What’s On Newsletter – March 2026
Read the latest What’s On newsletter for news, events and opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across our region.
Welcome
Welcome to the March edition of What’s On!
Welcome to What’s On, your monthly e-newsletter from your local sight loss charities – Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire.
Each month we’ll bring you the latest news, events and opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across our region, including updates from each charity and from external organisations.
We’ve recently brought our newsletters together into one shared edition so you can find everything in one place. Local news from your area is clearly marked under each charity’s section, and you may also discover new events and opportunities nearby that you might like to join.
Download the What's On newsletter as a Word document
If you find it easier to read a Word document version of the newsletter, you can download it below. The Word document follows our accessible formatting guidelines and may be easier to navigate with screen readers or magnification software.
3. Whats On Newsletter March 2026 (DOCX, 138 KB)
General updates from your local sight loss charities
Eye Can Swindon – Book your free place
Eye Can Swindon returns on Thursday 23 April 2026 at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon, SN2 2EY.
Eye Can is one of the region’s largest exhibitions dedicated to blind and partially sighted people. It brings together the latest technology, equipment and support services in one accessible space. Whether you are newly experiencing sight loss, supporting someone, or looking for new solutions, the day offers practical information and the chance to speak directly with experts.
We are pleased to share the talks programme for the day:
10.30am – What Digital Technology Can Do For You
A practical session exploring how smartphones and online tools can make everyday tasks easier, including voice commands, text to speech and local digital skills support.
11.45am – Yahya Pandor: Seeing No Limits
Yahya Pandor, counsellor and advocate, shares his story, including his recent world record, followed by questions from the audience.
1pm – Ask the Expert: Amar Shah
Leading optometrist and SSW Trustee Amar Shah answers your questions about eye health, treatment and common myths around sight loss.
The exhibition is free to attend. To book your place, visit the Eventbrite link below or call us on 01380 723682.
Eye Can Swindon Eventbrite link
New Digital Skills Course – An Introduction to Smart Device Accessibility
We are launching a new two session course designed to help you feel more confident using the accessibility features already built into your smartphone or tablet.
An Introduction to Smart Device Accessibility is a friendly and practical course exploring tools such as magnification, contrast settings and voice assistants. You will learn how to use voice commands to send messages, make calls and search for information, and how small adjustments can make everyday tasks easier.
Courses will run this April in Devizes, Salisbury, Bristol, Kingswood, Gloucester and Cirencester. In May, sessions will take place in Thornbury, Bath, Midsomer Norton, Stroud, Cheltenham, Trowbridge and Swindon.
Places are limited at each venue. To register your interest and find out dates near you, please contact us on 0117 322 4885 or email info@sightsupportwest.org.uk
Find your local Sight Loss Advice Hub
Our monthly hubs offer advice, information and the chance to meet others who are blind or partially sighted. Visit our website to find your nearest hub and social group, or contact your local charity for details:
- Sight Support West of England – 0117 322 4885
- Wiltshire Sight – 01380 723682
- Insight Gloucestershire – 01242 221170
View hub listings on our website
Sight Support West of England news
Bristol – Showdown Have a Go Day
In partnership with Showdown UK and Access Sport, we are planning to host a Showdown Have a Go Day on Saturday 2 May in Bristol. We are also exploring the potential to develop a regular Showdown club in the area.
Showdown is a fast paced table top sport designed for blind and partially sighted players. Two players stand at opposite ends of a specially designed table and use paddle style bats to hit an audible ball along the table and into their opponent’s goal. The sound from the ball helps players track its movement during play.
No previous experience is needed, and the session will be suitable for beginners. The game involves standing and moving around the table, so comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended.
We are currently confirming the venue and final details. If you are interested in taking part, please contact us to register your interest and we will keep you updated. Call us on 0117 322 4885 or email info@sightsupportwest.org.uk
Sight Support Hub Updates
Thornbury & Bradley Stoke – HumanWare demonstrations
Stuart from HumanWare will be visiting the following hubs in March to demonstrate equipment and answer questions:
Thornbury
Monday 9 March, 1pm to 3pm
Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, Castle Court, BS35 2AQ
Bradley Stoke
Thursday 19 March, 11am to 1pm
Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, BS32 9BS
If you would like to find out more about accessible technology or see equipment in action, come along and speak with Stuart at your local hub.
