#SupportOurMuseums: Clifton Suspension Bridge to be illuminated blue this spring

#SupportOurMuseums: Clifton Suspension Bridge to be illuminated blue this spring

Posted on: 15 Feb 2021

Locals raised more than £13,000 to support the project late last year.

 

Bristolians and local businesses who supported a recent 'Light the Night' campaign have voted to illuminate the Clifton Suspension Bridge in blue light this spring.

 

Set up as part of a nationwide effort to #SupportOurMuseums, the initiative raised a total of £13,390 in December following an appeal from the bridge's Visitor Centre staff, who had overseen an almost total loss of income as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

 

Organisers have confirmed that a date and time for the illumination won't be revealed as long as lockdown restrictions are in place in the UK, as a measure to prevent people from gathering to see it.

 

 

Laura Hilton, Manager of the Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre, said: “The Visitor Centre is part of the Clifton Suspension Bridge Charitable Trust and is usually reliant on income from visitor donations, shop sales and tours.

 

“When we closed the venue in March, we lost all of these revenue sources and had to think creatively about fundraising. The campaign has not only helped us to fund core work behind the scenes, but our team can now spread a giant smile across the city!”

 

Initially set up to raise £10,000, the Visitor Centre team exceeded their target thanks to donations from over 100 supporters.

 

The additional funds will help the team deliver online learning and virtual resources during lockdown, as well as additional laser effects to the bridge's lighting display.

 

While the date of the illuminations is currently being kept under wraps, the team are working on plans to ensure they can be seen and enjoyed by as many people as possible, while ensuring they can take place in a totally COVID-safe manner.

 

For more information on the 'Light the Night' campaign, or to follow news and updates, find the Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre team on Twitter.

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.