Wiltshire in pictures: from air tattoos to spinal tattoos

From spine surgery tattoos to world music festivals, air shows to epic roadworks – here’s a selection of images from the week in Wiltshire news.

‘Not just a tattoo’: A Swindon tattoo artist’s stunning image shows the rod and screws attached to the spine of a fitness instructor who has scoliosis.

Laura Ellis, 37, wanted it done in part to “stop the bullying” she has experienced because it visually represents her spinal problems.

“It’s not just a tattoo, it’s something that could make my life a little bit easier,” she said.

The work was done by Strange Ways Tattoo artist Nick Ferris in Swindon as a result of a £500 fundraiser.

Wiltshire’s biggest festival kicked off this week with WOMAD once again presenting an eclectic line-up of music and art acts from all kinds of genres from around the world.

Last year more than 40,000 people attended the event at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury.

“You’re always walking around and you’ll hear some music and you’ll see a sight and you’ll think, ‘What is that?'” said WOMAD programmer Paula Henderson.

“You stop, take your time and sit and listen, or dance. It just ends up being a beautiful weekend.”

Musician Peter Gabriel first started the event in 1982.

For several hours this track, which straddled the Wiltshire-Gloucestershire border, was the busiest in the world.

The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford has concluded for another year, attracting around 150,000 visitors.

The 248 aircraft from 29 different countries had to return home afterwards, meaning that for a few hours on Monday it became one of the busiest airstrips on the planet.