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Wales Online
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Amazing free event is happening this weekend and it's just an hour from Cardiff
Amazing free event is happening this weekend and it's just an hour from Cardiff All you need to know about the Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2025 including tickets, timings and travel Spend the weekend at a fun balloon fiesta just over the Prince of Wales Bridge (Image: Paul Gillis/Reach Plc) If you're at a loose end this weekend there's a massive event happening just over the River Severn that'll keep friends, family and kids entertained as well as being a huge visual spectacle. The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta returns for its 47th year and runs from Friday, August 8, until Sunday, August 9. While this event is not quite in Wales it's a top idea for a day out this summer holidays, if your list of ideas has run dry. If you're in Bristol already for a trip, you can try out the new Gromit trail - Gromit Unleashed 3 - details of this are, here. With the drive to the Balloon Fiesta venue typically taking around 55 minutes from Cardiff it could be the answer to your activity prayers this weekend. Public transport-wise, the journey will take slightly longer as you have to jump on a train to Bedminster (via Templemeads) and then catch a bus to the venue - there is a Fiesta shuttle bus, though, making that easier. Fancy a stop off on the way there/home? The Bristol Zoo Project is ideal for the animal-lover in your gang, and there's a We're Going on a Bear Hunt Trail, too. Click here for more on that. The Fiesta takes place at Ashton Court this weekend for three days of entertainment and, hopefully, an array of mass ascents, Night Glows, and other ballooning sights to enjoy. Organisers have also brought in some brand new attractions visitors can immerse themselves in this year - all focusing on Bristol's ballooning history and heritage and the wonderful world of the sport. To help you plan your day, here's a handy guide of everything, as reported by Bristol Live, you need to know about this year's event - from traffic, travel and parking, to mass ascent and Night Glow timings, special shapes, and what else you can see and do this year. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here When and where is the Bristol Balloon Fiesta taking place this year? The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes place at Ashton Court from Friday, August 8, to Sunday, August 10, this year. Each day, the site will be open well before 6am (car parks open from 5am) to allow for those hoping to enjoy the early morning mass ascents at 6am to arrive and find a spot. Mass ascents are due to take place at 6am and 6pm every day of the festival - but are of course weather dependent. And there are two night glows this year starting at 9pm on Friday and Saturday. Is it free to attend? Do I need a ticket? And where can I park? The Balloon Fiesta remains an unticketed free-to-attend event, meaning you can just come on in and enjoy yourself. However, if you are planning to drive and park on site, you'll need to purchase a car parking ticket in advance. Final release tickets as of Thursday, August 7, are priced between £20 and £27 for cars, £15 for motorbikes, and £75 for coaches. The event, being a not-for-profit organisation, charges for car parking to help cover its operational costs. By purchasing a car parking or hospitality package ticket, visitors are actually helping to protect the Fiesta. How to get there and official travel warnings Train travel For visitors coming from further afield, Fiesta-goers can travel by train with GWR. The closest train station to Ashton Court Estate is Bristol Temple Meads, which is served by the Fiesta Shuttle Bus to easily plan direct onward travel to the Fiesta. Shuttle buses In partnership with Stagecoach, a Fiesta Shuttle Bus will run between Bristol Temple Meads, Queen Square (Prince St, Stop Q2) and the Balloon Fiesta, to transport visitors directly to and from the event. The service will run on Friday from 10am until 9pm to the Fiesta, and from 10.30am until 11.30pm back to Bristol Temple Meads. On Saturday, the service will run from 10am until 9pm to the Fiesta, and run return journeys from 10.30am to 11.30pm. On Sunday, the service will run from 10am until 7pm to the Fiesta and return journeys will operate from 10.30am until 9.30pm. To ensure you secure your spot, it is strongly recommended you book your shuttle bus tickets in advance, which can now be booked via the Balloon Fiesta's official website. Car parking For those planning to drive, car parking, sponsored by GoSkippy, must be booked in advance. From those planning to attend a morning mass ascent, both the Blue and Red Car Parks open from 5am. The Blue Car Park is the closest car park to the Fiesta site, just a short walk from the main arena. The Red Car Park is the main public car park and there is a walk downhill to get to the Fiesta site, entering at the top of the arena. Disabled and motorbike parking is also available, accessed via Orange Gate. Last entry to all car parks is strictly 5pm. There will be various road closures and diversions in place