What’s On Newsletter – July 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 July edition of What’s On!
This month’s newsletter includes local events, support groups, accessible activities, volunteering opportunities and updates from Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire.
As always, you will find a dedicated section for your local charity, followed by activities and opportunities from across the region and online. Whether you are looking to try something new, connect with others or simply see what’s coming up nearby, we hope there is something of interest for you this month.
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7. Whats On Newsletter July 2026 (DOCX, 132 KB)
General updates from your local sight loss charities
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
Yate Ageing Better Festival
Come along to the Yate Ageing Better Festival and discover local community groups, activities and opportunities for older people.
Our team will be there on the day, so do come and say hello if you’re attending.
Wednesday 15 July, 10am–2pm
Yate Shopping Centre
Find out more: yatetowncouncil.gov.uk/yate-ageing-better
Sight Support Hub Updates
All of our community hubs are running as normal this month. You can find the latest dates and venues on our website linked below, or call us on 0117 322 4885 if you’d like to check details of your local hub.
View all upcoming events and activities
Insight Gloucestershire news
Cotswold Show & Food Festival
Insight Gloucestershire will be attending this year’s Cotswold Show & Food Festival on Saturday 4 July and Sunday 5 July at Cirencester Park on the Bathurst Estate. Find us at stand number CW02. The two-day show is one of the largest in Gloucestershire and has something for everyone. (for more info visit https://cotswoldshow.co.uk/)
We are still looking for volunteers to come and help for 2-3 hours on both days and seeking raffle prizes to help raise funds. If you can help with either, please email ian.daniels@insight-glos.org.uk If you are planning to come to the Show, do come and say hello!
Cheltenham theatre trips
Places are available for upcoming trips:
- 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
All of our community hubs are running as normal this month. You can find the latest dates and venues on our website linked below, or call us on 01242 221170 if you’d like to check details of your local hub.
View all upcoming events and activities
Wiltshire Sight news
All of our regular community hubs and social groups continue as normal. Below are this month’s updates for selected groups. You can find full details of all upcoming events and activities on our website:
View all upcoming events and activities
Salisbury – Tandem cycling taster session
Wiltshire Sight is holding a free tandem cycling taster session for blind and partially sighted people. Experienced tandem pilots will be available to take people for short rides around Churchill Gardens in Salisbury. No previous cycling experience is needed and helmets will be available, although you are welcome to bring your own.
If you enjoy the experience, Charlotte’s Tandems may also be able to provide a tandem bike on loan so you can continue cycling.
The session takes place on Saturday 18 July from 1pm to 3pm.
Booking is required as spaces are limited. To book your place, contact us on 01380 723682 or email info@witlshiresight.org
Wiltshire Sight Hub Updates
Salisbury Audiobook Group
Wednesday 22nd July, 11am -12pm, first floor Salisbury Library
Book of the month: Rock, paper, scissors by Alice Feeney
Swindon Audiobook Group
14th July – second Tuesday of each month at Swindon Central Library. The group meets on the first floor, with lift access available.
Book of the month for July: Don’t Let him in by Lisa Jewel
The August title is Gone Before Goodbye, by Harlan Coben and Reece Witherspoon.
For more information, please contact Ali Fulton at Audiobookgroupvolunteer@gmail.com
Salisbury social group
On 15th July the Salisbury social group are welcoming St Johns Ambulance who are going to come and offer some basic first aid training. 10.30am -12.30pm on the1st floor of Salisbury Library.
Salisbury Resource Centre
Please note our resource ventre in Salisbury will be closed on Tuesday 28th July.
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.
Swindon – Touch and feel tour at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery
BATS Swindon has organised a touch and feel tour of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, led by the curator and designed for people with sight loss.
Friday 17 July, 10.30am–12.30pm
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon.
To book or find out more, contact Alison Fulton:
Email: social.coordinators@swindonbats.org
Mobile: 07837 934405 (please leave a message if there is no answer).
Gloucester –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: 19 July.
For more information, contact oxstallsenquiries@freedom-leisure.co.uk
Bristol – Braille Space: Explore new braille technology
Braille readers are invited to the next Braille Space event, where you can try the new Canute Scientific braille workstation, explore interactive fiction and creative writing, and meet other braille users and technology enthusiasts.
You’ll also have the opportunity to try a range of braille equipment, including multiline braille displays and a braille embosser.
Wednesday 22 July, 4–6pm
Bristol Braille Technology, BV Studios, 37 Philip Street, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4EA.
To find out more or confirm your attendance, email enquiries@bristolbraille.org or call 0117 325 3022.
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
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
- 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 audio described tours of Arnolfini’s summer exhibitions Jonathon Baldock: Held and Polly Braden: Against the Tide will be held on:
- Friday 24 July 10am to 11am
- Saturday 26 September 10am to 11am
Details: Audio Described Tours | Jonathon Baldock & Polly Braden – Arnolfini
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
Salisbury Playhouse – Wiltshire Creative
The Autumn season at Salisbury Playhouse brings the classic ghost story The Haunting of Hill House to the Salisbury Playhouse stage. This exciting production will be audio described on Thursday October 1st at both the 2.15 and 7.30 performances.
We then present East is East, a story about identity, generational conflict, and the messy, unbreakable bonds of family. The Audio described performances are on November 12th at 2.15 and 7.30pm.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk , by phone on 01722 320333, or in person at our Ticket sales desk at Salisbury Playhouse.
