Bristol News by HANA - Edition 76
Bristol Bites: Walk on, morons
From our Editor,
Bristol Bites: Walk on, morons
A bunch of cretins, self-styled as the Bristol ‘Patriots’, attempted a march through the city last Saturday. A far-right mob of 40 deluded oafs determined to spread their poison.
They did not fare well. The ‘Patriots’ were well outnumbered by anti-fascist counter protesters. Plus a police presence of around 200. The cops ended up having to protect the hard nut nazis so they could get back to their mummies in one piece.
If ever there is a place to avoid goose stepping, it’s Bristol. It won’t make you popular. You lot chose the wrong place. This city is inclusive and liberal to its core. And long shall it remain.
Counterprotests are to be commended, although fisticuffs should be avoided. The best way of dealing with Nazis is to ridicule them. They hate not being taken seriously.
The late, great Spike Milligan perfected the art in his superb, sublime series of WW2 memoirs. Unlike the rabble in Bristol who gathered at the Cenotaph on St Augustine’s Parade, Spike actually fought in the war. North Africa and Italy with the Royal Artillery.
In his book “Adolf Hitler: My Part in his Downfall”, Milligan claimed comically that, having been dragged “kicking and screaming” to Victoria Station to travel for basic army training, he was also given a photograph of Hitler marked: “This is your enemy!”
Spike then wrote: “I searched every carriage but he wasn’t on the train.”
With people like Milligan on our side, no wonder we won. And the good people of Bristol are cut from similar cloth. Nazis can never prevail upon this blessed plot. There are too many decent folk around for that to happen.
International Women’s Day
Our friends at Smart Works Bristol, the charity which helps women into the workplace using clothing and coaching, hosted a brilliant event at the excellent Origin Workspace to mark IWD last week.
Pictured below are Imy Franklin, the inspirational leader of Smart Works Bristol (top left, centre) and speaker Jayde Adams - a comedian of some repute in a rather splendid pink jacket.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
This week we focus on kids - and whether Bristol nippers are eating healthily. The good news is the rascals appear to be munching in moderation.
Healthy weight prevalence in children at reception age
Bristol 77.1%, a little better than the national local authority average of 75.7% in 2025.
Healthy weight prevalence in children at Year 6 age
Bristol 63.4%, basically in line with the national local authority average of 63.2% in 2025.
Obesity prevalence in children at reception age
Bristol 9.8%, compared with a national local authority average of 10.2% in 2025. A tad slimmer than the rest of the country.
Obesity prevalence in children at Year 6 age
Bristol 20.8%, compared with a national local authority average of 21.5% in 2025. Not much in it, but still a positive stat for the city.
Overweight prevalence in children at reception age
Bristol 12.1%, compared with a national local authority average of 13.3% in 2025. That’s significantly lower than the rest of the country.
Overweight prevalence in children at Year 6 age
Bristol 14.5%, compared with a national local authority average of 13.9% in 2025. Something of an outlier, this one, given other positive stats.
Underweight prevalence in children at reception age
Bristol 0.9%, compared with a national local authority average of 1.0% in 2025. Not much in it but still a positive.
Underweight prevalence in children at Year 6 age
Bristol 1.2%, compared with a national local authority average of 1.4% in 2025. Not a huge difference, but still encouraging.
Conclusions? Well, Bristol scores better in all but one of these key metrics. Reasons? Who knows, but good parenting/guardianship springs to mind. Also, wealth. Bristol is relatively rich. Children can enjoy healthy eating and then get forced onto a decent football pitch or netball court to keep their exercise levels up.
Obesity is a killer. It’s as bad as smoking (COVID mortality stats proved that). Fat shaming in the playground is to be condemned. But encouraging our children to live healthy, happy lives should be not only our mission but our duty.
