Broadcast overview

An AI-generated overview based on this broadcast's transcript.

The programme opened with the countdown to a partial solar eclipse expected to be the most dramatic in nearly 30 years, with up to 96% of the sun covered. Key timings were given for Bristol: first contact at 18:17, temperature changes at 18:39, nature reaction at 19:09, maximum at 19:13, and the eclipse ending at 20:07.

Live reports came from several locations. At Clifton Observatory in Bristol, an astronomer from the Bristol Astronomical Society explained the event and stressed safety, with 400 eclipse glasses being given out. At Glastonbury Tor, a reporter spoke to locals, including someone who had been there in 1999. At Avebury stone circle, an archaeologist discussed the site's history as a gathering place. At the Norman Lockyer Observatory in Sidmouth, the chairman described the event and the observatory's heritage. In Plymouth, crowds gathered for the eclipse and the National Fireworks Championships. At Land's End, viewers saw the first contact as the moon began to edge across the sun.

The broadcast also looked back at the 1999 eclipse, with archive footage and memories from the region. Safety advice was repeated, including using certified eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors. The programme noted that the next similar eclipse would not occur for another six decades, and mentioned meteor showers afterwards.

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Source: ITV1, "ITV News West Country", Wednesday 12 August 2026. Transcript excerpts and stills are shown only to support the analysis annotated alongside them. Search-result excerpts are distinct from the editorial annotations — see our copyright basis. The full broadcast is not reproduced.