to keep traffic moving around the site during the event, so drivers are urged to follow traffic signs, rather than sat navs. Taxi top tips Visitors arriving by taxi should ask their driver to follow the road signs to the designated drop-off/pick-up location at the Long Ashton Park and Ride point. This location is a short walk from the event site. This area is only operating as a drop-off/pick-up point during the Fiesta, and you will not be able to park your vehicle here. By bicycle Cyclists can take the 'Festival Way,' a traffic-free path connecting the city to Ashton Court Estate and beyond. Starting in Bristol, cyclists can use the National Cycling Route 33, which takes them on a traffic-free path from Queens Square out of the city via Cumberland Road. Upon crossing the River Avon, you join Kennel Lodge Road as you enter Ashton Court. Bike parking is available on-site by the Mansion House and the Fallow Deer Park. These routes are shared with pedestrians and can get busy so ensure you ride carefully and dismount as you arrive into the site. A walker's guide For those on foot, there are two main routes into the Fiesta site from Bristol City Centre: via Festival Way or the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Festival Way, Route 33 on the Cycle Route Network, offers a scenic walk from the city centre. These routes are shared with cyclists so take care during busy periods. Clifton Suspension Bridge closures As in previous years, the Clifton Suspension Bridge will be closed to all pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles between 6pm and midnight on Friday, August 8, and Saturday, August 9. Traffic warnings National Highways has warned that junction 19 on the M5 could be particularly busy during the event with southbound traffic using the junction to access the A369 and the event site. The M5 at junction 21 will also see increased traffic as northbound traffic uses the A370 to travel to the Fiesta, and traffic will also use the M32 to travel through Bristol to the event. For up-to-date traffic and travel for the Fiesta, visit our sister site, Bristol Live, for their live, daily traffic updates. Bristol International Balloon Fiesta press launch 2024 (Image: Inaz Hussein) What's new for this year? This year's balloon line-up (which has its own day dedicated to special shapes on Sunday) sees the ever popular special shape hot air balloons - like a massive 143ft dragon all the way from Indiana. Visitors will be able to take part in a plethora of interactive activities - this year will see the return of the Meet The Pilot event, which began last year and sees balloon crews allow members of the public to come into the arena, jump in a basket, have a go on the burners, take photos, and learn all about the world of ballooning. There will also be a brand new 'In The Clouds' exhibit, in which Fiesta goers will be able to walk inside a cold inflated hot air balloon envelope, take photos and listen to a soundscape of real flights from actual balloon teams. Plus, another new interactive exhibit has also recently been announced, called 'Flight Control'. Created with GWR, this interactive board will map out where every balloon lands after each mass ascent, so visitors can see how far they've travelled over the weekend. This year will also see the return of an official headline sponsor for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Back in May, BristolLive reported that South West accountancy firm Albert Goodman had been named the Balloon Fiesta's official headline sponsor for the next three years, providing what organisers say will be 'crucial financial support' for the event. This will be the first headline partnership in almost 10 years for the Fiesta. And there will also be a military flypast or two over the weekend, as a Hawker Hurricane will say hi in the skies above the Fiesta site on Saturday, August 9, and Sunday, August 10, as part of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Flypasts will take place at 2.17pm on Saturday and 12pm on Sunday, with the exact Hurricane craft believed to either be the Hurricane Mk IIC LF363 or the Hurricane Mk IIC PZ865. Organisers say that the displays will be subject to aircraft serviceability and weather conditions on the day. What else can I see and do? When it comes to food and drink, Pasture will be returning with a pop-up restaurant on site for the second year running. Following its success, the popular Bristol restaurant will return to Ashton Court, this time with a further restaurant in the Sky Lounge VIP area, and also with a brand new BBQ service running throughout the day at their main pop-up onsite restaurant, under their new concept PRIME. Other popular things to do at the Fiesta this year include model balloon displays, chances to explore a real life fire engine, appearances and sessions with the Bristol Bears men and women's teams, stunt displays and demonstrations, live music, a fairground, and more. Article continues below There will also be a vast array of food traders to enjoy and, of course, the possibility of a total of six mass ascents across the weekend - two a day at 6am and 6pm respectively - as well as two Night Glow events, at 9pm on Friday and Saturday evening respectively.
