Bristol News by HANA - Edition 84
Bristol Bites: VE Day and a national treasure
Scroll down for Data Box, Best Articles of the Week, Best of Instagram, Sport, Property News, Property for Sale and What’s On this Weekend
From our Editor,
Bristol Bites: VE Day and a national treasure
Today is VE Day. A day when we commemorate and celebrate those who defeated the evil Nazi enemy that imperilled Europe, our cherished continent.
Bristol will, of course, do its own thing to pay homage. Aerospace Bristol will open its doors to youngsters to help them understand the sacrifices and suffering their foremothers and forefathers endured.
Bombs fell on our beloved Bristol. Some survived, others died. Heroines and heroes, all.
If you haven’t seen it yet, catch up with this informative documentary, Bristol At War, on YouTube.
Sir David Attenborough: a centurion for our century.
Sir David made his groundbreaking documentary Life On Earth from the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol - catch the Making Life On Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure on BBC iPlayer.
One Word in True Tribute: “Gorilla”.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief
Make Bristol an even better community - share Bristol by Hana with friends and family for a more informed and better run city - local news and views you can use - forward this link for instant sign up
Databox
Is Bristol old or young? Yes, it houses some splendid old buildings and has constructed some younger ones - not to everyone’s taste. But this is about the people who make the city tick. The Office for National Statistics remains the trusted source when it comes to such data.
Age group | Share in 2021 | Change since 2011 |
|---|---|---|
85 and over | 1.8% | Down from 2.1% |
75 to 84 | 4.1% | Down from 4.5% |
65 to 74 | 7.0% | Up from 6.5% |
50 to 64 | 15.2% | Up from 14.9% |
35 to 49 | 20.3% | Up from 20.0% |
25 to 34 | 18.7% | Up from 18.0% |
20 to 24 | 10.1% | Down from 10.4% |
16 to 19 | 5.3% | Unchanged |
10 to 15 | 6.4% | Up from 6.1% |
5 to 9 | 5.7% | Up from 5.3% |
4 and under | 5.5% | Down from 6.9% |
Conclusions? Well, Bristol is basically middle-aged. Probably down to property prices and older folk retiring to the shires. The birth rate is a little concerning. But you don’t need this correspondent to tell you what to do about that.
Scroll down for best of Instagram, sport, property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Best Articles From Bristol This Week
Social Work England: Complaint Delays and Safeguarding Concerns in Bristol Raise Social Workers Accountability Questions Across UK Courts and Social Care System Journal - Concerns are mounting over significant delays in handling a complaint involving Social Work England in Bristol, UK, highlighting issues of safeguarding, transparency, and accountability within the social care system. This situation has sparked broader discussions about social worker conduct and regulatory oversight, drawing attention from local authorities, MPs, and the government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. |
May: Bristol strengthens global semiconductor leadership in partnership with Sarawak Bristol - May 5, 2026 An engagement event at NCC brought together UK government, industry, and academic leaders to highlight the UK's advancements in semiconductor technology and its integrated innovation ecosystem. Featuring significant agreements, including a fully funded PhD programme, the collaboration aims to drive economic growth and strengthen ties between the UK and Sarawak, Malaysia. |
The serious story behind Bristol Birdman shenanigans Yahoo News - May 4, 2026 Join the whimsical Bristol Birdman on June 14, 2025, at Baltic Wharf, where creativity meets community spirit in a spectacular fundraising event for Grassroot Communities. With an expanded lineup of flying teams and water-based entertainment, this family-friendly occasion supports vital youth programs while providing a fun experience for all! |
UK convicts four Palestine Action activists over break-in at Israeli firm Al Jazeera - May 5, 2026 Four British pro-Palestinian activists were convicted of criminal damage for their role in a £1 million raid on an Elbit Systems factory in Bristol, amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, while two others were acquitted. The incident was part of actions by the banned group Palestine Action, highlighting tensions over defence contracts and activism in the UK. |
Man and ex-partner killed in Bristol blast after he forced entry into house The Guardian - May 5, 2026 In a tragic incident in Bristol, Ryan Kelly forced his way into a home and detonated an explosive device, resulting in the deaths of his ex-partner, Jo Shaw and himself. The police are treating Shaw's death as a homicide while confirming the event is not linked to terrorism. The investigation is ongoing, with support available for those facing domestic abuse. |
Police launch hate crime investigation after man critically injured in suspected homophobic attack in Bristol The Independent - May 1, 2026 A man in his 30s is in critical but stable condition after a suspected homophobic attack in Bristol, where he was found unconscious with severe facial injuries. Avon and Somerset Police are treating the incident as a hate crime and are investigating a group of men believed to be responsible for the assault. |