Insight Gloucestershire news
Vacancy: Relationship Fundraiser
Insight Gloucestershire is recruiting a Relationship Fundraiser to join our team and help grow the income that sustains our services across the county.
This varied role includes writing funding applications, supporting volunteer fundraisers, organising fundraising events and developing corporate partnerships. The post is based in Gloucestershire, with travel across the county and regular attendance at our Cheltenham office.
We welcome applications from people with fundraising experience or transferable skills from other sectors. Insight Gloucestershire is committed to equality and valuing diversity.
For more information, a full job description and details on how to apply see our website: Relationship Fundraiser vacancy webpage
Closing date: 5pm Thursday 5 March.
Cheltenham theatre trips
Join Insight Gloucestershire for upcoming theatre trips at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham:
- Thursday 4 June, 2pm – The Beekeeper of Aleppo £41, with free carer tickets available. Book by 15 May.
- Thursday 16 July, 2pm – The Last Laugh
£39. Book by Monday 29 June. - Thursday 8 October, 2pm – Annie
£45. Book by Monday 21 September. - Friday 11 December, 2pm – Cinderella
Price to be confirmed. Book by Wednesday 18 November.
We have a limited allocation of seats, which are offered on a first come, first served basis. If our allocation is full, tickets may still be available directly from the theatre.
To book your place, contact Insight Gloucestershire on 01242 221170.
Wiltshire Sight news
Devizes – Wiltshire Sight Quiz Night and Raffle
Join us for a Quiz Night and Raffle in Devizes this May. We are hosting a Quiz Night and Raffle on Tuesday 19 May 2026 at Devizes and District Conservative Club, 30 Long Street, Devizes SN10 1NW.
Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, finishing around 10pm. Teams of up to four will compete across a mix of quiz rounds, with a prize for the winners and a light hearted consolation prize.
Tickets cost £20 per team of four. All proceeds will support Wiltshire Sight and our work across Wiltshire’s communities.
There will also be a raffle on the night, with prizes including afternoon tea for two at Bowood House Hotel in Calne.
Volunteers will be available if guiding support is needed.
Book your team on the link below:
Corsham Walking Festival – led walk supported by Wiltshire Sight
On Saturday 13 June, the Corsham Walking Festival Committee will be providing their first ever led walk for blind and partially sighted people. The walk will start at The Forge and Pheasant Restaurant at Hartham Park, SN13 0RP.
Meeting the walk leaders at 10am, the walk is free, open to over 16-year-olds, and will be 2 miles on flat ground, classed as Easy.
In partnership with Wiltshire Sight, the walk offers an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to enjoy a led walk around the grounds of Hartham Park, with refreshments available at the Forge and Pheasant at the end of the walk (at walker’s cost).
The route includes views of the Mansion House and follows a waymarked trail across the estate, taking in historic and notable features of Hartham Park. Throughout the walk, participants will be accompanied by Julia Tyte, one of the Walking Festival’s most experienced walk leaders, who will share the history of the house and gardens.
Volunteer sighted guides may be available. Please contact chair@corshamwalkingfestival.org.uk in advance to discuss support.
Places are limited. Booking opens on 1 April via www.corshamwalkingfestival.org.uk or through The Pound Arts Centre box office on 01249 701628.
Wiltshire Sight Hub Updates
Wroughton – Social and Hub
Wednesday 4 March, 10am to 12pm
St Joseph’s Church Hall, Devizes Road, Wroughton SN4 0RZ
Adele Peacock, ECLO at the Low Vision Clinic, Great Western Hospital Swindon, will be giving a presentation. Come along to find out more and ask questions.
Swindon – Central Social Group
Thursday 19 March, 10am to 12.30pm
Pilgrim Centre, Regent Circus, Swindon SN1 1PX
Wiltshire Farm Foods will be hosting a tasting session, followed by a music quiz.
Swindon – Wiltshire Sight Audiobook Group
The Wiltshire Sight Audiobook Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Swindon Central Library. The group meets on the first floor, with lift access available.
At the 10 March meeting the audiobook are discussing: The Daughter by TM Logan. The book can be downloaded through the public library service BorrowBox.
The group offers a relaxed and friendly space to discuss the chosen book and share other audiobook recommendations. New members are very welcome.
For more information, please contact Ali Fulton at Audiobookgroupvolunteer@gmail.com
Leisure and sporting activities
Regular groups
For a list of regular sport, leisure and social groups run by other organisations, visit our Local leisure and social groups webpage.
