Remember, remember the thirtieth of November – because Bristol Beacon is reopening! As we approach the final stages of our transformation, the finishing touches are beginning to take place. We’re painting the last few walls, hanging the speakers and the lights (175 speakers and 232 lights to be precise!), and doing lots of sweeping up.
We’ve even got a brand new sign proudly displaying our name, shining out to the city centre and beyond.
So, with just over four weeks to go until we open our doors, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how it’s all coming together in Beacon Hall and Lantern Hall, as we invited local artists, staff, family and supporters to join us to help test a few things out.
It was a joy to hear music in our venues again, we can’t wait to welcome you back.
Beacon Hall
Last Saturday we were able to access Beacon Hall for the first time. Local act Neko put the staging and some of the PA through its paces and our stewards were able to familiarise themselves with the space. We did the serious jobs of testing the bars and of course making sure the seats were comfy (they are!).
In the gallery you’ll also spot our historic pipe organ – reinstalled after a major restoration by the original manufacturers Harrison & Harrison.
Photography byt Elliot Hingston, Soul Media
Beacon Hall key features
- A new, larger and more flexible stage, including retractable extension
- International standard variable acoustics
- Comfortable and flexible seating technology enabling a range of performances, festivals, corporate events, flat floor banqueting and graduations
- New upper and lower tiers replacing the former single deep balcony
- New ceiling shape, wall finishes and interior with a contemporary look and feel
- Improved stage access and backstage provision so that disabled artists will have direct access to our main stage for the first time
- New accessible viewing platform
- Increased maximum audience capacity from 1,932 to 2,196
Lantern Hall
Our elegant and versatile second performance space combines Victorian architectural beauty with unbeatable sound quality. It’s a space for some of the most exciting and boundary-pushing elements of our artistic programme, and on Saturday 21 October we invited a small audience and local artists Sun Spot and The Alternative Orchestra to try it out.
In the gallery you’ll notice the beautiful acoustic drapes designed by artist Rana Begum as part of our programme to embed art in the fabric of the building.
Lantern Hall key features
- Restoring and reinstating the historic plasterwork
- New windows, previously blocked up, allowing natural light into the hall when desired
- Retractable seating and staging
- Beautiful reclaimed floors using wood from the original main hall
- Increased maximum audience capacity from 350 to 500
Our new sign
Opening weekend
You’re invited to celebrate!
Trip The Light Fantastic
Thu 30 Nov 2023
Trip The Light Fantastic
Thu 30 Nov 2023
Witness a space reborn as sound and light collide in spectacular fashion.
Paraorchestra and electronic composer Surgeons Girl create electro-orchestral alchemy, with visuals from AV experts Limbic Cinema, for a landmark concert experience.
The Housewarming
Sat 2 Dec 2023
The Housewarming
Sat 2 Dec 2023
A free day-to-night festival bursting with a colourful spectrum of Bristol creativity.
Every corner of Bristol Beacon – from the Terrace to our brand-new Cellars and our renewed transformed concert hall spaces – will come alive with performances, to celebrate our opening with light, sound and of course, music.
Penguin Cafe
Sun 3 Dec 2023
Penguin Cafe
Sun 3 Dec 2023
Winding up our opening weekend is Penguin Cafe with their beautiful avant-pop combining folk, classical and minimalism in blissful soundscapes. The perfect opportunity to winddown after the party and enjoy the incredible acoustics of Beacon Hall.
Latest News
Meet the Bristol people behind The Housewarming
- Bristol Beacon News
Testing, testing… latest photos of our transformed performance spaces
- Photos
Latest photos from inside our transformed venue
- Photos