gross value added per hour worked. Bristol £36.6, lower than the national local authority average of £38.1 in 2023.
Gross Domestic Product per head. Bristol £47, 148, significantly better than the national local authority average of £31,333 in 2023.
Business
Active businesses (number of enterprises). 19,935, hugely in excess of the national local authority average of 5,775 in 2024.
Business births. Bristol 11.0%, slightly higher than the national local authority average of 10.4% in 2024.
Business deaths. Bristol 10.4%, slightly worse than the national local authority average of 9.5% in 2024. Perhaps unsurprising, given the sheer volume of Bristol businesses.
High-growth businesses. Bristol 6.3% comfortably better than the national local authority average of 4.4% in 2024.
So, economically, Bristol is doing pretty well in relative terms. Business appears to be booming. But let’s keep an eye on that child poverty stat. Let’s not see a mild concern turn into a crisis.
Source: ONS
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Best Articles From Bristol This Week
as chosen by our editors
Delaying news of high-value museum raid 'helps thieves' Bbc - December 12, 2025 In September, around 600 artefacts were stolen from Bristol Museum's British Empire and Commonwealth collection, raising concerns over the delayed announcement, which could aid criminals in selling the items. Experts emphasise the urgent need for public awareness and highlight the ongoing challenges museums face in protecting their collections amid funding cuts. |
Bristol city council to give van dwellers temporary sites in affluent areas The Guardian - December 16, 2025 Bristol City Council, led by the Green Party, plans to open 250 temporary pitches for vehicle dwellers in affluent neighbourhoods, addressing equity concerns after protests from wealthy homeowners. This initiative aims to improve living conditions for those forced into vehicles due to high housing costs, featuring amenities like fresh water and rubbish collection. |
Bristol police find body in search for missing man Matthew Yahoo News - December 14, 2025 In a tragic development, police in Bristol have recovered a body during the search for 50-year-old Matthew, who had been missing since December 4. While formal identification is pending, authorities are treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious, with support being provided to his family. |
Bristol Castle Park: Second arrest after spate of attacks BBC News - December 15, 2025 A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a series of suspected homophobic attacks in Castle Park, Bristol, with investigations ongoing after a fifth assault on December 5 that left a victim requiring hospital treatment. Detective Superintendent Keith Smith stressed the police's commitment to public safety and their determination to tackle hate crimes. |
December: Bayeux Tapestry could have been originally designed as mealtime reading for medi Bristol Uni - December 15, 2025 Professor Benjamin Pohl from the University’s Department of History has proposed that the Bayeux Tapestry may have been designed in the refectory of St Augustine’s Abbey in Canterbury, challenging traditional views on its exhibition. His research, published in Historical Research, explores the tapestry's intended audience and narrative, as it prepares for its first return to the UK in nearly 1,000 years at the British Museum next year. |
Pedestrian taken to hospital with serious injuries after South Bristol crash Bristol Live - December 18, 2025 A pedestrian was seriously injured in a crash on Bishopsworth Road, South Bristol, on December 18, prompting police to close the road for investigation. Witnesses and those with dashcam footage are urged to contact the police with information. |
London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol: Speed Camera Glitch Hits Drivers Hard – What This Means for Your Travel in the UK and How to Avoid Wrong Fines Travel And Tour World - December 16, 2025 A software glitch in England's speed camera system has wrongfully fined approximately 2,650 drivers since 2021, leading to £100 charges and three penalty points for many. National Highways is working with police to identify affected motorists and establish a compensation scheme, urging drivers to verify any fines received during this period. |
Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2025, day 16: Suicide Prevention UK Bristol24/7 - December 15, 2025 Suicide Prevention UK, founded in 2018 by Michael Everett after a tragic loss, offers crucial support to individuals in crisis through trained volunteers patrolling high-risk areas. Expanding from Bristol to Bath and Wales, the charity emphasizes early intervention and community collaboration, making a significant impact in saving lives. |
The mother who unites a community around her cooking in Bristol The Standard - December 17, 2025 Meriam, a resilient young mother from Ethiopia, transformed her life in the UK with the support of ACH and now runs a thriving café in Bristol, serving authentic Ethiopian dishes while creating a welcoming space for newcomers. Inspired by her mother's culinary traditions, she fosters community connections and offers a taste of home to her diverse clientele. |
Bristol records highest homeless rate in South West Yahoo News - December 14, 2025 Bristol is grappling with a homelessness crisis, with 4,390 residents affected and a five percent increase in the wider South West region, driven by a shortage of social housing and rising rents. Urgent calls for policy changes and increased investment in affordable housing are essential to help families escape inadequate temporary accommodations as Christmas approaches. |
Sport
Bristol Bears
Pau? Pah! Based near the Pyrenees, the French Top 14 side are currently second in their league - admirable in an ultra-tough premier division in European rugby.
