What’s On Newsletter – June 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 June 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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6. Whats On Newsletter June 2026 (DOCX, 132 KB)
General updates from your local sight loss charities
Parents Virtual Hub – technology and school support session
Parents of children and young people with a vision impairment are invited to join a special Parents Virtual Hub session on Thursday 18 June from 7.30pm – 8.30pm, led by the education team at Thomas Pocklington Trust.
This practical online session will explore how technology can help children and young people make the most of school, including tips, tools and sources of further support. There will also be time for questions and shared discussion with other parents.
The Parents Virtual Hub is a relaxed online space run in partnership by Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire.
To register your place, contact us on 0117 322 4885.
Digital Skills – smartphone and tablet courses
Our Digital Skills courses are continuing this year, helping blind and partially sighted people get more from smartphones and tablets.
- Introduction to VoiceOver and TalkBack, designed for people with little or no usable vision, is taking place in June across our region, including Gloucester, Cirencester, Salisbury, Devizes, Bristol and Kingswood, with further sessions planned for the autumn in these and other locations.
- Introduction to Smart Device Accessibility, for people with some usable vision, will return later in 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
Relationship Fundraiser vacancy
Sight Support West of England is recruiting a Relationship Fundraiser to help build corporate partnerships, support community fundraising and organise events across Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire.
This full time role offers a salary of £25,000 – £30,000 depending on experience, with part time working considered for the right candidate.
Closing date: 5pm Monday 15 June.
For full details and how to apply, visit our Work for Us page.
Sight Support Hub Updates
St Paul’s Hub
Please note there will be no St Pauls Hub on Friday 21 August, as the venue will be closed.
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. 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 16 July, 2pm – The Last Laugh (£25). 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
No updates this month, hubs continue as normal.
Wiltshire Sight news
Community Connections & Inclusion Officer vacancy
Wiltshire Sight is recruiting a Community Connections & Inclusion Officer to help reduce isolation and improve community inclusion for blind and partially sighted people across Wiltshire.
This new developmental role will focus on building local partnerships, improving accessibility and supporting stronger community connections.
This full time, fixed term role offers a salary of £26,000 – £30,000 depending on experience, with part time working considered for the right candidate.
Closing date: 5pm Wednesday 10 June.
For full details and how to apply, visit our Work for Us page.
Corsham Walking Festival – accessible led walk
Enjoy walking and looking for an accessible group walk? On Saturday 13 June, Corsham Walking Festival (supported by Wiltshire Sight) are offering a relaxed led walk around the grounds of Hartham Park, SN13 0RP.
Meeting at 10am, the free walk is open to people aged 16+ and follows mainly grassy paths which are generally wide enough for two people to walk side by side. Participants are welcome to attend with their own sighted guide or guide dog, and volunteer sighted guides may also be available.
Along the way, walkers will hear about the 1,000 year history of Hartham Park, including a peek inside the Grade II listed Sticke Tennis Court, one of only three remaining in the world.
After the walk, refreshments will be available at The Forge and Pheasant café at participants’ own cost.
For booking information, visit www.corshamwalkingfestival.org.uk or call The Pound Arts Centre box office on 01249 701628.
Wiltshire Sight Hub Updates
Salisbury Audiobook Group
Wednesday 24th June – 11-12 first floor Salisbury Library
Book of the month: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Amesbury Social Group – 11th June – 10.30-12.30 Amesbury Library
Demonstration from Vision Aid
Salisbury Social Group – 17th June – 10.30-12.30 Salisbury Library
Talk from Colin Johnson, Audio Describer from Salisbury Playhouse
Swindon Audiobook Group
At the 9 June meeting the audiobook are discussing: FLY WILD SWANS, by Jung Chan.
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.
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: 14 June and 19 July.
For more information, contact oxstallsenquiries@freedom-leisure.co.uk
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
Bristol – Disability Pride 2026
Bristol Disabled People Organisation Network (BDPON) will be holding an early Disability Pride celebration at City Hall, Bristol, on Saturday 20 June from 10.30am – 4pm.
The event aims to bring Disabled people together to discuss access and inclusion in Bristol, with plans for it to become an annual Disability Pride celebration. Organisers say they are working to make the event as accessible as possible, including providing BSL versions of information and forms.
To book please visit: Disability Pride booking form
TV opportunity – BBC One’s Sort Your Life Out
The production team behind BBC One’s Sort Your Life Out is looking for families or shared households who would like help decluttering and reorganising their home for a future series.
The team is particularly interested in hearing from households where someone is experiencing changes in vision and may be thinking about adapting their home for the future.
For more information, please visit the Sort Your Life Out 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
- 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 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
Wiltshire Creative’s next audio described production at Salisbury Playhouse will be The Haunting of Hill House on 29 September. Meanwhile, as part of Salisbury International Arts Festival, the following events may be accessible and of interest:
- T’Pau: Be Wonderful at Salisbury Playhouse on 20 June at 7.30pm
- Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mark Wigglesworth on 25 June at Salisbury Cathedral
- Alfie Moore: Acopalypse Now.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Reminder – Parents Virtual Hub
Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire will be holding a special Parents Virtual Hub session on technology and school support on Thursday 18 June (7.30-8.30pm) led by the education team at Thomas Pocklington Trust. To register your place, contact us on 0117 322 4885 or visit our website for full details – Virtual Hub talk with Thomas Pocklington Trust.
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 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.
Bristol – Knowle Inclusive Acez Tennis
Join the team at Knowle Lawn Tennis Club for weekly tennis sessions in a relaxed and inclusive environment. Sessions include fun tennis activities, with no prior experience needed and all equipment provided.
Where: Knowle Lawn Tennis Club, Wells Road, Knowle, BS4 2QN
When: Tuesdays Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Who: Ages 6 – 18 Cost: £3 per session
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. 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
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.
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
Take part in research
Gloucestershire – Help shape the future of transport
Gloucestershire County Council is updating its Local Transport Plan, which will help shape how transport is planned and improved across the county over the next 15 years and beyond.
The council is inviting people to share their experiences of the current transport network and priorities for the future through an online survey and a series of drop in events taking place across the county.
The consultation closes on 24 June.
For more information and to take part, visit:
Help shape the future of transport in Gloucestershire | Have Your Say Gloucestershire
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
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