Everything we do, in one place, on one day

Blog

Wednesday 19 Apr 2023

On Saturday 15 April, we opened our doors to the public for a unique celebration of all our work in one space. Bridgehouse (the new name for our foyer space) was buzzing with music lovers, families, and the next generation of Bristol’s music scene as part of our two community-focused events – Inside Out and the NEXT LEVEL showcase.

From early years music workshops to performances from our youth ensembles and talent development programme tutors and alumni. From interactive displays on the transformation of our venue to details of our net zero ambitions – all aspects of our journey were on show for the public to discover.

Here you can dive into highlights from the day, including an impressive gallery of both events captured by photographers Giulia Spadafora and Eljay.

A vocalist performing on stage with a person playing beats on a drum pad — Nat Oaks at Inside Out, Sat 15 Apr 2023, Bristol Beacon, photography by Giulia Spadafora | Soul Media UK

Organised by our fantastic community team, Inside Out saw our venue packed with free activities, workshops and performances.

This event was the first of its kind under our new name and the result of months of planning led by Community Engagement Officer Connie Badley.

A keyboardist wearing a black tracksuit on stage with an ensemble. — Bristol Beacon Jazz Ambassadors at Inside Out, Sat 15 Apr 2023, Bristol Beacon, photography by Giulia Spadafora | Soul Media UK

A group of children dancing in front of a crowd of people. — Inside Out, Sat 15 Apr 2023, Bristol Beacon, photography by Giulia Spadafora | Soul Media UK

From the Instrument Zoo and Sounds of Flight exhibition to an infectious and uplifting performance from Bristol Takeover alumni, Kutamba, there were plenty of opportunities for attendees to get creative, tell their own stories, engage with our community and education programmes and better understand our transformation and mission to share the joy of live music.

A small child playing a steel drum. — Sambistas at Inside Out, Sat 15 Apr 2023, Bristol Beacon, photography by Giulia Spadafora | Soul Media UK

Two performers dancing on stage in front of a large crowd — Solo Jane at NEXT LEVEL Showcase, Sat 15 Apr 2023, Bristol Beacon, photography by Eljay

But the celebrations didn’t stop there, as just a few hours after Inside Out wrapped up we reopened Bridgehouse for the NEXT LEVEL Showcase.

Co-produced by Big Team CIC, the showcase was a monumental occasion for our artist development cohort, as they demonstrated their hard work through a series of energetic performances before a headline set from Miss LaFamilia with DJ McCoy Sway.

A person holding a microphone on stage in front of a crowd — Photo Eljay

A group of people gather on stage underneath a screen which reads 'NEXT LEVEL' — Artists and mentors at the NEXT LEVEL Showcase, Sat 15 Apr 2023, Bristol Beacon, photography by Eljay

We’re proud to be investing in the next generation of Bristol artists, with the artists giving an unforgettable show after a week of professional support and guidance from the incredible team of mentors.

Congratulations to our team of artists – who will perform live at Love Saves The Day next month – and our Creative Producer Owen Parry for bringing the project together.

A group of young people pose for a photo. — G U Y, B3nji, Solo Jane, Rebekah Dinnall, RED and Asher Simmons at NEXT LEVEL Showcase, Sat 15 Apr 2023, Bristol Beacon, photography by Eljay

A vocalist with dancers wearing balaclavas either side of them performing on stage below a screen which reads 'Miss LaFamilia' — Miss LaFamilia at NEXT LEVEL Showcase, Sat 15 Apr 2023, Bristol Beacon, photography by Eljay

“The music and performances were of such a high standard, this is actually of no surprise knowing the types of creatives out in the Bristol scene, but they exceeded all expectations! It is incredible that these artists were able to include collaborative tracks that they created over the space of just a week or so with other artists they had only just met. watch out for this group of music machines!”

Owen Parry – Creative Producer