What’s On Newsletter – May 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 May 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.
5. Whats On Newsletter May 2026 (DOCX, 139 KB)
General updates from your local sight loss charities
Digital Skills – smartphone and tablet courses
Our Digital Skills courses are continuing this spring, helping blind and partially sighted people get more from smartphones and tablets.
- Introduction to Smart Device Accessibility, for people with some usable vision, is taking place in more locations this May.
- Introduction to VoiceOver and TalkBack, designed for people with little or no usable vision, will be running in June and September.
Both courses will be repeated across the region towards the end of the year.
Places are available on upcoming sessions so do get in touch to find out more or register your interest. Contact us on 0117 322 4885 or view upcoming sessions on our website:
Digital Skills Training Courses listings
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
There is still time to sign up for a free Showdown Have a Go Day on Saturday 2 May, 10am to 3pm, at Hillfields Community Centre, Thicket Avenue, Bristol BS16 4EH.
Showdown is a fast paced table top sport designed for blind and partially sighted players, using paddle style bats and an audible ball tracked through sound. No experience is needed.
Delivered in partnership with UK Showdown and Access Sport, the session is open to people aged 18 and over with any disability. It is also a chance to help shape plans for a regular local Showdown group in Bristol called ‘Bristol Bullets’.
To book or find out more, complete the Showdown Have a Go Day form, call us on 0117 322 4885 or email James.Snook@accesssport.org.uk
Sight Support Hub Updates
New Sight Loss Advice Hub launches in Shirehampton
We’re pleased to be launching a new Sight Loss Advice Hub in Shirehampton on Friday 22 May at the JTE Hub, Shirehampton Methodist Church, Penpole Avenue, Bristol BS11 0DY.
The hub will then run on the fourth Friday of each month from 10am to 1pm, with a drop in advice session from 11am to 12pm, appointment slots available and a social group from 11am to 1pm. To book an appointment or find out more, contact Sight Support West of England on 0117 3224885.
Whitchurch Hub
Please note the Whitchurch hub will not be running in May and is no longer taking place. Support continues through our other local hubs and services.
Insight Gloucestershire news
Cheltenham theatre trips
Booking closes Friday 15 May for The Beekeeper of Aleppo at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, taking place Thursday 4 June at 2pm. Tickets are £41, with free carer tickets available.
Places are also available for upcoming trips:
- 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.
A limited allocation of seats is available on a first come, first served basis. If this allocation is full, tickets may still be available directly from the theatre.
To book, contact Insight Gloucestershire on 01242 221170.
Insight Gloucestershire Hub Updates
- Cheltenham – Insight Lunch Club Monday 4 May moved to Tuesday 5 May (12pm to 2pm)
- Chipping Campden hub will now take place on the first Monday of each month – our next hub will be on Monday 1st June.
Wiltshire Sight news
Devizes – Wiltshire Sight Quiz Night and Raffle
It’s not too late to get a team together and join us for a fun and friendly quiz night in Devizes this May. Taking place on Tuesday 19 May at Devizes and District Conservative Club, the evening will include a mix of quiz rounds, a raffle, and a chance to enjoy time together while supporting Wiltshire Sight.
Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, finishing around 10pm. Teams of up to four can take part, with a prize for the winners and a light hearted consolation prize.
Tickets are £20 per team, with all proceeds supporting our work across Wiltshire’s communities. Raffle prizes include afternoon tea for two at Bowood House Hotel.
If you would like guiding or support from a volunteer, please let us know when booking and we will do our best to arrange this.
Book your team: Devizes pub quiz booking link
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
Wiltshire Farm Foods tasting session
Wiltshire Farm Foods will be visiting our Wroughton hub on Wednesday 6 May to offer a tasting session.
Hubs cancelled
Please note that the Highworth and Royal Wootton Bassett hubs will not take place in May. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Salisbury – New audiobook group launches in May
We’re pleased to be launching a new in person audiobook group in Salisbury, meeting on the first Thursday of each month at Salisbury Library.
The first session takes place on Thursday 7 May from 11am to 12pm on the first floor of the library. The group is open to blind and partially sighted people, whether you are new to audiobooks or already enjoy listening. The first session will be a chance to meet others, talk about how the group will run, and choose a first book together.
People are welcome just to come along on the day. To find out more, contact Wiltshire Sight on 01380 723682.
Swindon – Wiltshire Sight Audiobook Group
The Wiltshire Sight Audiobook Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Swindon Central Library, on the first floor with lift access available.
At the 12 May meeting, the group will be discussing Heart the Lover by Lily King, a New York Times 100 Must Read Book of 2025. 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.
Gloucester – Big Health Day
Big Health Day returns on Thursday 11 June at Oxstalls Sports Park in Gloucester. This free, inclusive event is open to people of all ages with a disability, sensory loss or long-term health condition, along with families and carers.
The day includes a range of inclusive sports and activities, information stands and health checks.