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First Post
17-07-2025
- Health
- First Post
'Swollen ankles, bruised hands': Is everything okay with Donald Trump?
Following his recent attendance at the FIFA Club World Cup in New Jersey, speculations about President Donald Trump's health swirled once again on social media. The 79-year-old was seen with swollen ankles and bruised hands. This comes just months after Trump's official health report described him as 'fully fit'. Are the recent signs a cause for concern? read more Attending the FIFA Club World Cup at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025, Trump was photographed with noticeably swollen ankles and what seemed to be bruises on his hand. AFP Images of US President Donald Trump at a recent public appearance have stirred fresh chatter online, not about politics this time, but about his health. Attending the FIFA Club World Cup at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025, Trump was photographed with noticeably swollen ankles and what seemed to be bruises on his hand. Neither Trump nor his team has issued any clarification, but the photos have triggered speculation on social media about the 79-year-old's president's health. What makes this even more noticeable is that just a few months ago, in April, Trump's official health report described him as 'fully fit,' with no concerns mentioned about his mobility or extremities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, are these recent signs something to worry about? Here's what we know Why are Donald Trump's ankles swollen? As social media speculations about Trump's health gained traction, a physician expressed concerns that the US President could be dealing with a serious health issue. Speaking to ReachPlc, Dr Jeff Foster, Medical Director of Manual, shared what might be behind the visible swelling. 'Ankle swelling can be due to a range of factors: anything from standing up for too long in the hot weather, to heart or liver problems,' he said. Foster also pointed to a more concerning possibility. 'The big one we worry about is heart failure, which is a condition where the heart cannot pump the blood around the body fast enough, which results in fluid pooling in the feet and ankles.' Swollen ankles at the World Cup Bruised hand at today's press availability. Is the Trump administration hiding the President's health? Where is @jaketapper? — Maine (@TheMaineWonk) July 15, 2025 While swelling during summer isn't unusual, Foster noted it's not typically a sign seen in someone who's in good health. 'While we all get a tight rim round our socks in the heat, we don't usually see any significant ankle swelling in anyone who is fit and well and this would beg the question as to whether there is something more significant health-wise going on,' he explained. Offering a similar warning, Dr Mahesh Agarwal, an interventional cardiologist at Manipal Hospital in Bhubaneshwar, told Times Now, 'The body often sends out early distress signals, and ignoring them could delay crucial diagnoses. Symptoms like swollen ankles, unexplained bruises, or a persistent limp may appear minor, but they could be the body's way of signalling something more serious beneath the surface.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The conversation around Trump's health picked up after he and First Lady Melania were seen attending the FIFA Club World Cup finals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Photos from the event, especially those showing the President from a front angle, revealed his visibly swollen ankles and drew immediate attention online. The conversation around Trump's health picked up after he and First Lady Melania were seen attending the FIFA Club World Cup finals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. AFP 'Swollen ankles at the World Cup. Bruised hand at today's press availability. Is the Trump administration hiding the President's health?' one user posted on X. Another commented on his posture, saying, 'He walks slumped over and sits in a way that looks like he is compensating for some breathing difficulty.' Did excessive handshaking cause bruising on Trump's hand? A recurring bruise on the back of President Trump's right hand has also raised concerns, especially after it was spotted again during a recent public appearance. Trump was photographed boarding Marine One at the White House en route to Pittsburgh, where he appeared to be wearing a noticeable amount of concealer on the back of his hand. A recurring bruise on the back of President Donald Trump's right hand has raised eyebrows, especially after it was spotted again. File image/ AFP White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told The Daily Beast that the mark was caused by the president's habitual handshaking. 