Source: Office for National Statistics
Scroll down for best of Instagram, sport, property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Best Articles From Bristol This Week
as chosen by our editors
Moment a Neo-Nazi shouts 'Heil Hitler' in middle of 'Bristol Patriots' march Bristol Live - March 10, 2026 During a recent 'Bristol Patriots' march, neo-Nazi Ryan Ferguson was recorded shouting anti-Semitic remarks at Jewish counter-protesters, leading to tensions and six arrests amidst a heavy police presence. The incident has sparked an investigation by Avon & Somerset police, with members of the 'Bristol Patriots' expressing frustration over the infiltration of far-right extremists within their ranks. |
Protester 'filmed shouting Nazi slogans' in Bristol march BBC News - March 12, 2026 Ryan Ferguson, a self-identified Neo-Nazi, was filmed hurling antisemitic abuse during a Bristol Patriots march, prompting backlash and a police investigation after clashes with around 200 counter-protesters led to six arrests. The Bristol Patriots distanced themselves from Ferguson's views, asserting that individual beliefs do not reflect the group's stance. |
Video shows police use batons on protesters trying to block 'Bristol Patriots' march Bristol Live - March 8, 2026 During a 'Bristol Patriots' march in Bristol city centre, police clashed with counter-protesters, using batons to manage escalating tensions as activists opposed the march's anti-extremism message. The event saw six arrests and ended with police redirecting participants back to the starting point amid ongoing disruptions. |
Two drivers dead after four-vehicle collision near Bristol Sky News - March 8, 2026 Two drivers tragically lost their lives in a four-vehicle collision on the A370 near Long Ashton, Bristol, on Saturday evening, prompting an ongoing investigation as authorities seek witnesses. The road remains closed while family liaison officers support the bereaved families. |
Joining with cities across the United Kingdom to stand against racism in all its forms. Bristol - In a powerful video released on March 6, leaders from major cities united to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among different cultures. Their message inspires citizens to appreciate the rich tapestry of communities that strengthen the nation's identity and foster social cohesion. |
Uniqlo Bristol opening will be next month, its first in South West England Uniqlo is set to open its first store in Bristol on April 16, marking a significant expansion in the UK retail market. Shoppers can look forward to a diverse selection of the brand's popular clothing and lifestyle products as they await more details about the store's features. |
Cabot Circus attack: Two more teens arrested over Bristol assault BBC News - March 9, 2026 Two teenagers, a 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, have been arrested in Bristol for their involvement in a hate crime attack on a teenage girl, with three others arrested shortly after; all have been released on bail as police investigate links to inciting online content. |
Bristol's St Patrick's Day celebrations - and why there won't be a parade this year Bristol Live - March 8, 2026 Bristol will not host a St. Patrick's Day parade for the second year in a row, but instead, a vibrant Irish cultural celebration will take place on March 15 at the Trinity Centre, featuring live music, dance, and workshops. Organisers of the long-standing festival are focusing on creating a more meaningful event amid financial challenges, encouraging support through donations to sustain future celebrations of Irish heritage. |
Best Of Instagram
Sport
Bristol Bears
A fallow week for The Bears, given the impending conclusion of the Six Nations. Last weekend, LRZ of Wales suffered an agonising 27-17 defeat against Ireland in Dublin. Genge’s England were put to the sword in Rome, Italy landing a famous 23-18 victory.
The Bears face Leicester Tigers on Sunday 22 March at their place.
Bristol City
The Robins are on a rotten run. Beware the Ides of March and all that, but this is already a miserable month for City. And it’s not even the 15th yet.
A humiliating 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup at the hands of lowly Port Vale was followed by a 2-0 loss at the Gate courtesy of Coventry City last Saturday. Table toppers, yes. But a home reverse is not the sign of a team gunning for a playoff place.
Things didn’t get any better. The Robins fell to The Foxes of Leicester City 2-0 on Tuesday night.
Three matches. Three defeats. No goals. City now lie 11th in the Championship table, seven points off the playoff places. Mid-table mediocrity appears the best hope for the men in red as league games run out.
Next up are Middlesbrough away on Saturday at 12.30pm. The Teesside boys are second. Expect a tough lunchtime for The Robins.
Bristol Rovers
Rovers are now nine points clear of the League Two relegation zone, thanks to 2-0 win away to Barrow on Tuesday night. Grim journey, great result.