Man found dead on Bristol rooftop identified, police believe BBC News - May 6, 2026 A man's body, believed to be in his 50s, was found in a rooftop garden on Redcliff Street in Bristol, prompting Avon and Somerset Police to launch a major crime investigation into the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. A post-mortem examination is set to take place to determine the cause of death. |
Tell us which student groups were monitored by Horus Security, say Bristol UCU and Bristol SU Officer Epigram - The University of Bristol's decision to hire a private security consultancy to monitor student protest groups, particularly those advocating for pro-Palestine causes, has ignited controversy over freedom of expression and the potential chilling effects on political activism on campus. This situation underscores the ongoing tension between ensuring safety and respecting students' rights to engage in dissenting discourse. |
May: Fewer insects fewer nutritious crops Bristol Uni - May 6, 2026 A recent study in Nepal reveals the vital role of insect pollinators in supporting nutrition and livelihoods, contributing to 44% of farming income and essential nutrients in local diets. With declines in pollinator populations threatening food security and health, simple actions like planting wildflowers can enhance biodiversity, improve nutrition, and bolster community resilience. |
Roy Hodgson: Ex-England coach 'thoroughly enjoyed' Bristol City BBC Sport - May 2, 2026 Roy Hodgson enjoyed a successful second stint as Bristol City manager, culminating in a 2-0 victory over Stoke City, with goals from Delano Burgzorg and Sam Bell. Reflecting on his time, he praised the team's spirit and determination while expressing sadness at parting ways as they head into summer break. |
Bigger role for Bristol Old Vic’s events arm as it looks to build stronger business model Bristol Old Vic, the UK's oldest continuously operating theatre, is expanding its corporate events and creative services to diversify revenue and enhance financial sustainability. By offering tailored packages and hosting events, the theatre aims to attract a wider range of clients while remaining committed to artistic excellence and community engagement. |
Bristol firm Paradigm Norton wins prestigious King’s Enterprise Award for Sustainability Paradigm Norton, an employee-owned financial planning firm, has been honoured with the UK's top business award, recognising its commitment to excellence and innovative solutions in the competitive financial sector. This accolade highlights the firm's collaborative culture and significant impact on both clients and the industry. |
Community sauna eyes major expansion with pilot crowdfunder A beloved community sauna, originally set up in a former council car park, is launching a crowdfunding campaign to fund an exciting expansion aimed at enhancing its wellness offerings and user experience. By rallying support from locals and enthusiasts, the initiative seeks to ensure the sauna continues to thrive as a popular gathering spot for health and community engagement. |
Best Of Instagram
Sport
Bristol Bears
Tomorrow night sees The Bears face Saracens at Ashton Gate (Saturday 17.45). No one would accuse the Londoners of being the most popular club in the Prem so Sarries can expect a brutal Bristolian reception.
It’s a must-win fixture for The Bears if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive. Northampton away and Bath at home follow. The top two. Tough gigs, to say the least.
Bristol City
City rounded off their season with a regulation 2-0 win at home against Stoke. The Robins ended up 12th in the Championship table. Bang average. They should have been challenging for promotion but fell well short.
Only Roy “The Boy” Hodgson shines out in an otherwise dismal end of term report for City. Seventy-Eight years young, Hodgson’s stint as interim boss probably saved The Robins from the ignominy of a relegation battle. Players topping up their sun tans would do well to take Roy as an example. A proper football man. Not a poor player struggling to read the small print of his ludicrously inflated contract.
Bristol Rovers
The Pirates pulled it off with panache and grit. A final day 1-1 draw away to playoff bound Notts County summed up their League Two season. Dogged, determined and, occasionally, delightful. Rovers finished 14th in the table after earlier struggles. They could have gone down. But they didn’t - because they fought hard and they fought well. In this correspondent’s humble opinion, The Pirates are Bristol’s team of the season. A credit to their city and their supporters. Well played, lads. Now, grab yourself a beer.
Property News
Legislation · Renting
The Renters' Rights Act is Now Law — Here's What Changes for Bristol
As of 1 May 2026, the most significant overhaul of the private rental sector since 1988 is now in full effect. The Renters' Rights Act immediately converts all fixed-term assured and assured shorthold tenancies into rolling periodic arrangements — meaning any contractual end date in an existing agreement is now legally void.