Wiltshire and Swindon – Heard of goalball?
It’s a fast-paced team sport predominantly but not exclusively for people with visual impairments. Players throw a bell-filled ball into the opponent’s net while defending their own. Goalball UK, and Wiltshire & Swindon Sport are looking to create opportunities for people to participate at all levels.
With its emphasis on teamwork, communication and skill, it’s an accessible sport that offers opportunities in playing, coaching, officiating and more.
Interested to know more? Complete this form: Goalball Interest Form – Fill out form Or email: paddy@wiltssport.org
Gloucester – Visually Impaired Tennis at Oxstalls Sports Park
Visually Impaired Tennis is an adaptation of traditional tennis for people who are blind or partially sighted. It is played on a smaller court using an audible ball.
Monthly sessions take place at Oxstalls Sports Park and are open to all ages and experience levels. Sessions cost £6, with rackets provided and led by qualified LTA coaches.
Upcoming dates: 22 March, 26 April, 17 May, 14 June and 19 July.
For more information, contact oxstallsenquiries@freedom-leisure.co.uk
Bristol and Bath – Volunteer as a Sensory Walk Guide
Your Park Bristol and Bath believe parks and green spaces should be welcoming and accessible for everyone. Inviting local people to improve access and safety, offering inclusive activities, events and volunteering. Your Park is recruiting for the volunteer role ‘Sensory Walk Guide’. Sensory Walks help people explore parks through sight, sound, smell and touch. We are recruiting Disabled volunteers to lead these walks in Bristol and Bath, if you’re interested in knowing more email: access@yourpark.org.ukTop of FormBottom of Form
Bristol – Women and Girls Multi Sport Festival
Ignite Bristol is hosting a free Women and Girls Multi Sport Festival on Sunday 8 March, 1pm to 4pm at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, BS14 0DE. The event is open to d/Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent people who identify as female or non binary. Participants can try a range of inclusive sports in a supportive environment.
Register for a free place here: https://forms.office.com/e/9vXNEfURe6
For enquiries, email info@ignitebristol.co.uk
Cheltenham – Gloucestershire Growlers cricket sessions
Gloucestershire Growlers are holding indoor cricket training sessions for blind and partially sighted people in Cheltenham. New players are very welcome, whether you’re completely new to cricket or looking to build your skills, meet others and enjoy being active.
Sessions take place on Saturday 7 and 21 March, from 12.30pm to 2pm, at Cheltenham Bournside School Sports Hall, GL51 3EF.
For more information, contact Jeanette Tate at jeanette.tate@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org or call 07432 728926.
Bristol – Pan Disability Tennis at University of Bristol
Weekly pan disability tennis sessions take place at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex and are open to anyone aged 16 and over with physical, sensory or learning disabilities, or who are neurodivergent. Activities can be adapted for wheelchair tennis, visually impaired tennis and walking tennis. Sessions are free and run on Saturdays, 12pm to 1pm.
Book via the UOB Active app or email: sport-active@bristol.ac.uk
Swindon – Swindon and District Talking Newspaper
The Swindon and District Talking Newspaper Association (STAN) offers a free talking newspaper service for blind, visually impaired and disabled listeners, helping people stay in touch with local news and what’s happening in the community.
Listeners can receive recordings on a USB stick by post or listen online using Alexa, Google Play, or via the British Wireless for the Blind Fund website. To find out more or to sign up, visit www.swindontalkingnews.org.uk, email stan@swindontalkingnews.org.uk or call 01793 522511 and leave a message. The team will return calls when they are next in the office.
Warminster and Westbury – visually impaired club
The Warminster and Westbury Visually Impaired Club offers weekly social meetings for people with visual impairment. The group welcomes people with a range of sight conditions, including age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and refractive errors.
Meetings take place every Monday from 2pm to 4pm at St Johns Hall, Warminster. Sessions include guest speakers, crafts, musical entertainment, and time to socialise over tea, with occasional lunches.
For more information, please contact Janet on 01985 214789 or Virginia on 01985 219132.
Pewsey – Indoor bowls for people with sight loss
Bowls in Pewsey is now indoors for the winter months. Sessions will take place on the second Tuesday of each month at Woodborough Social Club, Smithy Lane, Pewsey, SN9 5PL. 10.30am to 12pm. All equipment will be provided, and no experience is needed. Email clubsec.pvbc@yahoo.com or call Ian on 07564 342740.
