What’s On Newsletter – April 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 April 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.
4. Whats On Newsletter April 2026 (DOCX, 138 KB)
General updates from your local sight loss charities
Eye Can Swindon – Book your free place
Eye Can Swindon is just weeks away, taking place on Thursday 23 April 2026 at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway.
Organised by Wiltshire Sight, this free event brings together technology, equipment and support for blind and partially sighted people, all in one place. Whether you are losing your sight, supporting someone, or looking for new ideas, it’s a chance to explore what’s available and speak directly with a wide range of organisations.
There will also be a programme of short talks throughout the day:
- 10.30am – What digital technology can do for you
- 11.45am – Yahya Pandor: Seeing no limits
- 1pm – Ask the expert: Amar Shah
You are welcome to drop in, but booking in advance really helps us plan. If you would like sighted guiding support, please let us know when booking and we will do our best to arrange this.
Book your free place:
Eventbrite https://eye-can-swindon-2026.eventbrite.co.uk
or call Wiltshire Sight on 01380 723682.
Digital Skills – smartphone and tablet courses
Our Digital Skills courses begin this April across the region, helping blind and partially sighted people feel more confident using smartphones and tablets.
We are running two courses. Introduction to Smart Device Accessibility is for people with some usable vision and explores features such as magnification, contrast settings and voice assistants. Introduction to VoiceOver and TalkBack is for people with little or no usable vision and focuses on using screen readers to hear and navigate content using touch gestures.
Courses are taking place across April and May in a range of locations. Some sessions may already be full, but please get in touch as we may still be able to offer a place or let you know about future dates.
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
Join us for a Showdown Have a Go Day on Saturday 2 May at Hillfields Community Centre. This free session is a great opportunity to try something new and fun.
Showdown is a fast paced table top sport designed for blind and partially sighted players. Using paddle style bats, players hit an audible ball across the table and track the game through sound. The session involves moving around the table, so comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended.
Delivered in partnership with UK Showdown and Access Sport, the session is open to people aged 18 and over with any disability. No experience is needed.
We are also exploring plans to develop a regular local Showdown group in Bristol – The Bristol Bullets. This session is a chance to be part of shaping it from the beginning.
Time: 10am to 3pm
Venue: Hillfields Community Centre, Thicket Avenue, BS16 4EH
To book or find out more, Showdown Have a Go Day – Fill out form or email James.Snook@accesssport.org.uk
Thornbury update: new hub location
Sight Support West of England’s Thornbury charity shop and resource centre will sadly be closing on Saturday 4 April 2026. Since opening in 2023, it has been a welcoming space for many, and we are very grateful for the support it has received. Donations are still being accepted at the shop until this date.
Support in Thornbury will continue. Our Sight Loss Advice Hub is moving to Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, Castle Court, BS35 2AQ, and will run on the second Monday of each month from 13 April.
Drop in advice is available from 1pm to 2pm, with a social group from 1pm to 3pm and appointments at 2pm and 3pm. You are very welcome to come along, whether you would like some advice or simply to meet others.
Sight Support Hub Updates
Due to the Easter period, some hubs have changed dates:
- Bedminster Hub – Friday 3 April moved to Friday 10 April
- Avonmouth Hub – Monday 6 April cancelled
Insight Gloucestershire news
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.
Insight Gloucestershire Hub Updates
- Cheltenham – Insight Lunch Club Monday 6 April moved to Tuesday 7 April (12pm to 2pm)
- Cheltenham – Insight Lunch Club Monday 4 May moved to Tuesday 5 May (12pm to 2pm)
- Dursley – Friday 3 April cancelled
Wiltshire Sight news
Devizes – Wiltshire Sight Quiz Night and Raffle
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.
Tables are already starting to fill, so book your team soon. 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 sessions
Wiltshire Farm Foods will be visiting several hubs in April to offer tasting sessions.