Time: 9.30am to 2pm
Find out more: Big Health Day info page
Bath area – Try Chat-e-Cycle
Chat-e-Cycle offers the chance to try a side by side electric tandem trike designed to support gentle exercise, fresh air and social connection.
With support from trained volunteer pilots, riders can pedal as much or as little as they like while enjoying a sociable cycling experience. The project has been developed with accessibility and inclusion in mind and welcomes enquiries from anyone interested in having a go.
Call 01761 231433, email chatecycle@gmail.com or visit the Chat-e-Cycle website.
Gloucestershire – Join the Gloucestershire Growlers
Our new season is fast approaching and we’re welcoming new players to our friendly, inclusive team. No experience is needed – just enthusiasm and a willingness to give it a try.
It’s a great way to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy the game of cricket in a supportive environment.
All abilities welcome and beginners encouraged. Come along, have fun, and see what we’re all about!
For more details, contact Jeanette Tate on jeanette.tate@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org or 07432 728926
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
Yate – Bowls’ Big Summer open days
Yate and District Bowls Club is inviting people of all ages and abilities to two free open days on Sunday 3 May and Monday 25 May as part of Bowls’ Big Summer.
No experience is needed and equipment is provided – just bring flat soled shoes or trainers. The club welcomes disabled players and offers a chance to try a new activity and meet others.
Open days take place at Yate and District Bowls Club, Moorlands Road, Yate. More information: secretary.yatebowls@gmail.com / yatebowlsclub.co.uk
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: 17 May, 14 June and 19 July.
For more information, contact oxstallsenquiries@freedom-leisure.co.uk
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.
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
Accessible voting information for local elections on 7 May
Swindon
Elections take place in Swindon on Thursday 7 May, and a range of support is available to help blind and partially sighted voters take part.
At polling stations, support can include large print ballot papers for reference, magnifiers, additional lighting, help from staff, and the option to bring someone over 18 to assist you. A McGonagle reader, an audio tactile voting device that can help you vote independently and in private if you are blind or severely sight impaired, can also be requested on the day, although there may be a short wait while one is brought to the polling station.
Please remember photo ID is needed to vote at a polling station. For information or access queries, contact Swindon electoral services on 01793 464601 or elecreg@swindon.gov.uk
Cheltenham
Elections take place in Cheltenham on Thursday 7 May, and support is available at polling stations for blind and partially sighted voters.
Support can include large print ballot papers, magnifiers, help from staff, and the option to bring someone over 18 to assist you. A tactile voting device, a template placed over the ballot paper to help you mark your vote, is available at all polling stations on request.
You may also find it helpful to look at the list of candidates in advance. For access questions, contact Cheltenham Borough Council on 01242 262626 or email Elections@cheltenham.gov.uk
Bath area – Volunteers wanted for new Phab club
A new children and young people’s Phab club is being developed at the Hive in Peasedown St John, and volunteers are being invited to help shape the club and support activities.
Phab clubs bring disabled and non disabled people together through friendship and shared activities. People with an interest in areas such as art, craft or music, or parents interested in getting involved, are welcome to enquire.
Open day: Saturday 6 June. For more information email banesphab@gmail.com or visit the Phab website.
National – Torch Trust Chaplaincy Listening Service
Torch Trust has launched a Chaplaincy Listening Service for adults who are new to sight loss or finding changes in their vision difficult. The service offers confidential one to one phone support from trained volunteers with personal or caring experience of sight loss.
People can choose a one off conversation or up to six calls. Support includes a listening ear and emotional and spiritual support.
For more information, visit Torch Trust’s chaplaincy page.
Swindon – Visual impairment support drop in
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.
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.
Audio described arts and theatre
Galleries and Museums
Bath – Victoria Art Gallery
Bridge Street, BA2 4AT
Art on Mondays talks for VI Visitors
- 11 May – Everything in My Garden – small exhibition
- 15 June – Norman Ackroyd, master printer exhibition
- 13 July – Sensational Museum: Talk about the Roman Baths and Pump
- 17 August – Katharine Wall, Collections Manager
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
The next AD tour of Tour of Mounira Al Solh’s exhibition: A land as big as her skin is on – Friday 8 May 10am to 11am
Details: Mounira Al Solh: A land as big as her skin
Sighted guides are available, and complimentary tea and coffee is served afterwards in the Arnolfini Café Bar. Email community@arnolfini.org.uk to book.
Bristol – Royal West of England Academy
Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1PX
- Dance Out on Saturday 11 July, 10.30am – 12pm. Dance Out exhibition link
- RWA 173 Annual Open Exhibition on Saturday 10 October, and 5 December at 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.
