Our History
Shining a light on unsung heroes and hidden stories
Bristol Beacon first opened its doors on 20 September 1867. For over 150 years our walls have reverberated with the magical sights and sounds of orchestras, activists, acrobats, wrestlers, filmmakers and entertainers of every description.
In 2020, we started a new chapter, changing our name from Colston Hall to Bristol Beacon. With our new name we have sought to shine a light on the unsung heroes and hidden stories of our past, and to provide an open and welcoming home for the voices of the future.
On these pages you’ll find:
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BSL video guide to Bristol Beacon
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Our Story Wall – an illustrated interpretation of our history
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Sound and visual art that recontextualises our history
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Articles that dive into the untold stories from our past and uncover their relevance today
BSL Video Guide
David Ellington and Rebecca Vaughan welcome you to Bristol Beacon with a BSL signed tour of our venue.
They’ll introduce some fascinating features of our building and our musical and cultural heritage following our major restoration and redesign project.
Join them as they introduce you to our centre for music in the heart of Bristol.
Story Wall
This artwork by Mel Northover captures the excitement and energy of performance through the drawn line, connecting and transforming as it explores the Bristol Beacon’s story.
Over 400 artists are featured. Their stories are interwoven with the musical movements and world events that shaped and influenced the Beacon’s history.
Seek out famous rock stars. Discover new and previously forgotten artists. Learn surprising facts. Be inspired by our story and let the music, light and power of our artists’ messages inspire you to create new music of your own.
Audio Guide
Audio Guide
Listen to an audio guide that uses poetry and soundscape to introduce music icons that have stormed our stages as well as the unsung stars and hidden facts of our fascinating history.
Where is the Story Wall?
The Story Wall is a wall mural with 13 panels. You can find it in the Lantern Foyer and Simons’ Bar on Ground Level. The entrance to Lantern Foyer is to the right of our Box Office in Bridgehouse on the Ground Floor.
Art at the Beacon
Social history, sonic poems and audio visual art
Frankie Boyle
Convergence
Frankie Boyle
Convergence
This sculpture encapsulates the sound, light and emotion that converges and runs through the Bristol Beacon, from the cellars to the concert halls above.
Created by Frankie Boyle in collaboration with the Future Proof project, our mentoring scheme for local 18-25 year-old musicians.
Sound Lounge
Interactive gallery and library
Sound Lounge
Interactive gallery and library
Located on the ground floor in the heart of Bridgehouse is Sound Lounge: an interactive gallery and library that celebrates our social and music history.
Roundels
Plaster Portrait Sculpture
Roundels
Plaster Portrait Sculpture
On the walls of our Lantern Foyer there are seven portraits of historic directors and benefactors of Bristol Beacon.
Art at the Beacon
Art at the Beacon
Discover our collection, find out about the artists, and experience the artworks yourself on your next visit.
Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Travel information, opening times, food & drink and frequently asked questions about our venues and performance spaces.
What’s on
What’s on
Browse event listings and find out what music, comedy, exhibitions, workshops and more are taking place at Bristol Beacon.