In pictures: Storms, solstice and staying cool

A record-breaking heatwave caused hundreds of schools and services to close across the West of England this week.

The extreme weather also sparked two storms, with lightning strikes causing house fires and damaging roads.

But despite the high temperatures, lots of events still went ahead including the annual Bristol Sounds concerts.

Here is a selection of photographs from across the West this week.

Don't stop the music: Despite the sweltering heat, fans have been heading to the Harbourside almost every evening this week as the annual Bristol Sounds concerts got into full swing.

Extreme weather: There were lightning strikes seen in the skies above Bristol this week - one of which caused the roof of a house to set fire as warm temperatures gave way to thunderstorms on Monday night.

Thirsty work: These rowers needed a rehydration break whilst enjoying the water in Bristol harbour this week.

Pausing to remember: Bristol Beacon celebrated Windrush Week with a special performance of the musical Jamaica Love, which marks the 78th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush. Bristol Boycott pioneers and family representatives were welcomed onto the stage in recognition of their civil rights campaign.

Community action: People across Bristol joined the national campaign Million Acts of Hope taking part in activities including litter-picking to improve neighbourhoods. The events were organised by Bristol Noise and Good Faith Partnership.

Cooling off: This plunge pool overlooking Chew Valley Lake looked like a good spot to escape the heat.

Storm clouds: This image was captured earlier this week above Glastonbury by one of our weather watchers.

Making a splash: Patients living with a stoma have been rediscovering their confidence in the water during swimming sessions run by the United Hospitals Bath (RUH) NHS Foundation Trust.

Roll up, roll up: Young people are getting involved in performance and art projects as part of the Great Big Climate Circus which is currently touring Gloucestershire.

The circus provides a forum for "turning young people's climate concerns into confidence and collective action".

Finding the shade: These tourists made sure to stay out of the hottest part of the day as they visited the Cotswold village of Bibury

Game, set, match: Players donned vintage tennis whites at a party to celebrate the centenary of Cirencester Tennis Club.

The occasion was a chance to "reflect on the club's proud history, while looking ahead to an exciting future".

Living history: There are lots of exciting reasons to visit Sudeley Castle and Gardens this summer as young visitors will be able to step back in time and learn how to become a knight or try out the life of a squire.

Costumed storytellers will add a flavour of life at the castle when bravery and chivalry ruled.

Need for speed: This 1996 F1 Williams car had an outing at Cotswold Airport near Kemble ahead of the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex next month. The car proved to be the most successful of the entire 1996 field; winning 12 of the 16 races during the season.

Was it just a week ago? Last Sunday thousands of people gathered at the ancient site of Stonehenge - and other locations in the West - to watch the sun rise to mark the summer solstice.

Moody skies: Many people in Wiltshire were startled by thunderstorms on Monday evening, when sunny skies were swiftly replaced by dark clouds. Thank you to weather watcher BOA G for this picture from Bradford-on-Avon.

Ambulance adventure: Mayor of Malmesbury Robert Hastings is preparing to join well-wishers to see off the town's gift of an emergency ambulance and 4x4 Medical Support vehicle as it departs to their Ukrainian Friendship Town of Cherkasy.

It will be driven by a team of five volunteers from local support group Malmesbury Stands with Ukraine, which has raised more than £20,000 from the local community.

Gift to us all: The National Trust has opened a new exhibition at Lacock Abbey this week to present the last major commission created by the late British photographer Martin Parr.

"Martin was smart, serious, witty and hardworking," said curator Dr Andy Cochrane. "Collaborating with him was a joy, and his focus on Lacock last year was his gift to us all."

Anniversary joy: Social club Swindon IVC gathered this week to celebrate 80 years of the national association they are affiliated to, the Association of Inter Varsity Clubs. The group is self-run by volunteers and enjoys pub nights, meals out, book clubs, craft circles and short holidays.

Essential groceries: Residents in All Cannings celebrated the reopening of their village shop in a new building.

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