Theatres & Performance – Audio Described Shows
Radstock – Accessible outdoor theatre at Radstock Fayre
Ramshacklicious Theatre Company and Hijinx present TRUTH!, a free outdoor performance at Radstock Fayre on Sunday 31 May. Described as joyful, surreal and gently anarchic, the show combines visual storytelling and audience participation. The performance includes audio description and a touch tour for blind and visually impaired audience members. Advanced booking is encouraged.
Find out more including accessible resources such as an audio trailer and easy read visual story, on the Ramshacklicious website.
Salisbury Playhouse
Coming to Salisbury Playhouse in May we have the highly acclaimed production of Spitfire Girls. Set in 1959 the play explores the true stories of the Spitfire Girls who flew some of the most recognisable aircraft of the second world war. The production will be Audio described on Thursday May 7th at 7.30pm with a Touch Tour before the show at 6.30pm. Please visit us in person at Salisbury Playhouse or online at https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on/access for tickets.
Bath – Theatre Royal
Sawclose, BA1 1ET
- On 23 July at 7pm and 25 July at 3 pm – in the Egg Theatre – The Secret Garden
- 20 and 29 December at 1pm – Beauty and the Beast.
Pre show audio notes sent before show. Hearing devices available from the bars when the house opens – 30 mins before the show. All performances have touch tours. More details and tickets on 01225 448844. Make sure you subscribe to the Theatre’s Access List.
Cheltenham – The Everyman Theatre
The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, is delighted to be offering audio described performances for the following shows.
- 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.
Bristol – Hippodrome
St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ
- 13 June – Matilda the Musical
- 16 July – Rocky Horror Show starring Jason Donovan
- 30 July – Miss Saigon
- 28 August – We Will Rock You
- 29 October – Back to the Future: The Musical
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 May – Kiss of the Spider Woman: The Musical
- 31 Oct – Lanny
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
Bristol – Festival of Water
All Aboard Watersports is hosting a Festival of Water for blind and partially sighted children and young people from 8 years and over. Activities include rowing, sailing and paddling, with a chance to try open water swimming for those aged 18 and over.
The event takes place on 20 and 21 June at Baltic Wharf, BS1 6XG.
Suggested donation: £5. For more information or to book, contact Jemma on centremanager@allaboardwatersports.co.uk
Bath and North East Somerset – Guide Dogs My Time to Play
Guide Dogs’ My Time to Play group is running in Radstock for families with pre school children with sight loss, with more sessions planned in May. The group offers opportunities to connect with other families and support children’s development through play, and families can join at any time.
Find out more about My Time to Play and Guide Dogs’ virtual family groups at Early Years Development and Habilitation | Guide Dogs. Information about a South West family event later this year is available at Join a Guide Dogs Family Day Out | Children with Sight Loss
Guide Dogs would also welcome ideas for venues across B&NES, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire for possible future groups. For more information or to share ideas, contact Martyn Arthur at martyn.arthur@guidedogs.org.uk
Bath area – Phab family open day
Families are invited to a free Phab family open day at the Hive in Peasedown St John on Saturday 6 June, 10am to 3pm, with a quiet hour from 10am to 11am. There will be games and activities, plus a chance to find out about local Phab Clubs, which bring disabled and non disabled people together to build friendships and have fun.
Open to all ages. For more information, email banesphab@gmail.com or visit the Phab website. Parents and carers interested in helping develop the club are also welcome to get in touch.
Worcester – NCW Family Day
New College Worcester is hosting a free Family Day for families with a child who is blind or partially sighted. The day offers a range of accessible activities for all ages, including animal handling, arts and crafts, sports and more.
It is also an opportunity to meet staff and other families in a relaxed, informal setting.
Date: Monday 4 May, 10am to 3.30pm
Find out more or book: LAHarris@ncw.co.uk or 01905 763933
Worcester – NCW Summer Activity Break
New College Worcester is running a three day residential activity break for blind and partially sighted young people aged 11 to 16.
The programme includes a range of activities such as swimming, yoga, VI tennis and cooking, along with social activities in the evenings.
Dates: 21 to 23 July
Cost: £88 residential or £50 day activities
Booking closes at the end of June
For more information or to book: LAHarris@ncw.co.uk
Online – VICTA Tech Week parent workshops
VICTA is running a series of free online workshops for parents of blind and partially sighted children as part of Tech Week. Sessions will cover online safety, assistive technology, and supporting young people through key transitions.
Workshops take place on 12, 18 and 21 May via Zoom.
Booking closes on 5 May.
Find out more and apply: Victa Technology Workshop
Take part in research
Research – Share your experience of Access to Work
RNIB is inviting blind and partially sighted people who use the Access to Work scheme to complete a short survey about their experiences.
The Government is considering reforms to Access to Work, and RNIB wants to help protect important support, including support workers. Feedback from people using the scheme will help inform RNIB’s work with MPs and decision makers.
Complete the survey through this link: What’s your experience of Access to Work? – Fill in form. If support is needed to complete it, call RNIB on 0303 123 9999 or email campaigns@rnib.org.uk
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