'President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history,' she said, offering a similar explanation just a month earlier. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, not all medical professionals are convinced by that reasoning. Dr Neal H Patel, a physician at Providence St Joseph Hospital, told the Daily Mail earlier this year that it's unlikely handshaking alone could lead to such bruising. 'I see a lot of patients who are businessmen, and I've never really seen them getting bruising from too much handshaking,' he said. 'I guess it's possible, but that would really not be on my list of ideas of what causes it.' Instead, Dr Patel speculated that the bruise could be from an IV needle. Other experts have pointed out that Trump's age may play a role, especially if he is also dealing with conditions like osteoporosis. Dr Mahesh Agarwal also added a word of caution, telling Times Now that bruises without an obvious cause should not be ignored. 'They may indicate issues with blood clotting or platelet disorders or even be a side effect of certain medications like blood thinners or steroids,' he said. 'In rare cases, frequent bruising could be linked to liver disease, leukaemia, or vitamin deficiencies (especially C and K).' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With input from agencies
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I went on First Dates and viewers would be taken aback by show secrets'
A contestant on the Channel 4 dating show has shared some behind-the-scenes secrets about what really goes on in the First Dates restaurant, and who pays for the meal A contestant on the new series of First Dates has given an insight into what really happens off-camera on the renowned TV dating show. Cormac Boylan, who features on tonight's episode of the Channel 4 programme, spilled some behind-the-scenes secrets to Reach Plc, revealing his preparations for his on-screen date and what happens during filming. Contrary to what some viewers might suppose, Cormac revealed that the meals aren't paid for by the show; instead, the daters pay for their own food. Cormac said: "The First Dates restaurant worked like a normal restaurant and my date split our bill so we both paid for it... I think it's also worth mentioning that it's not scripted at all." He also pointed out that there are chances for contestants to interact with each other and the production crew. He elaborated: "Whilst we were waiting to film, we were speaking to other contestants and producers on the show." In addition to discussing part of the production process, Cormac shared his experience of meeting one of the series' well-known figures, maître d'hôtel Fred Sirieix. He described Fred, 53, as "an absolute character, really nice, and very talkative and interesting to talk to". As the latest series of First Dates made its return to British television, the celebrated maître d' has offered some advice on the dos and don'ts of dating. Fred has also recently discussed how First Dates differs from other dating shows currently on the air. Speaking to the Telegraph, he explained: "It's about people and the lives people live. Life isn't just one straight line – it's about twists and turns. "People will talk about betrayal, or the death of a partner, or how they were treated as a child. It's a very entertaining show, and it can be quite funny, but also sad and emotional at times. "At the heart of it is the true quest for love. This is why, for me, it's the best and most authentic of all dating shows." In a previous discussion with RadioTimes in 2022, Fred dismissed any comparisons between First Dates and Love Island and how the former is very different to the latter. He explained: "First Dates isn't that kind of show. It's about two people who don't know each other, who live in different places and sometimes not very far from each other, and they want to meet somebody that they can make a connection with, so that they can spend their life with them. "It's about that conversation and about finding out whether they have a connection and whether there is chemistry. Chemistry - that's what it's about."