But they were humbled by the brilliant Bears. Sunday’s 61-12 victory at Ashton Gate in the Investec Champions Cup included nine tries. The Gate was in raptures.
The Great Genge - prop and peerless pile-driver of a player - began the try-fest within the first minute. Scrum-half Kieran Marmion was also on the scoresheet once again. Marmion has been superb at No9 in place of the mercurial (but injured) Harry Randall. Happy Harry is due back before the end of the year.
There was some chatter about Pau fielding an under strength side. But the Bears were robbed of the lightning pace of Louis Rees-Zammit at the last moment, due to a calf issue, so the Bears were under strength, too. Had LRZ made the field, nine tries could well have been 10 or 12. Only downside? Our hideous European jersey. Barely acceptable for a night out in Ibiza. Definitely not acceptable at the Gate. Blue and white hoops, please. Full stop.
Next up? A trip to London tomorrow night to face Harlequins in the English Premiership (6pm). Quins lie in eighth, with Bristol in sixth. A win for the Bears could see them rise to second, depending on an extremely fortuitous set of results in other fixtures.
Bristol City
The Robins really are making hard work of matters. A 1-0 away defeat against league leaders Coventry City last weekend was no disgrace. In fact, they put in a decent performance. But the fact is, the men in red are now drifting away from the Championship promotion playoff places.
Four points off the playoffs doesn’t sound disastrous at this stage of the season. But, lying 11th in the table, City have at least five teams ahead of them in the race to the top six.
Championship champagne?
6th Hull City: 34 points
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7th Stoke City: 33 points
8th Leicester City: 31 points
9th QPR: 31 points
10th Southampton 30 points
11th Bristol City: 30 points
Next up for the Robins? Home to second placed Middlesbrough tomorrow at 3pm. Win it and the Gate will be bouncing. Lose it and City are looking at mid-table mediocrity.
Bristol Rovers
The numbers rarely lie in league football. And the numbers for Rovers are rubbish. They lie in a relegation spot (23rd place in League Two). They ‘boast’ the worst goal difference in the division (minus 23). They have won just five out of 20 league games. Much misery at The Mem, especially after the 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Swindon Town last Saturday. The loss saw manager Darrell Clarke shown the door. An unwanted club record of 10 straight league defeats meant Darrell was doomed.
His successor is Steve Evans. Rotherham sacked Scotsman Evans in March. His main achievement since then has been shedding an impressive seven stone to get himself fit. His next task is to pick a team fit to wear the Rovers shirt against Crewe Alexandra away tonight at 7.45pm
Pirates in peril
21st Crawley: 18 points
22nd Harrogate: 17 points
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23rd Bristol Rovers: 17 points
24th Newport County: 13 points
Property news
Huge student scheme to be built at Bristol's Brabazon following £119m deal A significant student accommodation project with over 1,000 beds is set to be developed in Brabazon new town, South Gloucestershire, to meet the growing demand for student housing and support local universities. This initiative aims to create a vibrant community while boosting the local economy by attracting students and offering a variety of residential, commercial, and recreational facilities. |
Avamore Capital arranges £4.5m facility to support Bristol resi acquisition and refurb BE News - December 18, 2025 Avamore Capital has successfully secured a £4.5m funding facility for an experienced local investor in Clifton, Bristol, facilitating a complex property acquisition and refurbishment project. Despite challenges with loan-to-GDV ratios, the transaction demonstrates strong profitability potential and was completed efficiently thanks to the borrower’s solid track record and credible exit strategy. |
Bristol landlord due in court over allegations of fire safety failures A Bristol landlord and property management company are facing legal action over serious fire safety violations that allegedly jeopardized residents' lives. The case could have significant implications for fire safety regulations and tenant protections in the region as authorities investigate the extent of these alleged breaches. |
Watkin Jones acquires £100m Bristol PBSA site UK Property Forums - December 18, 2025 Watkin Jones and Maslow Capital have partnered to develop a £101.7 million student accommodation project in Bristol, featuring 484 beds and designed for sustainability with BREEAM Excellent, EPC B, and WiredScore Silver ratings. This site, just steps from Bedminster train station and close to the University of Bristol’s new campus, marks their second collaboration following a successful project in Glasgow. |
