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How the West watched most historic solar eclipse since 1999
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Thousands of people from across the West of England stood or sat completely still on Wednesday evening to watch a historic partial eclipse. More than 90% of the sun was obscured by the moon - the most it has been blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999. In areas like Weston-super-Mare, Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham and Warminster people gathered to watch the phenomenon with special glasses, alongside DIY viewers who looked through cereal boxes and colanders. One person even watched through a welding mask. From vantage points to pub gardens and homes, here's how you viewed the once-in-a-generation solar eclipse. Huge crowds gathered on Clifton's Downs, where earlier free eclipse glasses were being handed out [Handout] For those not lucky enough to secure the free glasses on Clifton Downs, some people have taken to other means [BBC] There were cheers on Trooper's Hill as people gathered to watch the phenomenon [Handout] Nine-year-old Louis was given a pair of glasses by a stranger and says he "feels really lucky" [Handout] People climbed Cleeve Hill, on the edge of Cheltenham, to watch the eclipse at what is the highest point of Gloucestershire [BBC] Some people had both the eclipse glasses and homemade viewing devices [BBC] Picnics at the ready: lots of people combined the eclipse viewing with alfresco dining [BBC] Weston-super-Mare's famous beach was packed with people hoping to view the eclipse [BBC] Families gathered in Weston-super-Mare hoping to get a clear view [BBC] Beckford Tower, in Bath, was also busy with eclipse enthusiasts [BBC] Meanwhile, people gathered by Cheddar Reservoir for a scenic view [BBC] People turned to DIY methods to view the eclipse at prehistoric Stonehenge [PA Media] One woman stood out from the crowd wearing a welding mask [PA Media] And lots of people brought their colanders to the event [PA Media] Meanwhile, Starquest Astronomy Club held a special event in Warminster town park for people to view the spectacle [BBC] Two women don their fiery eclipse glasses [BBC] And some people got very creative to view the historic moment [BBC] Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Millions in UK and Europe wowed by once-in-a-generation solar eclipse Warning from man whose eyes were damaged by eclipse When and where in the West Country to see the solar eclipse