Clara Bullock

Wessex Water has introduced its first hosepipe ban in 50 years for 1.4 million people across Bath and parts of Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire after the region was declared to be in drought. The ban prohibits hosepipe use for activities including watering gardens, washing cars and filling pools, with exemptions for people with certain medical conditions or physical impairments. Breaching the legally enforceable restriction is a criminal offence carrying a fine of up to £1,000. Residents are advised to use watering cans, let lawns recover naturally, reuse household water, take shorter showers and avoid washing cars.

A woman in her 90s died in a house fire on Elmgrove Road West in Hardwicke, Gloucestershire. A Gloucester woman in her 60s was arrested on suspicion of murder and arson with intent to endanger life, but was later released on police bail while the investigation continues. Police searches have ended and the scene cordon has been removed.

A hosepipe ban has taken effect for 1.4 million people in Bath and parts of Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire after the region was declared to be in drought. Wessex Water says exceptionally hot, dry conditions have pushed demand to more than 400 million litres per day, about 30% above average, although essential supplies are not running out. The ban covers garden watering, car and patio washing, window cleaning and filling pools; limited exemptions protect people with certain disabilities and serious medical conditions. Breaching the legally enforceable restriction can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Residents are advised to use watering cans, reuse household water, keep showers short and avoid washing cars.

Tears for Fears co-founder Curt Smith is part of a group of 50 investors proposing to buy Bath City FC for £6m, in a move he says will give back to his hometown and benefit the underserved Twerton community. The club's board and supporters' society have recommended the sale. The group, led by mobile entertainment executive Andrew Stalbow, plans to improve the matchday fan experience, accessibility, food and pricing. Members are expected to vote online by the end of August.

The 2026 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta ended without its sixth scheduled mass ascent because strong winds forced organisers to cancel the Sunday evening launch. Nevertheless, five ascents went ahead during the three-day event, alongside two nightglows, special-shaped balloons and large crowds at Ashton Court. Organisers called it an “unbelievable year,” while the festival also featured a marriage proposal and new balloon designs including a giant suitcase and Astrina the Alien.

The National Open Youth Orchestra will perform at the BBC Proms in Bristol for the first time, featuring musicians who use the Clarion, an eye- or tablet-controlled instrument developed by Bristol-based Open Up Music. Clarion soloist Alessandro Vazzana will perform the first concerto written specifically for the instrument. Musicians and artistic lead Bea Hubble hope the performance will showcase the quality of the music, challenge assumptions about disability, and demonstrate that inclusive orchestras are both practical and rewarding.

Keeping a skunk as a pet is legal in the UK, but the RSPCA strongly advises against it because skunks are wild rather than domesticated animals. Their defensive spray is extremely difficult to remove, and removing their scent glands is illegal. Owners must not release skunks into the wild, and may struggle to provide suitable diets, exercise and specialist veterinary care. A rescued skunk found wandering in Taunton is being cared for by Tropiquaria Zoo in Somerset.

Two rams were killed by a dog near Withypool on Exmoor on 2 August. Farmer Robin Milton and the Exmoor National Park Authority urged dog owners to keep pets under control around livestock, while the authority temporarily closed the path between Withypool and Room Hill. The National Sheep Association reiterated that dogs should be kept on leads near sheep and said farmers may legally shoot dogs endangering their livestock in certain circumstances.

Betty Bromage, a 97-year-old woman from Cheltenham who suffered a stroke in 2025, has broken her own Guinness World Record as the oldest female wingwalker. She completed her sixth wingwalk and raised money for the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals charity, supporting equipment and patient and staff services at Cheltenham General Hospital, where she received treatment. Bromage says wingwalking helps her stay active despite poor eyesight, limited mobility and speech difficulties, and she is already considering a special challenge for her 100th birthday.

Traditional West Country carnivals are struggling with rising production costs, reduced sponsorship and donations, and declining volunteer participation. Trowbridge Carnival was cancelled for 2026 after organizers could not raise enough money to stage it safely, while Frome Carnival proceeded only after securing last-minute funding. Organizers from Trowbridge, Frome, Shepton Mallet, Pewsey and Bridgwater say aging committees and weaker engagement from younger people threaten the future of events rooted in centuries-old Guy Fawkes traditions. Some are seeking greater cooperation and external support, while Trowbridge hopes to return in 2027.

