Bristol in pictures: Sunsets and signs of spring

Bea Swallow
BBC News, Bristol
Getty Images An aerial view across Bristol towards Avon gorge. Ashton Gate Stadium is in the foreground, surrounded by residential homes. In the distance, the Clifton Suspension Bridge hangs above the gorge, surrounded by trees. Getty Images
From a certain angle, Ashton Gate lines up perfectly with the Clifton Suspension Bridge

We are only just into March but the first signs of spring have been seen in and around Bristol with a few days of rare sunshine.

The past week also included international rugby action at Ashton Gate, the vicar at one of the city's key churches stepping down, and a cancer breakthrough at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

More than 1,000 people also went to an open day in Horfield.

A group of people sit on the edge of Bristol Harbour facing the north side as the sun goes down, with the sky tinged with orange

Sky on fire: Visitors to the harbourside on Saturday night were treated to a spectacular sunset enhanced by the lights from various bars and boats.

National Trust/ Meg King A view from inside a stone arched doorway looking out towards a walkway which runs in front of the Victorian gothic manor house. It is a sunny day and the light looks hazy and warm. There is a tree reaching across the doorway which is lit up by the sun, making the leaves various shades of green and yellow. National Trust/ Meg King

Welcome back sunshine: Visitors have been enjoying the picturesque scenes at Tyntesfield, the ornate Gothic revival house close to Bristol, as clear sunny days returned.

Getty Images England A players in their white kits celebrate a try against Ireland A at Ashton Gate. The stands with some spectators in can be seen in the backgroundGetty Images

International action: England A took on Ireland A at Ashton Gate last weekend, with the red rose men winning the contest 28-12.

A tree with bright white blossom against a vivid blue sky in Victoria Park in Bristol

Shoots of spring: Blossom has been appearing in trees across the city's parks in this week's sustained sunshine, such as here in Victoria Park in south Bristol

Collin Rayner A large group of people gathered around in Broadmead shopping centre. In the middle on the ground floor, there is a man wearing a blue shirt speaking into a microphone. Beside him there is a keyboard on a stand, and behind him there are two large banners which say Ukraine Aid and Welfare. Hanging above them are Ukrainian flags made into bunting. Collin Rayner

Time to reflect: On Monday, the city marked three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Crowds marched through the streets and there was a poignant photo exhibition in Broadmead Shopping Centre, showing how once-thriving communities have been affected by the war.

Fourteen people lining up for a group photo, smiling at the camera. They are the staff at Astral Systems, and are standing in what looks like a large warehouse building with the brick walls painted white.

Moving forward: Doctors have made a breakthrough at the Bristol Royal Infirmary as they announced a new-start up firm that could revolutionise cancer scans. Astral Systems has developed technology that can now make radioisotopes - used to pinpoint the growth of cancer in patients - in hospitals on demand.

St Mary Redcliffe Dan Tyndall wearing a black blazer, a navy blue shirt and his vicar dog collar. He is smiling at the camera while standing on a balcony, overlooking the main hall of St Mary Redcliffe Church. There are archways on either side of the aisle and a large stained glass window at the far end.St Mary Redcliffe

Saying goodbye: After 12 years as vicar of "the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in all England", Canon Dan Tyndall announced this week he will be leaving St Mary Redcliffe Church. Mr Tyndall, who will give his final service at Redcliffe on 13 July, said the role has been "a huge privilege, a real honour, and great fun".

Everyone Active Harry Aikines-Aryeetey wearing black tracksuit bottoms and a grey long-sleeved gym shirt. He is posing with his bicep flexed and smiling at the camera. Beside him are a family with two small children, who are all smiling at the camera. They are standing in the Horfield Leisure Centre gym in front of a blue net curtain.Everyone Active

Fit to burst: Families enjoyed a fun-filled open day at Horfield Leisure Centre last weekend, as the facility celebrated its recent refurbishment by welcoming more than 1,000 people through its doors.

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