This Week in Bristol

Bristol is buzzing with activity this week, a mix of sporting triumphs, community events, and significant business developments. On the sporting front, Bristol Bears faced a tough defeat against Harlequins, denting their playoff hopes, while Bristol Rovers secured a vital 2-0 victory over Accrington Stanley, continuing their strong home form and moving closer to safety. Bristol City Women also had a big day facing Birmingham City in WSL 2. The city is also gearing up for Easter with a variety of family-friendly events happening across venues. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated opening of Sephora in Bristol has a confirmed launch date, bringing excitement to beauty enthusiasts. In the culinary world, there's good news for foodies with a list of pubs and takeaways receiving new food hygiene ratings, and a local couple is hoping to open Bristol's first dedicated gluten-free bakery. Development news continues to focus on the Brabazon project, with discussions about its classification as a "new town." On a more somber note, a serious attack led to a police cordon in the city, and a hit-and-run incident left a pedestrian injured in South Bristol. Traffic disruptions occurred due to an overturned vehicle on the M32 and a large lorry getting stuck, along with unexpected delays on the M4 due to horses on the motorway. Several establishments have closed their doors this month, including a popular kebab restaurant and a major global brand, while others are set to open, like a bookshop with a wine cellar in Stokes Croft and a new animation company from Africa establishing a presence. Positive news includes the O2 Academy investing in sound system upgrades and the continuation of extra support for Bristol's night-time economy. The city also celebrated Trans Pride with a vibrant march, and local venues are being invited to participate in the upcoming Harbour Festival. On a lighter note, a blind 10-year-old boxer is inspiring with his unique training methods, and a group of bikers dressed as bunnies added a colourful spectacle to the streets. There's also a unique suggestion circulating about changing clocks forward at 4 pm on a Friday. However, some residents have raised noise concerns regarding two events at riverside warehouses and expressed dissatisfaction with recent mural paint, calling it a "crumbling mess."