The Pirates face stiffer opposition tomorrow at table topping Bromley. But the plank is in resting mode and survival looks likely.
Bristol Property News
Harrison Street sells Bristol PBSA investments UK Property Forums - March 12, 2026 Harrison Street Asset Management has sold two purpose-built student accommodation buildings in Bristol to Ottoway Portfolio Holdings, reflecting the strong demand for quality student housing. With this acquisition, Ottoway's UK student portfolio now exceeds 5,000 beds, showcasing HSAM's ongoing investment in the European PBSA market. |
Iran war cripples confidence in housing market Real estate agents are increasingly worried that declining buyer sentiment, fueled by rising interest rates and economic instability, could threaten the fragile recovery of the housing market. As they monitor trends closely, maintaining positive consumer confidence becomes crucial for sustaining sales and home prices. |
UK city property prices show diverging growth patterns PropertyWire - March 13, 2026 Property price growth in UK cities is slowing, with Belfast leading at 10.3% while Aberdeen faces a 6.1% decline; many areas, including Bristol and Oxford, have seen prices drop below 2022 levels due to rising interest rates and cost-of-living pressures. The analysis highlights that 14 out of 30 cities have experienced real-terms declines in property value since 2005. |
Bristol Council 60 flats plans slammed 'nowhere is sacred' Yahoo News - March 7, 2026 Bristol City Council's planning committee has approved a contentious plan for 60 new flats on Whiteladies Road, despite strong opposition from nearby retirement home residents concerned about construction impacts. Community reactions are mixed, with some celebrating the new homes while others call for balanced development that prioritizes environmental conservation and access issues. |
Renewed calls for rent caps in Bristol as costs continue to spiral and the city remains the most expensive outside London Bristol Live - March 8, 2026 Bristol City Council is urging the UK government to consider rent controls as rental costs in Bristol have skyrocketed, making it the most expensive city to rent outside London, with average rents reaching £1,893 per month. Despite a 14% increase in available homes and the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act 2025 allowing tenants to challenge excessive rent, renters are now spending over half their income on housing amid rising demand and limited supply. |
Explore 30 Bristol businesses for sale in March 2026 - see full list In March 2026, Bristol's vibrant commercial landscape presents an exciting opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs, with 30 diverse businesses, including pubs and shops, up for sale. This range of listings caters to various interests and investment strategies, highlighting the potential for growth and community engagement in the city's dynamic market. |
Councillors to decide whether Brislington Meadow can be built on BBC News - March 11, 2026 Bristol City Council's planning committee is set to meet today at 18:00 GMT to discuss the future of Brislington Meadows, a cherished green space that may be transformed into 260 homes after being sold to Homes England in 2020. The meeting's decision could either pave the way for development or uphold efforts to protect this natural beauty spot from construction. |
Reach Bristol’s most discerning property investors - to list your property here contact [email protected]
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Live music & club nights
Bristol Beacon: Svaneborg Kardyb (Norwegian‑Danish jazz‑inflected duo) play on Friday evening; tickets recommended.
The Fleece: Propaganda Bristol – St Paddy’s Party (indie‑rock/indie‑pop club night) runs all weekend; good if you like guitar‑driven sets and a lively bar‑crowd.
Lakota: Reggaeton Party Takeover Saturday night plus other club‑style nights (hip‑hop, LGBTQ+ events) on Sunday depending on line‑ups.
Thekla, The Cube, The Croft and others: over 50 gigs across punk, metal, jazz, folk, electronic and experimental; see https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#home
Theatre, comedy & talks
The Wardrobe Theatre: Story Slam: Mother on Sunday afternoon, a live storytelling night with a theme.
Alma Tavern & Theatre and Bristol Comedy Den: multiple stand‑up comedy sets across the weekend; listings include “Stand Up For The Weekend”‑style line‑ups and solo shows.
Circomedia: site‑specific theatre and circus such as Shed‑ache by aKa Dance Theatre on Saturday plus other experimental pieces; popular with a slightly artsier crowd.
All photos are credited to source articles unless otherwise specified.
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