Headlines: Protests, balloons and Banksy

An anti-racism demonstration took place in Bristol on Wednesday

From protests to new Banksy artwork, there has been a wide variety of news stories dominating the headlines here in the West this week.

Anti-racism demonstration

Thousands gathered in Old Market in Bristol on Wednesday to counter a rumoured far-right rally

Hundreds gathered on the streets of Bristol on Wednesday to take part in an anti-racism demonstration after scenes of disorder in the city and across the UK.

Last week, violent scenes were witnessed in Bristol, which included the targeting of a hotel housing asylum seekers, amid demonstrations by the far-right.

Tensions have been high across England after the killing of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside, on 29 July.

Yvonne Deeney from Bristol Live was at the scene of the march on Wednesday.

In Swindon, residents and councillors expressed relief that rumours of protests from far-right groups did not materialise.

High Street shops had closed early and some companies issued safety warnings to employees.

Ben Gardner from the Swindon Advertiser gathered reaction from some anti-racism protesters in the town.

Balloon Fiesta returns

The 46th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta made a return to the city on Friday

In happier news, the 46th Bristol International Balloon Fiesta made a return to the city on Friday.

Unfortunately, the first mass ascent was unable to go ahead but spectators were able to see the famous green alien hot air balloon tethered in the arena.

Ellie Kendall from Bristol Live was at Ashton Court to take in all the festivities.

Banksy artwork galore

New artwork depicting a wolf was taken shortly after being first spotted on Thursday

Bristol street artist Banksy surprised us with numerous new animal-themed works.

Located across London, the pieces included a goat near Kew Bridge, two elephants near Chelsea and a trio of monkeys underneath a bridge on Brick Lane.

A fourth artwork, which depicted a wolf perched atop a satellite dish, was swiftly removed after it was unveiled on Thursday, as reported here by Bristol Live and two pelicans appeared in Walthamstow on Friday.

A trio of monkeys was unveiled underneath a bridge on Brick Lane

101-year-old's medals stolen

A number of medals were stolen from a home near Cheltenham

As reported by Gloucestershire Live, war medals were stolen from the home of a 101-year-old woman near Cheltenham.

Gloucestershire Police said Betty Rout was woken by thieves on the evening of 28 June.

A safe, which contained six medals and uniform patches awarded to her late husband Stephen Rout during World War Two, was stolen along with a number of handbags, purses and documents.

Mural here to stay

The mural in Cheltenham has been granted planning permission

A mural painted on a wall to deter people from tagging it with graffiti was granted planning permission in Cheltenham.

Cheltenham Civic Society had raised concerns that the mural, which is on a Grade II listed building in the town’s conservation area, was done without planning permission.

Carmelo Garcia covered the story.

Witcombe is cancelled

Witcombe Festival, which was due to take place in Gloucester over the August bank holiday weekend was cancelled due to costs.

Running since 2012, Example, Professor Green, Razorlight and Urban Soul Orchestra were due to perform.

In a statement, reported here by the Stroud News and Journal, the organisers said they had decided to cancel it due to the "ongoing cost of living crisis".

Prison's future secured

The prison was set to close but has been bought and will remain a tourist attraction

It was announced that the 400-year-old Shepton Mallet Prison is set to remain open to the public after being bought from the Ministry of Justice by the Cove Group.

The site will now undergo extensive investment and remain as an historical visitor attraction, as reported here by the Somerset County Gazette.

Thames Water facing fine

Thames Water may be facing a fine of £104m from Ofwat, the industry regulator

Thames Water, which operates across Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, may be facing a fine of £104m from Ofwat, the industry regulator, over historic sewage spills, as reported here by the Swindon Advertiser.