Watkin Jones, Maslow Capital partner on £102m Bristol student housing Watkin Jones plc and Maslow Capital have secured contracts for an impressive £102 million student accommodation project in London, aiming to enhance the city's housing options for students. This purpose-built development underscores a growing investment in educational infrastructure. |
Bristol Unpacked: Temple Quarter – can regeneration be inclusive? The Bristol Cable - December 15, 2025 In the latest episode of Bristol Unpacked, host Lyn Garner discusses the transformative Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration scheme, which aims to revitalise underutilised land around Temple Meads station while addressing housing, jobs, education, and transport needs in underserved communities. Garner, a seasoned regeneration expert, also tackles concerns about inclusivity and equity stemming from her previous work on urban development projects. |
Huge student scheme to be built at Bristol's Brabazon following £119m deal Business Live - December 18, 2025 A major student accommodation project featuring 1,514 beds is set to rise at Brabazon new town in South Gloucestershire, backed by a £119 million funding from Nomura. Scheduled for completion by autumn 2027, the development aims to foster a vibrant community with integrated residential, commercial, and retail spaces, addressing the growing demand from Bristol’s universities. |
'We've lost everything' says Bristol mum after devastating house fire Bristol Live - December 18, 2025 A family in Horfield, Bristol, was devastated when a fire destroyed their home just two weeks before Christmas, forcing them to flee with only their lives and one dog. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over £1,000 to support them as they recover from the loss of their belongings and cherished memories. |
What's happening to house prices? Which? - April 22, 2024 UK house prices showed a slight decline of 0.1% from September to October 2025, despite an annual increase of 1.7%, with first-time buyers facing a significant gap compared to home movers. As transaction volumes dipped and properties took longer to sell, the market exhibited mixed regional trends, highlighting the importance of exploring remortgaging options as fixed-term mortgages near their end. |
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Big festive highlights
Bristol Christmas Market, Broadmead (City Centre) – Running through to 23 December with 50+ wooden chalets, bars, food stalls, ski gondolas and VR sleigh ride; expect gifts, street food, mulled wine and Santa appearances most days.
Christmas at the Spiegeltent, Harbourside – Temporary riverside big top (until 21 December) with circus, cabaret, magic, live bands and themed party nights like Symphonica: Ibiza Classics and Bridgerton‑style candlelit concerts, plus dinner options.
WILD: The Drone Light Show, Seat Unique Stadium (Gloucestershire CCC) – New outdoor drone show 20–23 December: 600 drones creating animal “worlds” in the night sky with sound design; billed as a family‑ and pet‑friendly alternative to fireworks, ticketed with timed evening slots.
Concerts, carols and culture
Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight, Bristol Cathedral – Friday 19 December, 21:00–22:00: orchestral/ensemble performances of film‑score Christmas favourites in the cathedral by candlelight, ticketed, central BS1.
Seasonal programme at St George’s Bristol & other venues – St George’s is running a Christmas season of candlelit carols, family concerts and folk/classical shows across December; several events fall on this weekend and are bookable online.
Bristol Beacon events – The Beacon’s December listings include choral Christmas concerts (e.g. Bristol Choral Society) and a Festive Family Gig on Saturday 20 December in Beacon Hall, aimed at children and families with seasonal music and activities (check the “What’s On – all events” page for exact times and tickets).
Gigs, club nights and nightlife
Headfirst Bristol & Skiddle listings – City‑wide gig and club schedules are dense this weekend, with live bands, DJ nights and warehouse parties across venues; both sites list all shows and ticket links, and are the best way to see specific genres and late‑night options by day.
Streets of Soul Xmas Party, The Full Moon & Attic Bar – Friday 19 December: Christmas soul party featuring Schaeffer Mclean and guests at Stokes Croft’s Full Moon & Attic Bar, tickets via FIXR.
Ongoing club nights – Dedicated club‑night listings show multiple Christmas specials and “Xmas parties” on Saturday 20 December, with times, DJs and prices for each event.
Family‑friendly activities
City‑wide Christmas experiences – Visit West’s festive round‑up highlights light trails at Ashton Court and Old Down, winter attractions, Santa experiences and more running through this weekend, many with pre‑booked time slots.
Kids Christmas Shindig / disco events – Family Christmas discos like “Christmas Shindig” with Party Peeps offer daytime or early‑evening kids’ parties with music, activities and snacks; advance booking via Eventbrite is typical.
All photos are credited to source articles or Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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