Bristol News by HANA - Edition 78
Bristol Bites: Music and murder
From our Editor,
Bristol Bites: Music and murder
We don’t tend to plug stuff in this column, but this week is an exception.
This Sunday sees Bristol host A Concert for the Countryside at Beacon Hall on Trenchard Street. The one-off event will celebrate the centenary of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.
It promises to be special - championing the beauty, diversity and spirit of the English countryside from 1926 to 2026.
The concert will feature the Bristol Youth Orchestra and Debbie Wiseman OBE, one of Britain’s best composers, who will conduct her own specially-commissioned piece.
Other musical treats will involve works by composing giants like Ralph Vaughan Williams, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Sir Edward Elgar.
And there will be visual treats, too, thanks to footage curated by David Parker and Bob Pitt - everything from rugged moors to rolling mountains.
Doors open at Beacon Hall at 6.30pm, Sunday 29 March. Top priced tickets are a modest £20. Visit https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/cpre-and-byo/
From music to murder
Eve Myles as DS Annie Cassidy
Gone is a new murder mystery available on ITVX. It’s set in Bristol, with scenes from the suspension bridge and Leigh Woods playing a leafy, silent cameo. Six episodes and classic binge-watch fare. Even this correspondent’s dad (amateur critic and professional curmudgeon) thought it was good.
“Murder mystery” doesn’t do it justice. The real tension is emotional and psychological. Compelling stuff.
It stars the excellent Eve Myles as a police family liaison officer and the ever-brilliant David Morrissey as the troubled headmaster of a Bristol public school.
Well worth viewing, although each to their own. But when cultural titans like Debbie Wiseman and David Morrissey back Bristol, one can only wonder what the politburo that decided to exclude our city from the long-list for the UK City of Culture 2029 were thinking.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
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Databox
This week we focus on something that’s become a hot topic: apprenticeships.
It’s suddenly dawned on a number of parents/guardians and young adults that university isn’t necessarily the best route forward for them.
Punitive student loan repayments (including laughable interest rates). The fact that many so-called universities are not worth the grade inflation that young people have enjoyed in recent years. The idea that 50% of kids should go to university (Tony Blair set that dubious target) was, at best, ambitious and, at worst, completely counterproductive. Many universities simply churn through our future generations to make their fragile business models almost add up.
So, folk are finally beginning in to understand that, for many students, “going to uni” isn’t necessarily the best path. Decades of debt. A job in a call centre or no job at all.
That’s why many are now looking at apprenticeships: earn while you learn.
Britain can always do with people boasting media and marketing degrees from the University of Nowhereshire, located off some grim motorway. However, far more useful to the nation are people who can lay a brick, tile a roof, fix the plumbing and sort your electrics.
So, how does the fair city of Bristol fare? Brief data follows.
Apprenticeship starts per 100,000 of population (England)
Bristol 800, marginally lower than the national local authority average of 981 in 2025.
Apprenticeship achievements per 100,000 population (England)
Bristol 440, again, a little below the national authority average of 538 in 2025.
On the face of it, Bristol lags behind the national average when it comes to apprenticeships. But not by much. Beneath the data, there is perhaps a truer analysis. Bristol is relatively affluent and educated. University appeals - and is accessible - compared with the attraction of apprenticeships in many other parts of the country.
But give me someone who can mend my boiler, rather than quote Shakespeare, any day of the week.
Source: ONS
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
No decision yet on if Bristol 'meanwhile site' dwellers will pay council tax Yahoo News - March 27, 2026 Bristol City Council plans to start charging council tax on temporary caravan pitches known as "meanwhile sites" from April 1, despite lacking a formal ruling from the Valuation Office Agency on their eligibility. Critics argue this move could exploit vulnerable residents living in inadequate conditions, with fears that the tax might force them back onto the streets amidst ongoing challenges in expanding these essential community spaces. |
O2 Academy Bristol UK Receives Acoustic Treatment Pollstar - The Academy Music Group has completed a major acoustic transformation of the O2 Academy Bristol, enhancing sound quality for both artists and audiences. This upgrade is part of AMG's initiative to improve venues across the UK, solidifying the O2 Academy Bristol's reputation as a premier live music destination. |
ASP Isotopes taps Bristol to design UK laser lab for nuclear fuel ASP Isotopes' UK subsidiary, Quantum Leap Energy, has partnered with the University of Bristol to enhance research and development in isotopes, aiming to strengthen its market position and innovation in isotope production technologies. This collaboration highlights ASP Isotopes' dedication to expanding its research initiatives through academic partnerships. |