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Motoring expert says used car is 'UK's most reliable' and passes 'most MOTs'
The Suzuki Ignis was the most reliable car in the UK according to new research - but there's a catch for anyone looking to purchase the model A car expert has revealed that one of the most dependable motors in the UK is, ironically, no longer available to buy new. Earlier this year, a team of motoring experts carried out a study to identify the most reliable cars on UK roads. They looked at which cars had the highest MOT pass rates. The more passes, the more reliable the car was deemed to be, while vehicles with lower pass rates were theoretically less reliable, reports the Express. Speaking to ReachPlc, tyre content manager Nyo Logan, said that a one popular small car had outperformed vehicles from other more premium brands. In research conducted by Blackcircles, Nyo discovered that the Suzuki Ignis—a small city car with an SUV-like design—had proven itself to be statistically the most reliable car in the UK. While this may be good news for those seeking a car that could have fewer mechanical problems over its lifespan, there's one problem, the Ignis is now no longer on sale. Despite Suzuki halting production of the Ignis in the UK this year, Nyo insists it remains a savvy purchase on the second-hand market. He explained: "Despite Suzuki discontinuing their Ignis model production in the UK this year, the compact crossover SUV has become a popular choice for those buyers looking for a subcompact model. "The crossover design means that this small car is city and commuter-friendly, whilst also providing SUV capabilities such as four-wheel drive. "Our test results are in, and this is a car you can trust! The research shows that more than nine in ten models passed their MOT on average in the UK in 2024/2025." Although new Ignis models are off the table, the runners-up, Lexus UX and Porsche Macan SUVs, are still in production. The Suzuki boasted an impressive MOT pass rate of 94.64 percent, with the Lexus and Porsche trailing closely at 94.20 percent and 93.41 percent respectively. Nyo commented further on the top performers. He said: "The top three is made up of SUV's and the Lexus UX and the Porsche Macan follow in second and third on our podium. "There were 5,583 MOT tests carried out on Lexus UX vehicles, and 5,259 tests passed, whilst 3,453 tests were passed for the Porsche Macan out of 3,697 tests completed." This MOT data emerges amid growing concerns that future pass rates could decline, not due to vehicle quality but owing to the worsening condition of the roads they travel on. Earlier this year, reports surfaced that the expense incurred due to pothole-related car damage had soared to a staggering £1.7bn. Such detriment could potentially lead to an MOT failure later down the line. Commenting on this issue, Kwik Fit's Dan Joyce issued a stark warning. He said: "It's concerning to see that the downward trend of the last two years has gone into reverse in the latest figures. "Anything which adds unnecessary costs to motorists is especially unwelcome in the current economic climate but even the financial burden is outweighed by the risk to safety. "The main components which bear the bulk of the damage - tyres and wheels, suspension and steering - are interlinked."
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
'Beautiful' mini greenhouse worth £100 plummets in double deal
The VegTrug nursery greenhouse has been designed for compact space Garden enthusiasts with limited space can now grab a bargain as the price of the VegTrug pop-up nursery greenhouse, perfect for compact areas, has been slashed. This mini greenhouse, which has four adjustable shelves and is available in either a wooden or grey finish, has been marked down from its usual £99 to just £79.99 at Yimbly. However, shoppers can get it for even cheaper by using a limited discount code at the checkout. The code SUMMERDAYS10 gets shoppers a further 10% off the mini greenhouse, driving the price down to £71.99. Free shipping is also available on a customer's first order. Yimbly is an emerging online marketplace owned by The Mirror's parent company, Reach Plc. The VegTrug mini greenhouse is made from a sustainable, certified cedar wood and treated with a water-based preservative. The VegTrug nursery greenhouse stands at 157.5cm tall, 70.8cm wide, and has a depth of 49cm. Its versatile shelving system allows gardeners to rearrange the space to suit a variety of seeds and plants, including vine plants, thanks to the adjustable shelf slots. The design also includes a handy opening section for effortless planting and harvesting, while the cover can be closed to insulate plants when the mercury dips, thus prolonging the growing season. Prospective buyers can check out customer feedback on Dunelm, where it retails at £99. A satisfied customer said: "Absolutely beautiful product! Quality material fairly easy to assemble." Another buyer added: "A little on the tricky side to assemble but very pleased with result and quality of mini greenhouse." Another struggled with the construction process, commenting: "Horrendous to build - no easy way to hold the pieces of wood in place and screw in at the same time, so it all collapses. I bought two but doubt I'll build the second as I simply can't face it." Alternatively, Wowcher is offering an easy-to-assemble greenhouse for £29.99, down from £80. It features a push-together metal frame that doesn't require any tools. Back to the reviews for the mini greenhouse, another buyer concluded: "Sturdy and strong cover. Good instructions. Well packaged." For those with more compact outdoor areas, B&Q has a selection of greenhouses, including the Woodside Large Wooden Cold Frame, perfect for balconies or patios, available at £89.99.