Support groups and courses
Regular groups
You can find details of regular local social and support groups on our website. These include ongoing activities run by other organisations across our region. Visit our Leisure and social groups page
You’ll also find a wide range of online groups and virtual activities on our Online groups and resources page
Swindon – Visual impairment support drop in
26 March. A monthly visual impairment support drop in takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month, from 10am to 12pm, at Craven House, 145 Victoria Road, Swindon SN1 3BU. The group offers a chance to chat with others and access information from Swindon Vision Services, Swindon ECLO, RNIB and the Macular Society. Refreshments are provided. Contact: Nikki Bullock, Sensory Impairment Specialist, Hearing and Vision Team 01793 465500.
Online – Fight for Sight research webinars
Fight for Sight is running free webinars. Upcoming 2026 topics include Why a form of vitamin B3 is being tested in glaucoma clinical trials on 21 April.
For details and booking, visit the Fight for Sight website.
Phone Groups – RNIB Living Well with Sight Loss
RNIB is running Living Well with Sight Loss phone groups for adults, as well as family members and others who support them. These courses offer practical information on topics such as benefits, eye health, everyday tips and equipment, hobbies, and organisations that can help.. Find out more on the RNIB events and courses webpage or for further information email lwwslenquiries@rnib.org.uk or phone 0303 123 9999.
National – BBC One’s Sort Your Life Out
BBC One’s Sort Your Life Out is returning in 2026 and is looking for households across the UK who would like support with decluttering and reorganising their home.
The programme features Stacey Solomon and her team offering practical help over the course of a week.
If managing your home has become more challenging due to health, caring responsibilities or life changes, and you would like to apply, you can find out more at http://www.optomen.com/Sort-Your-Life-Out
Audio described arts and theatre
Galleries and Museums
Bath – Victoria Art Gallery
Bridge Street, BA2 4AT
Art on Mondays talks for VI Visitors
- 16 March – Poster Power
- 13 April – Recent Acquisitions
- 11 May – Everything in My Garden – small exhibition
Sessions run from 10–11.30. The gallery is closed to the general public on those days so please ring 01225 477232 for access information or email victoria_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk
Bristol – Arnolfini
16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA
Two AD tours of Tours of Mounira Al Solh: A land as big as her skin are on
- Saturday 18 April 10am to 11am
- Friday 8 May 10am to 11am
Tours take place before the galleries open to the public. Sighted guides are available, and complimentary tea and coffee is served afterwards in the Arnolfini Café Bar. Free event, but email community@arnolfini.org.uk to book a space.
Further information on this link Mounira Al Solh: A land as big as her skin
Bristol – Royal West of England Academy
Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1PX
- Saturday 14 March 10.30am –12pm – Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space. Featuring contemporary and historic artists with wide range of work inspired by the cosmos. RWA exhibition link
- Dance Out on Saturday 11 July, 10.30am – 12pm.
- RWA 173 Annual Open Exhibition on Saturday 10 October, 10.30am – 12pm, and 5 December 10.30am – 12pm.
To join, please email Connie Ngan connie.ngan@rwa.org.uk or call 07745694563 and say whether you will bring a sighted companion or need a volunteer guide. Refreshments available after the tour.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Queen’s Road, BS8 1RL
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition – Described tour on 25 February from 6 – 8.45 pm
Full details of this event, and how to book, are available on this link – Audio Described Tour: Wildlife Photographer of the Year | Bristol Museums
Tickets are free but the booking link suggests making a donation. You may find it easier to email Steven Bradley – steven.bradley@bristol.gov.uk Alternatively phone the Museum on 0117 922 3571 to leave a message and one of their team will get back to you.
Theatres & Performance – Audio Described Shows
Salisbury Playhouse
Wiltshire Creative are pleased to present the European premiere of Rock & Roll Man, our Audio described performances will take place March 5th at 2.15 and 7.30pm with Touch tours available 60 minutes before each show. We also have an audio described performance of The Beekeeper of Aleppo, on Thursday March26th at 7.30pm with a Touch Tour 60 minutes before.
Tickets can be purchased from Ticket sales on 01722320333 or on our website: https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on
Cheltenham – The Everyman Theatre
The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, is delighted to be offering audio described performances for the following shows.
- Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift on Thursday 5 March at 2pm
- The Beekeeper of Aleppo on Thursday 4 June at 2pm
Contact Sally-ann if you would like further details, to book the touch tour or tickets, or to receive the season’s brochure: on 01242 695574 sally-ann.rhodes@everymantheatre.org.uk
Please note: you can book directly with The Everyman Theatre or call Insight Gloucestershire for details of any shows we are organising trips for.
Bath – Theatre Royal
Sawclose, BA1 1ET
- 14 March – Operation Mincemeat
Audio notes are sent before each show. Hearing devices available from the bars – 30 mins before the play. More details and tickets on 01225 448844. Make sure you subscribe to the Theatre’s Access List.
Bristol – Hippodrome
St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ
- 30 April – The Greatest Showman
- 13 June – Matilda the Musical
- 16 July – Rocky Horror Show starring Jason Donovan
- 30 July – Miss Saigon
Book touch tours separately. Contact Access for All bristoladmin@theambassadors.com or call the access booking line 0333 009 5399 for tickets
Bristol Old Vic
King St, BS1 4ED
- 14 March – Midsummer Night’s Dream
- 14 May – Kiss of the Spider Woman: The Musical
More details and to book – ring the Box office – 0117 987 7877
Children and young people
Regular groups
You can find information of regular activities on our website – Activities for children, young people and families
Worcester – Spring into Fun Party for children aged 0 to 9
New College Worcester is hosting a Spring into Fun Party for children aged 0 to 9 who are blind or vision impaired on Saturday 7 March, 10.30am to 12.30pm. The event takes place at NCW, Whittington Road, Worcester, WR5 2JX and is free to attend. Siblings are welcome.
Activities include music, arts and crafts, Braille LEGO, soft play, sensory play and games.
Find out more and book here: NCW Spring into Fun Party
National – preparing for adulthood course (ages 11 to 19)
New College Worcester is running a one-day Preparing for Adulthood courses for blind and vision impaired young people aged 11 to 19, on 14 March. The course focuses on independent living, mobility and access technology. A fee applies. Find out more and apply on the NCW website.
National – World Book Day 2026
World Book Day takes place on Thursday 5 March and celebrates reading for fun for children and young people.
Accessible formats are available for the official World Book Day titles, including braille and audio. Large print copies can be requested through the Guide Dogs CustomEyes service. Families and young people with vision impairment can order accessible copies via the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 =.
Bristol – VI Fun Football with Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers Community Trust is running a 10 week block of inclusive football sessions for children aged 5 to 11 who are blind or partially sighted. Sessions take place at Lockleaze Sports Centre, BS7 9XF, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm during term time.
To register, visit McDonalds sign up link
For questions, contact louishoward@bristolroverscommunity.org.uk
National – FA Para Football – England Talent Days
For ages 7–16 with a visual impairment, cerebral palsy, or hearing impairment. First step on the Para Football pathway. Upcoming dates: 1 April 2026 at St George’s Park, DE13 9PD. Register online – https://forms.office.com/e/RqFfguz20V
Take part in research
Bristol – Visually Enhanced Paintings
You can try a headset that offers visual enhancements and audio descriptions of artworks. You can control these features by voice, hand gestures, or a small controller. Afterwards, you will be invited to share your thoughts in a short interview and receive up to £60 in Love2Shop e‑Gift Cards as a thank you. Sessions are up to three hours by appointment at Bristol Museum. For more information and to sign up, visit https://pgoddard10.github.io/research/participate
Online or Cardiff – Study on Passkeys
The University of Bristol would like to invite you to participate in a study exploring how passkeys are experienced by blind and visually impaired individuals. Passkeys are ways of proving identity, such as entering a code sent via text message, face or fingerprint recognition. There will be a focus group in person in Cardiff or online via Zoom. Participants are thanked with a £25 voucher. Please contact partha.daschowdhury@bristol.ac.uk or 07471119726 for more information.
GiveVision technology trial – participants wanted
GiveVision is inviting blind and partially sighted people to take part in a trial of new vision enhancement technology designed to help people engage with live events.
Participants will test the technology and share feedback, with some invited to attend a live event or sports event using the equipment, with free tickets and travel costs covered. Places are limited and participation is voluntary.
To apply, complete the online form or contact GiveVision on 0121 6303 063 for support with the application.
Looking for online activities?
We keep a list of virtual groups and events from other organisations on our website. These include social groups, webinars, technology sessions and more, all accessible from home. Visit our Online Resources From Other Organisations webpage