Crucially, Section 21 "no-fault" evictions have been abolished outright. Landlords must now cite a valid legal ground under Section 8 to seek possession, with at least four months' notice required for sale of a property, moving a family member in, or moving back in themselves. Rent bidding wars are also now illegal — landlords cannot accept higher rent than the advertised price, even if a tenant offers it.
Bristol was identified as one of just five major councils confirmed operationally ready for the 1 May commencement date. Local letting agents Balloon Letting Co and Lets Rent Bristol have both flagged a critical deadline: landlords must serve a new mandatory Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet on all existing tenants by 31 May 2026. Failure to comply could complicate future possession proceedings.
For landlords who operate professionally, agents say the framework remains workable — but documentation, inspection records, and compliance trails are now more important than ever.
Planning · Affordable Housing
90 Affordable Homes Approved for Brislington Brownfield Site
In a welcome boost for South Bristol, planning permission has been granted for 90 fully affordable homes on Bath Road in Brislington. Bristol City Council approved the scheme this week, with Savills acting on behalf of housing association Sovereign Network Group (SNG).
The development will transform the derelict site of the former John Peer factory — a long-standing brownfield eyesore — into a mix of three and four-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom apartments. Every single home will be delivered as affordable housing, available exclusively to people on Bristol City Council's housing register.
The scheme also includes sustainability credentials, with heat pumps and solar panels specified throughout.
The approval comes as Bristol City Council continues to grapple with a government-appointed inspector's requirement to identify sites for thousands of additional homes beyond those already planned.
Investment · Finance
Downing Property Finance Backs Bristol Residential Projects in £47.5m Loan Package
Bristol has been included in a significant three-city residential lending deal announced this week. Downing Property Finance confirmed it has agreed three separate loans totalling £47.5m, with funding directed at residential projects in Bristol, Glasgow and Manchester.
The announcement is a further signal of institutional confidence in Bristol's residential pipeline, even as the wider market navigates higher mortgage rates and the post-Renters' Rights Act landscape. Details of the specific Bristol projects involved have not yet been disclosed.
The news follows broader data from Ocean Estate Agents showing that Bristol's rental supply has surged — with 5,388 properties now available to rent, a remarkable 97.6% increase compared to a year ago. Industry observers attribute part of this supply jump to landlords listing properties ahead of the Renters' Rights Act, with some choosing to exit the sector entirely.
Market Report
Bristol Market Holds Steady — But Buyers Gain the Upper Hand
The latest Bristol and North Somerset Property Market Report from Ocean Estate Agents shows the market holding up despite challenging conditions. The average sales price over the past 12 months was £369,176 — with flats averaging £281,544 and houses £420,506.
Buyer demand in April was running approximately 7% below the same point last year, though agents caution against over-reading this figure. The 2025 market was unusually active due to buyers rushing to complete before stamp duty changes, making direct year-on-year comparisons tricky.
The bigger concern for buyers and re-mortgagers is that fixed mortgage rates have crept back above 5% in recent weeks, driven by global uncertainty. Ocean note, however, that lenders remain actively competing for business, which is preventing rates from rising further. For well-prepared buyers targeting realistically priced properties, agents say the conditions still offer genuine opportunity — particularly in regeneration areas such as Temple Quarter.
📋 Quick Property Bites
New-build viability squeeze: Property Week reports that sky-high construction costs are undermining new-build schemes across Bristol and the South West, putting greater emphasis on refurbishment over ground-up development. propertyweek.com
Clifton & Harbourside remain top of the range: Prime central Bristol flats in the Harbourside area and period properties in Clifton and Redland continue to command the highest prices per square metre in the city, with the median sitting around £4,000/m². investropa.com
Brabazon and Temple Quarter to watch: Regeneration hotspots near Temple Quarter and the YTL Brabazon development at Filton are forecast to outperform general Bristol price growth if early infrastructure milestones are delivered. bristolworld.com
Property For Sale
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What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
Stokes Croft Block Party 2026 (Lakota, Saturday 9 May) – This all‑day street party kicks off at 12:00 and transforms Stokes Croft into a festival site. Organisers promise more headliners and artists than ever before and over 16 hours of drum & bass, garage, jungle, disco, house, techno and other genres across more than 26 stages. The event is strictly 18+.
https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/lakota/sat-9-may-stokes-croft-block-party-2026-139648
Gigantic All Dayer 2026 (The Prospect Building, 45 Feeder Road, Saturday 9 May) – Running 12:00–00:00, this all‑dayer combines indie and dance music with an outdoor real‑ale and cider festival and street‑food market. The line‑up features Peter Hook & The Light (best of Joy Division/New Order), The Wonder Stuff, Jim Bob, The Bluetones, The House of Love, Utah Saints and Cud. Hosted by Marc & Jase Jones and Shiiine On, the event is 14+ (under‑16s must be accompanied by an adult).
