Our Transformation
Building our Beacon – opened 30 November 2023
The once-in-a-generation transformation is complete. After five years, Bristol Beacon is open. You’re invited to step inside and feel the music once more.
Amazing acts for curious cats. Music sensations for every generation. For the movers and shakers, the music makers – the doors are open.
All together now – Bristol Beacon is open
Step inside our transformation
View photos of transformed spaces
Latest Photos
View 15 images
Latest Photos
View 15 images
Our performance spaces
Beacon Hall
Beacon Hall
Our wonderfully restored flagship venue; international standard acoustics with modern comfort.
Lantern Hall
Lantern Hall
An elegant and versatile performance venue; Victorian beauty with modern drama.
The Cellars
The Cellars
Atmospheric subterranean brand-new performance space and state-of-the-art education centre.
Bridgehouse
Bridgehouse
Renamed and reimagined, our entrance hall can be transformed into a vibrant performance space.
A defining moment of cultural transformation for the West of England…. the Beacon is the project that truly confirms Bristol’s reputation as a world-class music city.”
Phil Gibby, Arts Council England Area Director for the South West
Timeline
2000
The project starts to transform Colston Hall (now Bristol Beacon) into a world-class concert venue.
2007
Colston House demolished and work begins building the new Colston Hall foyer (phase one of the transformation) in its place.
Sep 2009
Our new foyer opens (now Bridgehouse).
May 2011
Bristol Music Trust is formed to manage Colston Hall and support music and music education across the region.
2017
150th anniversary celebrations take place, including concerts, tours, free gigs and a concert on Bristol Harbourside featuring the Outlook Orchestra.
March 2017
Bristol Music Trust announce the intention to reopen under a new name to end the venue’s association with the slave trader Edward Colston.
2018
Work begins on the transformation of the main hall and historic areas, the largest capital arts programme ever to take place in the south west.
June 2018
A three-year consultation begins with our audiences, partners and communities from across Bristol to inform new organisation mission and values and our new name.
2020
Colston Hall is renamed Bristol Beacon following consultation and the Black Lives Matter protests that toppled the statue of Edward Colston.
Nov 2023
Bristol Beacon reopens as one of the best and most accessible performance and music education venues in Europe.
More music for more people
With our transformed spaces we can do more, share more and play more.
Our transformation will allow us to present 200 more concerts each year, provide educational opportunities for 10,000 more children and young people and champion more diversity in the music scene, including 100 performance slots a year dedicated to Bristol-based artists.
Positive economic impact
The transformed Bristol Beacon is one of the most ambitious arts regeneration projects in the UK and is one of the biggest building investments Arts Council England has made this century.
We will create £13m for Bristol’s economy every year after reopening and are already creating new jobs to run our concerts, venues and catering offer.
Culture is a vital part of the infrastructure in towns and cities and Bristol Beacon will be at the heart of Bristol’s cultural future.
Sustainability
We want to unite people and use our unique place as a music venue to amplify positive climate action, inspiring everyone to think about their impact on the earth.
To ensure we can continue to celebrate music together for generations to come, we have set ourselves the target to become the UK’s first net zero concert hall by 2030 and have set out an ambitious roadmap to get there.
Our transformation promise
We’ve built a music venue that is without barriers and provides opportunities for everyone to create and experience incredible music.
We’ve set out our ambitions to become a more diverse, equitable and representative organisation in our Transformation Promise, a manifesto for organisational change and growth covering four areas:
- A truly diverse music programme
- Life-long experiences for all
- Collaboration is the heart of our work
- Reflecting the city and its people
The transformation of Bristol Beacon is vital for music making in the UK.”
Sir Simon Rattle, Music Director, London Symphony Orchestra
This new building is the product of over a decade of ambition. What we will do in the next 10 years are things we’ve never dreamed of.”
Louise Mitchell, Chief Executive of Bristol Beacon
FAQs
Your frequently asked questions about our transformation
When will Bristol Beacon be open?
Our venue will be open from Thursday 30 November 2023.
How much has the transformation of Bristol Beacon cost?
The project is worth £131.9 million.
How can I buy tickets to the opening programme?
Our team have been working hard behind the scenes to put our reopening programme in place for autumn 2023.
Look out for news about shows and ticket sales and sign up using the form on this page to be the first to hear.
What’s On at Beacon Hall
(15 events)
Afrobeat
Jazz
Rock and Pop
Soul
Ezra Collective
Plus special guests: Children of Zeus
Classical
Orchestral Season 2024/25
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
with Mark Wigglesworth
Classical
Electronic
Folk
An Evening Celebrating Music & Nature
Erland Cooper, Sam Lee & Alice Boyd
Classical
Orchestral Season 2024/25
Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
with Riccardo Frizza & Jeneba Kanneh-Mason