UWE Bristol and Bristol Beacon announce new partnership

The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and Bristol Beacon are pleased to announce a partnership today, Tuesday 9th May, with Bristol Beacon becoming the new venue for UWE Bristol’s graduation ceremonies from July 2024.

As well as Bristol Beacon hosting UWE Bristol’s graduation ceremonies and other large-scale university events, the partnership will offer UWE Bristol students more opportunities to access creative and cultural experiences outside of their course disciplines, including Welcome Week events, exhibitions, gigs, academic programmes and through UWE Bristol’s Centre for Music.

This partnership with the charity Bristol Beacon will make use of the transformation of its flagship venue, which is now close to completion and will reopen in November 2023. Bristol Beacon will be one of the best and most accessible performance and music education venues in Europe, with two international standard performance venues, restaurants and bar, and with the historic cellars being used for the first time as education and performance spaces.

Bristol Beacon will have the highest possible accessibility rating, including flat wheelchair access across the venue and onto the stage, accessible toilets, hearing systems, and trained specialised staff, which will ensure all UWE Bristol students, staff and guests will have a fully accessible graduation experience. The music charity also shares UWE Bristol’s goal to become a net zero organisation by 2030.