Save the date. Bristol’s historic arts venue will reopen this November after five years of construction. Bristol Beacon, previously known as Colston Hall, has been at the heart of the city’s cultural events for decades. While the earliest reference to a music festival held there comes from 1896.
These current renovations, however, aim to bring Bristol Beacon into the modern era. Helping to create one of the best performance and music learning spaces in Europe. After five years of construction and costing £132 million, almost three times the original estimate, Bristol Beacon will reopen on November 30.
“We’re delighted to be able finally to confirm the reopening date,” said Louise Mitchell, Chief Executive of Bristol Beacon. “The team are busy putting the finishing touches to our opening season, where we will be showcasing a number of commissions and UK Premieres, and inviting all of our city’s communities into the Beacon to explore the new spaces, celebrating creativity and inclusivity in a way that only Bristol can.”
The anticipated reopening will several new performance spaces, including the 2000-capacity Beacon Hall, 500-capacity Lantern Hall and 200-capacity Weston Cellar. A full programme of events will be announced later this year. However, one of the first events revealed is the return of Simple Things Festival. It will be the 10th edition after a five year hiatus, last taking place in 2019.
“The reopening of Bristol Beacon is one of the most significant moments for the city and it will be great to be back at our spiritual home for our 10th edition,” said Thomas Frost, Co-Founder of Simple Things Festival. “The Beacon will be such an integral part of Bristol’s music scene, championing grassroots and local artists as well as supporting projects and events from every genre of music.”
Other upcoming music shows, include This Is The Kit, Jools Holland, Bootleg Beatles, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. While comedy will also return to Bristol Beacon in December with performances from John Robins and Ross Noble.
To learn more head here.