Social Work England: Bristol Case Raises Concerns for Families, Parents, and Public Confidence Following Court Findings Journal - Concerns are rising among Bristol families following a court's findings of improper evidence handling linked to Bristol City Council and Social Work England, raising vital questions about transparency and accountability in social work regulation. The implications of the case highlight the urgent need for clear procedures and effective oversight, resonating beyond Bristol and capturing attention across the UK. |
Nazi-obsessed teenager described herself as 'embodiment of hell' before launching axe attack Sky News - March 23, 2026 Alina Burns, an 18-year-old with extremist far-right views, pleaded guilty to attempted murder after attacking Mohammed Mahmoodi with an axe in Bristol, revealing her intent to harm others and expressing a fascination with Nazi ideology. Despite denying a terrorist motive, she faces serious charges, with sentencing set for May. |
March: Professor David Evans Bristol Uni - March 25, 2026 David Evans (1940-2023) was a pioneering mathematician renowned for his contributions to wave power theory, particularly the Bristol Cylinder wave energy converter. A beloved educator and mentor at the University of Bristol, he championed inclusive university admissions and played a pivotal role in advancing marine hydrodynamics research through international collaborations. |
Man hospitalised after fight breaks out in Bristol pub Yahoo News - March 24, 2026 A man in his 60s was injured during a pub fight in Bradley Stoke, Bristol, on February 6, but has since been discharged from the hospital. Avon and Somerset Police are investigating and have released a CCTV image of a suspect, urging anyone with information to contact them at 101. |
Man arrested after woman found dead in St Pauls BBC News - March 21, 2026 A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman in her 30s was found dead in Bristol. Police are investigating the incident, with formal identification of the victim still pending. |
Popeyes set to open second Bristol branch Yahoo News - March 23, 2026 Popeyes is set to open a second Bristol location on Union Street, following the success of its Avonmeads Retail Park restaurant that attracted long queues on opening day. With bright orange branding and expansion plans in the city, the brand continues to grow rapidly across the UK since its 2021 debut. |
Kelcie Reed charged over fatal Bristol XL bully attack Bbc - Kelcie Reed has been charged in the February 2025 death of Morgan Dorsett, prompting community concerns about safety as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public is keenly awaiting updates on the case. |
Dim Sum and cocktail lounge to open in Bristol Yahoo News - March 27, 2026 Discover Eightfold, Bristol's new Dim Sum and cocktail lounge on Small Street, where delicate dumplings meet innovative cocktails in a cosy atmosphere. With a diverse menu that includes sharing plates, a bao bun section, and a bottomless brunch option, this venue is set to modernise the dim sum experience for food lovers and Instagram enthusiasts alike! |
Bristol Airport travel tips ahead of busy Easter getaway BBC News - March 27, 2026 Travellers can now carry up to two litres of liquids in hand luggage without a clear plastic bag, though security rules may vary by airport. Remember to allow extra time for screening of mobility aids and inform staff about any medical conditions for a more comfortable experience. |
Bristol's oldest hardware shop saved from closure Bbc - March 27, 2026 Benn Hann and John Cox are reviving Cotham Hardware, a historic shop in Clifton that closed after 160 years, with the community expressing enthusiastic support for its return. To ensure its viability against larger competitors, they plan to convert the upper floors into flats while maintaining the shop's unique stock and traditional values. |
Best Of Instagram
Sport
Bristol Bears
Rugby can be cruel. Leicester Tigers beat The Bears 33-19 in the East Midlands on Sunday. The Tigers scored a last-minute try to secure a bonus point. The Bears touched down three times but came away with zilch.
The result means Bristol slip to fifth in the Prem table, with The Tigers up to third. Top four gets a team into a playoff place.
There are still seven games to go, so The Bears have a fighting chance. Next up are Harlequins at Principality Stadium, Cardiff, for The Big Day Out (Saturday 3.30pm). Both winnable and a must-win. Notice to students: tickets are still available for £10 via your student union.
Bristol City
The Robins have been rubbish for a few weeks now. But last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against West Brom at Ashton Gate was a new low.
The Baggies are a poor side, and City should beat teams like that comfortably. But the reality is this: patchy performances have seen The Robins slump to 16th in the Championship table.
City are now 12 points off the playoff places and therefore have next to no chance of promotion to the Premier League. More worrying is the fact that the men in red are only 11 points safe from relegation. They won’t go down, but even flirting with the prospect of the drop is embarrassing for a team which should be battling it out at the top of the table.
The 20,000-plus faithful who rock up to the Gate deserve better. A great stadium, thanks to the investment of Steve Lansdown and his hard-working team.
The players now need to pull up their socks to prove they are worth fans forking out for tickets. And don’t even think about blaming the manager. We’ve heard that record before.
Next up for The Robins are Charlton Athletic away on Friday 3 April at 3pm. Only a win will do.
Bristol Rovers
Rovers roar! A fantastic 2-1 away win against Gillingham on Saturday followed a 1-0 home victory versus Shrewsbury on Tuesday night. Back-to-back wins for The Pirates, probably since football was invented.
