We’ve known for a few months that Bristol Beacon, formerly known as Colston Hall, will reopen this November. Bristol’s historic arts venue has been at the heart of the city’s cultural events for over a century. (The earliest reference to a music festival was in 1896.) So it’s felt like a long time closed as it underwent construction work. Finally, after five years and £132 million, Bristol Beacon opening weekend will kickstart on Thursday, November 30.
The momentous opening night will focus on a “spectacular collision of sound and light composed in a unique collaborative process.” Trip The Light Fantastic is a newly commissioned work featuring an all-Bristol line-up made up of globally-renowned orchestral innovators Paraorchestra, electronic artist Surgeons Girl, Charles Hazelwood and light artists Limbic Cinema.
Composed over a culmination of months, the composition came together in a collaborative ‘call-and-response’ process. Expect a multi-sensory improvisational experience to light up Beacon Hall for the first time. Paraorchestra worked with Surgeons Girl and responding composer Oliver Vibrans to create an evolving work that takes audiences on a journey. Audio-visual experts Limbic Cinema will illuminate the show by employing projection mapping and lighting techniques.
A few days later, Bristol Beacon opening weekend will throw open its doors for an all-day free party across the entire venue on Saturday, December 2. The Housewarming will feature communities, artists and talent from across the city through an open call. The weekend will round off with Bristol Beacon presents Penguin Cafe on Sunday, December 3. Arthur Jeffes’ much-loved and highly acclaimed collective.
The newly renovated Bristol Beacon will feature several new performance spaces, including the 2000-capacity Beacon Hall, 500-capacity Lantern Hall and 200-capacity Weston Cellar. Other upcoming events expected to take place at Bristol Beacon include the return of Simple Things Festival, as well as gigs from This Is The Kit, Jools Holland, Bootleg Beatles, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Comedy will also return to Bristol Beacon in December with performances from John Robins and Ross Noble.
To learn more head here.