Eve Thompson

The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum in Salisbury hosted a two-day Living History Festival featuring military encampments, weapons, uniforms and re-enactments spanning the First and Second World Wars, the American Civil War and the medieval era. A new interactive stand allowed visitors to handle weapons, while participants and curator Bethany Joyce highlighted the event’s educational value and appeal to younger audiences. The festival followed the museum’s reopening after an 18-month refurbishment, with updated displays tracing local regimental history from 1743 to the present.

The Salisbury Mela returned to the city’s Market Place for its second year, offering international food, live music, cultural performances, community stalls and family activities. Organized by Salisbury City Council and opened by Mayor Jenny Bolwell, the event featured cuisines and traditions from countries including Thailand, India, Sweden, Estonia and Tibet, along with performances by Bollywood dancers and the Wiltshire Caledonian Pipes and Drums Band. Visitors and participants praised the festival for celebrating Salisbury’s diversity and bringing communities and tourists together.

Withdrawal of Stagecoach’s Service 68 between Salisbury and Winchester has left students facing costly and unreliable alternatives for commuting to Peter Symonds College. Families express concern over increased travel time and financial burden, while local authorities cite budget constraints preventing subsidy of the route. Stagecoach states the service was no longer viable due to declining demand. The college is advising students on alternative travel options and available financial support.