A record-breaking July heatwave closed hundreds of schools and services across the West of England this week, while warm temperatures gave way to thunderstorms on Monday night and one lightning strike set the roof of a house on fire. Fans still headed to the Harbourside almost every evening for Bristol Sounds.
The closures hit education and public services across the West of England as the weather changed sharply from heat to storms. The extreme weather also sparked two storms, and lightning strikes caused house fires and damaged roads.
Bristol Sounds at the Harbourside
Despite the closures, Bristol Sounds concerts went ahead at the Harbourside almost every evening this week. Bristol Beacon also marked Windrush Week with a special performance of Jamaica Love, which marks the 78th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush.
Bristol Boycott pioneers and family representatives were welcomed onto the stage, and people across Bristol took part in the national campaign Million Acts of Hope. The events were organised by Bristol Noise and Good Faith Partnership.
Gloucestershire and Cirencester
The heat also sat alongside other activity across the West. The Great Big Climate Circus is currently touring Gloucestershire, with young people getting involved in performance and art projects. At Cirencester Tennis Club, players donned vintage tennis whites at a party to celebrate the centenary of the club.
For people trying to plan around the weather, the practical picture is clear: schools and services have already been disrupted at scale, storms have added damage in some places, and some public events have still continued outdoors. The West of England is already being forced to cope with both interruptions and carry-on activity in the same week.