A black-crowned night heron, a scarce visitor to the UK, was captured on wildlife cameras at the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate near Minehead in Somerset. The sighting follows the creation and restoration of freshwater habitats that also support species including water voles, otters, pine martens and white-tailed eagles. Conservationists say that restoring wetlands—more than 97% of which have been lost in the UK—could improve biodiversity, water quality and flood resilience, while beavers may help expand suitable habitats and attract more wetland specialists.

A black-crowned night heron, a scarce visitor to the UK, has been recorded by wildlife cameras at the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate near Minehead in Somerset. Conservationists believe newly restored freshwater habitats may provide refuge for the species and other wildlife. The estate is expanding wetland creation and allowing beavers to modify habitats, with the work also expected to improve water quality, reduce flood risk and strengthen local ecosystems.

Swindon Hindu Temple celebrated its first Rath Yatra, featuring a procession of deities on chariots and a large community feast. Organisers highlighted the significance of hosting revered deities and emphasised the festival’s themes of unity, service and cultural celebration.

Bristol’s annual Harbour Festival expanded across the floating harbour with cardboard boat races, live performances and creative costumes drawing large crowds. New additions included a stage at Bristol Dockyards near the SS Great Britain. Highlights featured live music from local artists such as Laura Dia and Black Roots, alongside flyboard displays by James Prestwood. The event marked the festival’s largest edition to date.

Roger Hunt’s long‑sleeved England shirt from the 1966 World Cup sold for £11,000 at a Wiltshire auction. Hunt wore the shirt when he scored twice in a group‑stage win over France and was part of the team that went on to win the tournament. Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge linked the strong sale price to interest generated by the current World Cup and highlighted Hunt’s connections to the Devizes area, where he spent time during National Service and played for Devizes Town.

Archaeologists have begun examining the 200-year-old Pinkery Canal on Exmoor to understand its purpose and how the surrounding landscape has changed over time. Built by the Knight family in 1819, the canal’s function remains unclear despite historical references describing it as a canal. Heritage experts aim to study sediment layers to trace human activity and land use in the area, revisiting the site for the first time in 50 years.

A new Gloucester mural by the artist Murmur celebrates 19th‑century mayor Ralph Fletcher, known for early advocacy against animal cruelty and for supporting stray cats. Research for the artwork highlighted Fletcher’s proposals for animal hospitals and stronger penalties for abusers. Supported by Voices Gloucester and Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, the project includes a second mural planned for the city centre.

A man in his 70s died at the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Bath Road in West Harptree, with another adult treated and released from hospital. The road was closed overnight while emergency services responded, and police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

A lorry demolished a wall between two buildings on James Street West in Bath, prompting police to close part of the pavement for safety. No injuries were reported, traffic remains open in both directions, and authorities are assessing the damage.

Research indicates that rising sea levels could submerge low‑lying parts of Somerset’s coastal towns by 2050, particularly along the Bristol Channel. Climate Central mapping highlights the vulnerability of communities already reliant on sea walls and flood‑management systems as sea levels continue to rise at increasing rates. North Somerset Council acknowledges long‑term risks and is developing a coastal transition and investment plan to guide future upgrades to defences, working with the Environment Agency to maintain and strengthen protections. The council notes that visual flood maps often overlook existing infrastructure but stresses ongoing efforts to improve resilience and ensure coastal areas remain safe and viable.

A Devon father on trial at Bristol Crown Court denied murdering or manslaughtering his four‑week‑old son, Atticus, who died from severe brain and spinal injuries a week after being taken to hospital in July 2022. Prosecutors allege Tony Bartlett violently shook the baby while the child's mother was upstairs after a night out, during which he drank up to nine pints. Medical experts described the injuries as comparable to those from a fall from height or a road traffic collision. Bartlett maintains he did not harm his son as the trial continues.

A tenant farmer in Somerset supplements his income by performing as an Elton John tribute act, driven by financial pressures affecting UK farmers. Richard Reeves balances early-morning milking with sold‑out evening shows, finding both economic support and mental‑health benefits in performing. Inspired by meeting Elton John as a teenager, he developed the act after audiences noted his vocal similarity. Other farmers, such as Valley Fest founder Luke Hasell, also diversify due to declining profitability in farming, reflecting broader challenges facing the industry.