https://www.theprospectbuilding.com/events/giganticalldayer
Stars and Stories (Lantern Hall, Bristol Beacon, Saturday 9 May) – Melody Makers Choir celebrate their 10th anniversary with two performances (18:30 and 20:30) in Lantern Hall. Expect a joyful evening of audience favourites and new songs that showcase the choir’s uplifting energy. The show has unreserved seating and welcomes all ages.
https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/stars-and-stories/
Stephen Sanchez with Tors (Beacon Hall, Bristol Beacon, Saturday 9 May) – Singer‑songwriter Stephen Sanchez brings his biggest UK tour to Beacon Hall. Doors open at 19:00, Tors play at 20:00, and Sanchez takes the stage at 21:00 with a finish around 22:30. Known for his cinematic, romantic pop, this show is 14+.
https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/stephen-sanchez/
Youth Killed It + Indecision & Freetime (Exchange Basement, Saturday 9 May) – Norwich’s Youth Killed It headline a 19:45 gig of indie‑punk energy, supported by Indecision & Freetime. The band are known for infectious riffs and witty lyrics. Entry is 14+ (under‑18s must be accompanied by an adult); note that the basement is not wheelchair‑accessible.
https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/exchange/sat-9-may-youth-killed-it-indecision-freetime-143501
Bristol Bears vs Saracens (Ashton Gate Stadium, Saturday 9 May) – Bristol’s Premiership rugby team host Saracens at Ashton Gate with kick‑off at 17:30. Check the club or broadcaster for ticket and broadcast details.
https://www.rugbykickoff.com/game/bristol_bears_saracens_2026-05-09/
Junior & Mini Great Bristol Run (College Green, Saturday 9 May) – A family‑friendly fun run. Kids aged 3–8 can join the 1.5 km Mini dash, while ages 9–15 tackle a 2.5 km Junior challenge. Perfect for budding athletes.
https://runabc.co.uk/junior-mini-great-bristol-run
Terp Lab – May 2026 (Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Saturday 9 May) – A workshop for sign‑language interpreters focusing on managing cognitive load. The in‑person session runs 10:30–16:00 at the Vassall Centre in Fishponds. The event lasts five‑and‑a‑half hours and has a no‑refund policy.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/terp-lab-may-2026-tickets-1986904273167
Phantom of the Opera with live organ (Bristol Cathedral, Saturday 9 May) – Organist David Briggs accompanies Rupert Julian’s 1925 silent film on the cathedral’s newly restored organ. Doors open at 18:15, the film starts at 19:00 and finishes around 21:00. A unique cinematic experience open to all ages.
https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/phantom-of-the-opera/
Great Bristol Run 2026 (city centre, Sunday 10 May) – Runners can choose between a 10 km or half‑marathon (21.0975 km) course on Sunday. The route takes participants along Bristol’s waterfront and under the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Registration via Great Run is required.
https://www.finishers.com/en/event/great-bristol-run
Jethro Tull (Bristol Beacon, Sunday 10 May) – The legendary prog‑rock band perform at 19:30, with tickets from around £60. Expect a set blending rock, folk and blues, drawing on classics like Aqualung.
https://concerts50.com/show/jethro-tull-in-bristol-tickets-may-10-2026
Friendship + support (Rough Trade Bristol, Sunday 10 May) – JOY presents Friendship, a country‑rock band whose music pairs shambolic guitars with Motown‑inspired rhythms and lyrical storytelling. The show runs 19:30–23:00 and is 14+ (under‑18s accompanied).
https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/rough-trade-bristol/sun-10-may-joy-presents-friendship-support-139446
Baby’s Berserk (The Lanes, 22 Nelson Street, Sunday 10 May) – Amsterdam dance‑punk outfit Baby’s Berserk hit The Lanes for a late‑night show. Doors at 19:30; the venue is on Nelson Street in the city centre. Tickets via DICE.
https://www.shazam.com/event/20670004-d3c1-4281-ac02-89edd0334cc9
FS Green (Bambalan, Beacon Tower, Sunday 10 May) – Dutch producer and DJ FS Green delivers a hip‑hop/rap‑infused afternoon set at 15:00 on Bambalan’s rooftop terrace. A relaxed way to spend Sunday afternoon with music and views over the city.
https://www.shazam.com/event/a70719d0-a1d2-419d-9a02-3d22fccaf3ae
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