- Amesbury – Wednesday 9 April
- Salisbury – Tuesday 15 April
- Tisbury – Wednesday 16 April
Hub cancelled due to Easter
Trowbridge – Friday 3 April cancelled
Swindon – Wiltshire Sight Audiobook Group
The Wiltshire Sight Audiobook Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Swindon Central Library from 10.15am to 11.30am. The group meets on the first floor, with lift access available.
At the 7 April meeting the audiobook are discussing: Blessin Adam’s title, THOU SAVAGE WOMAN. 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
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
Month in Bath Talking Magazine is now available online
Month in Bath has been bringing local news and features to blind and partially sighted listeners for over twenty years. The audio magazine includes local news, interviews, stories, poetry, gardening tips and more. You can now listen online at:
The Month in Bath Talking Magazine link
The free memory stick service, delivered monthly with a small speaker unit, is still available for anyone who prefers to listen that way.
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: 26 April, 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
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.
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.
Audio described arts and theatre
Galleries and Museums
Bath – Victoria Art Gallery
Bridge Street, BA2 4AT
Art on Mondays talks for VI Visitors
- 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
- 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 are pleased to be offering an Audio described performance with a Touch Tour for The Talented Mr Ripley on April 30th at 7.30pm. The production stars Ed McVey (The Crown) and Maisie Smith (Eastenders). This electrifying new stage adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley brings Patricia Highsmith’s iconic psychological thriller, which inspired the acclaimed movie, to life like never before.
Tickets are available from our Box Office, by phone on 01722320333 or online at https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on/access
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
- 30 April – The Greatest Showman
- 13 June – Matilda the Musical
- 16 July – Rocky Horror Show starring Jason Donovan
- 30 July – Miss Saigon
- 28 August – We Will Rock You
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
Radstock – Guide Dogs My Time To Play
A free fun and supportive group to help your child develop the practical skills and confidence to explore their world – all through the power of play.
For children age 0-5 and their parents / carers at Radstock Children’s Centre, BA33EP. Starting on Friday 10th April 2026, 10-11.30am. Running for 7 weeks. Siblings welcome. Refreshments provided.
To book or for further information please email Martyn.arthur@guidedogs.org.uk
Bristol – sensory garden workshop
My Community Bristol is running free sensory garden sessions during the April half term. Activities include painting, crafts, gardening and sensory storytime. The sessions are open to all ages and abilities.
Dates: 7 to 11 April, 10am to 2pm (sensory storytime at 11am on Saturday).
Booking is required. Find out more and book: Sensory Garden Workshop Booking
Bristol – inclusive tennis sessions
Inclusive tennis sessions are available in Bristol for disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent people. Sessions include family tennis at Winterbourne Tennis Club (ages 8–18) and weekly sessions at the University of Bristol (ages 16+).
Activities are adapted to support a range of needs, including visually impaired tennis.
Contact organisers to book or find out more rachelcockcroft@outlook.com or sport-active@bristol.ac.uk
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
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
Geographic Atrophy / Dry AMD study
Exafield is looking for people with Geographic Atrophy or dry AMD, as well as carers, to take part in a research study to share their experiences.
Participation includes a short screening, a 10 minute video task and a 60 minute interview. Participants will receive £72. The study is fully anonymous and confidential.
To find out more, Nicola Allcock at allcock@exafield.com and quote ‘GA/AMD Sight Support’.
Retina UK survey
Retina UK is developing a new research strategy and is inviting people affected by inherited sight loss to share their views through an anonymous survey.
The survey takes around 20 minutes to complete and has been tested for accessibility. If preferred, it can also be completed over the phone. To take part – Retina UK survey link
Designability Unfair Index survey
Designability is inviting Disabled people, neurodiverse people, carers and parents of Disabled children to take part in a UK wide survey about everyday barriers and how design can be improved.
The survey covers areas such as home life, work, travel, health and online experiences. Findings will help shape the UK’s first Unfair Index, highlighting where better design could reduce barriers..
Closing date: 27 April, 9am
Take part: Designability Survey link
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