Police officers were called to manage crowds in Bristol on Wednesday evening as hundreds of people rushed to get free eclipse glasses ahead of the partial solar eclipse. The scene at the city's Sea Walls was described by an eyewitness as resembling "a scene from Independence Day," as thousands flocked to the area for the rare astronomical event.
Science centre We The Curious was handing out free solar glasses at a stall on Sea Walls, and footage showed people running to reach the stand. The partial eclipse, during which at least 90 per cent of the sun will be blocked by the moon, is scheduled to begin just after 6pm, with maximum eclipse taking place around an hour later at just after 7pm.
Crowds and queues at Sea Walls
Police were called to manage the queue at Sea Walls as people tried to obtain glasses being given away. An eyewitness at the scene said some people grew unruly when they were unable to get their glasses. They also noted there is no parking at Sea Walls, and vehicles were double and triple-parked on the grass.
The South West is considered one of the best viewing spots in the country for the eclipse, which has drawn many to carefully choose their seats for the event. For many in Bristol, this is the last opportunity to secure special eclipse glasses, which are essential for viewing the phenomenon without risking vision damage.
Eye safety warnings and supply shortages
Eye specialists have issued several warnings, highlighting that looking directly at the sun can cause serious and permanent eye damage, even during a partial eclipse. Only special solar eclipse glasses that are ISO 12312-2 certified for the safest eye protection should be used, experts said. Sunglasses do not offer sufficient protection.
Supplies of eclipse glasses have been exhausted at convenience stores, national parks, and the Royal Greenwich Observatory ahead of the eclipse, which will be the country's fullest for the next 54 years. The Royal Greenwich Observatory told the Press Association it had sold approximately 15,000 pairs of eclipse glasses in the last month – a sellout.
With the next eclipse of this coverage not occurring for nearly 70 years, the demand for glasses has been unprecedented. The partial eclipse will be visible across the UK, with the South West offering particularly good viewing conditions, but the rush for glasses has led to chaotic scenes and police intervention.