The plank is almost certainly no longer required. Rovers lie 17th in League Two, a reassuring 12 points above the relegation zone, with just seven matches to go. They seem safe, especially when one considers The Pirates face some weak or mediocre teams in the run in, including Accrington on Saturday at 3pm.
April fixtures involve strugglers like Fleetwood, Harrogate, Crawley, Tranmere and Cheltenham.
Points to be plundered, Pirates.
Property News
Proposal would convert Bristol office building to housing units The Bristol Planning Commission is assessing a proposal to convert a vacant medical office building, focusing on potential new uses, community impact, and zoning considerations. Public feedback and stakeholder input will be vital in determining how the project aligns with local development goals and could shape the area’s revitalisation efforts. |
Bristol named UK’s most expensive city for living space, as new research reveals where Britons pay the most for the least room News By Wire - March 26, 2026 Bristol has been named the UK's most expensive city for living space, according to Furl's Living Space Premium Index, which reveals that high property prices and rising rents in cities like Brighton & Hove and Manchester leave residents with limited square footage. In contrast, cities such as Stoke-on-Trent and Aberdeen offer more space for less money, making them appealing options for homebuyers seeking value. |
Couple selling Westcountry mansion they won with Omaze for a cool £4million Bristol Live - March 26, 2026 Paul Knight and Jason Snowdon are selling their stunning six-bedroom mansion, Batheaston House, for £4 million just six months after celebrating their wedding there, following a transformative win in the Omaze Million Pound House Draw. With cherished memories and financial freedom from the property, they plan to invest in new homes and holiday rentals, marking an exciting new chapter in their lives. |
What's happening to house prices? Which? - April 22, 2024 House prices in the UK saw a slight annual increase of 1.3% leading up to January 2026, with the average home price at £268,421, despite a minor monthly decline of 0.3%. A significant gap exists between first-time buyers and home movers, while experts caution against unrealistic expectations for a steady drop in mortgage rates amidst fluctuating regional property values. |
Protestors gather outside property developer to save Bristol Zoo heritage site Canary - March 25, 2026 The Save Bristol Gardens Alliance held a significant protest outside Acorn Property Group’s offices on March 25, opposing the redevelopment of the former Bristol Zoo site and emphasising the gardens' cultural and environmental importance. Despite Acorn's commitment to community engagement and plans for public access and affordable housing, the Alliance continues to voice concerns over transparency and development practices, planning weekly demonstrations to amplify their message. |
Brabazon will probably be one of UK’s seven new towns Business Biscuit - March 23, 2026 Brabazon, a new town initiative on the former Filton Airfield near Bristol, aims to deliver 40,000 homes and boost the local economy with plans for a community hub and advanced infrastructure. Housing Secretary Steve Reed and local leaders emphasise the project's potential to create jobs and promote sustainable growth, inviting public input through a national consultation. |
Government could give ‘new town’ status to land on edge of Bristol Bristol24/7 - March 23, 2026 Brabazon, the former Filton Airfield, is set to play a pivotal role in the UK government's ambitious plan to build up to 40,000 homes as part of the West Innovation Arc in South Gloucestershire. This initiative aims to create vibrant communities with essential infrastructure, highlighting the region's potential for economic growth and development. |
Bristol country house dating back to 1100s selling for £2.5m North Somerset Times - March 25, 2026 Discover the historic Barrow Court, a Grade II* listed country house in Barrow Gurney, Bristol, now on the market for over £2.5 million. Dating back to the 12th century and once home to notable figures, this stunning estate boasts nine bedrooms, five bathrooms, and beautifully restored period details, making it a unique opportunity for discerning buyers. |
Reach Bristol’s most discerning property investors - to list your property here contact [email protected]
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Big headline events
Ritual Union 2026 – one‑day, multi‑venue festival (Electric, Strange Brew, Rough Trade etc.) on Sat 28 March, from late morning, with a big indie/alt lineup and separate late “Afterglow” shows.
Bristol Beacon gigs – “John Williams Blockbusters” film‑music concert and Fairport Convention on Fri 27 March, plus other gigs across the weekend.
Skiddle citywide listings – club nights, live music and food/drink events all weekend, including “Balter Forever” at Sawmills on Sat 28 March.
Gigs, clubs and nightlife
Multi‑venue festival: Ritual Union across Electric Bristol, Strange Brew and more all day Sat 28 March (14+ in day; afters ticketed separately with Ninajirachi, KAVARI etc.).
Individual gigs: O2 Academy, The Louisiana, Thekla and other venues have multiple Saturday shows listed on Bristol Theatre / Bristol Beacon / Skiddle.
Late events: KHAYA Nights Amapiano party, DUB THE EARTH at The Chelsea, THE SOUL CLUB @ Club 22 and other club nights on Sat 28 March.
All photos are credited to source articles unless otherwise specified.
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