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 Last Laugh on Thursday 16th July at 2:00pm
- Annie on Thursday 8th October at 2:00pm
- Cinderella on Friday 11th December at 2:00pm
- Everybody’s Talking about Jamie on Saturday 15th May (2027) at 2:00pm
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
- 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
- 31 Oct – Lanny
- In the Studio 22 – 25 July – Firebird Theatre perform an adapted version of The Tempest with Integrated AD in every performance
For 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
National – RNC overnight residential camp
The Royal National College for the Blind, in association with VICTA, is running a free overnight residential camp for 10–13 year olds with a visual impairment on 6th – 7th August.
National – Alström Family Festival
Alström Syndrome UK will be holding its first Summer Festival for people affected by Alström Syndrome at New College Worcester on Saturday 11 July.
The event will include free activities for all ages and an opportunity to meet others in a relaxed and welcoming environment. For more information, please visit the Alström Syndrome UK website.
Bristol Events:
Bristol – Summer HAF SEND sessions
Inclusive Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) sessions will run throughout the six-week summer holiday for children and young people aged 5–17 (please check individual sessions for age ranges).
Activities include hockey, football, rugby, tennis, cricket, skateboarding, gymnastics, wheelchair basketball and outdoor sensory sessions. Each two-hour session includes a free healthy meal.
Booking is essential via the EEQU booking system.
Bristol – Free inclusive cricket
Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation is running free Super 1s cricket sessions for young people aged 9–25 with additional needs and disabilities.
Wednesdays, 5–6pm
Lockleaze Sports Centre, Bonnington Walk, Bristol BS7 9XF.
To find out more, contact Jeanette Tate on 07432 728926 or email Jeanette.Tate@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org.
Bristol – Pan disability football
Bristol Rovers Community Trust is running inclusive football sessions for children aged 5–11 who are neurodivergent or have learning disabilities or additional needs.
Every Saturday, 12.30–1.30pm
Soundwell Playing Fields, Church Road, Bristol BS16 4RH.
A free three-month taster is available. To find out more email: brsjfcgirls@gmail.com
Bristol – Inclusive tennis
There are two inclusive tennis sessions available in Bristol:
- Winterbourne Tennis Club – Thursdays, 5–5.45pm, for disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent children and young people aged 8–18. First session free.
- Knowle Lawn Tennis Club – Tuesdays, 5.30–6.30pm, for children aged 6–18. £3 per session.
Contact Rachel on 07980 901967 or email rachelcockcroft@outlook.com for Winterbourne. Knowle sessions can be booked directly with the club.
Bristol – Gympanzees Summer Pop Up
Gympanzees is bringing its Summer Pop Up back this August, offering children and young people with disabilities the chance to play, exercise, relax and have fun in an inclusive environment.
5–23 August
Ilminster Avenue Nursery School, 164 Ilminster Avenue, Bristol BS4 1BX.
A range of session types are available to suit different needs. Find out more and book at gympanzees.org/our-services/pop-ups
Take part in research
Cheltenham – Help shape the future of the High Street and Promenade
Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council are asking residents, businesses and visitors to share their views on the future of Cheltenham’s High Street and Promenade.
The survey includes ideas to improve accessibility, seating, lighting, signage and the overall street environment.
Take part online – Cheltenham High Street Survey.
Bristol – Help shape a more accessible Eastville Park
Do you live in Eastville or Stapleton? If you’re a disabled person or an unpaid carer, you can help shape plans to make Eastville Park more accessible.
The project is looking for people who can attend a series of five workshops and park visits starting in July. Participants will receive a £30 voucher for each session they attend.
To find out more or register your interest, visit: https://yourpark.org.uk/help-make-eastville-park-more-accessible-for-disabled-people-and-unpaid-carers
Bristol – Take part in the GUIDE Project
The University of Bristol is looking for adults with both sight and hearing loss, and people who support or care for someone with dual sensory loss, to complete a 20–30 minute survey about accessible bus travel and technology. Participants will receive a £20 Love2Shop voucher as a thank you.
To request the survey or find out more, email nawid.keshtmand@bristol.ac.uk or complete online- GUIDE project link
Bristol – Share your views on Blue Badge parking
Do you use a Blue Badge in Bristol? Bristol City Council is asking Blue Badge holders to share their experiences of parking and travelling around the city.
The survey covers on-street parking and council car parks, and the feedback will help shape future improvements to parking, streets and transport for Disabled people.
The survey is open until 21 July 2026. Complete online – Blue Badge survey or contact Bristol City Council on 0117 903 6449 to request an alternative format.
Glaucoma UK National Patient Voices Survey
From July to August 2026, Glaucoma UK will be running what it describes as the UK’s largest ever survey of people affected by glaucoma.
The survey aims to hear from around 10,000 people living with glaucoma or under regular monitoring, helping to shape the future of glaucoma care and support.
For more information, visit: www.glaucoma.uk/national-patient-voices-survey
National – Share your views on accessible digital eye care
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Eye Health and Visual Impairment is inviting blind and partially sighted people to complete a short survey about accessible digital eye care and the NHS App.
The survey takes around 10 minutes and closes at 5pm on Friday 3 July.
Complete the survey using the link below.
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