Bristol Beacon

Bristol Beacon

Posted on: 23 Sep 2020

Bristol Beacon has been officially unveiled as the new name of Colston Hall.

 

Colston Hall has been formally renamed Bristol Beacon, following the venue team's official announcement via live stream this morning (Wednesday 23 September).

 

The venue, which was previously named after 17th-century slave trader Edward Colston, is set to reopen next year upon completion of a £50m refurbishment project.

 

Consultation regarding the name change began in 2017 after years of local campaigning, and there has been renewed focus on the issue since Colston's statue was toppled in June during Bristol Black Lives Matter demonstrations.

 

Click here to find out more and follow updates on future events at Bristol Beacon.

 

 

Led by venue operators the Bristol Music Trust, several local schools, creative organisations and artists had a say in the renaming project, as well as Bristol mayor, Marvin Rees.

 

The idea behind the new name is to create a focal point, gathering space and a source of inspiration for the city. Unveiling Bristol Beacon this morning, Bristol Music Trust Chief Executive, Louise Mitchell, said:

 

"For us, our audiences, artists, and for our city, this name change is a chance to be free to write our own inclusive narrative: one that puts the unity and joy of live music at the heart of what we do."

 

Alongside the live-streamed announcement event, the new name was revealed through a short video montage featuring local people reciting a poem written by Bristol City Poet, Vanessa Kisuule.

 

 

As part of the unveiling, Louise Mitchell went on to outline plans for the Bristol Beacon's 'Transformation Promise', which will see the venue team continue to work on improving inclusivity for staff, artists and audiences.

 

The Bristol Music Trust will be leading a "major programme of community-led activity" during the buildup to Bristol Beacon's official opening, funded in part by a £400,000 investment from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

 

For more information on Bristol Beacon, or to follow news and updates regarding future events, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Main Image: Dominika Scheibinger

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.