Bristol Beacon has confirmed its plans for its opening weekend after a monumental refurbishment totalling around £132 million. The famous concert hall has been closed to the public since 2018 despite being initially predicted to reopen in 2020.
In April, Arts Council England said anything that compromises the trust’s ability to deliver its charitable objectives gave them "cause for concern” after it awarded funding of around £20 million. Bristol City Council said it was exploring its future with Bristol Beacon ahead of the reopening.
The renovations will see the Victorian concert hall transform into a 'world-class' space that promises to be one of the most accessible venues in Europe. It will have three performance spaces as well as a brand-new restaurant available to the public.
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Now, plans for its relaunch on November 30 later this year have been revealed including a newly commissioned work featuring some of the city's leading artists. The show entitled 'Trip The Light Fantastic' will feature the globally renowned orchestral innovators Paraorchestra, electronic artist Surgeons Girl, Charles Hazelwood and light artists Limbic Cinema, who have collaborated on a spectacular sound and light show.
Todd Wills, Artistic Director at Bristol Beacon, said: “When considering how to mark the occasion of reopening Bristol Beacon, we thought immediately of Paraorchestra. Not only does the ensemble represent the spirit of inclusion and reinvention that we cherish in this city, but they were also incredibly open to collaborating with other Bristol artists to create something truly innovative and celebratory."
Paraorchestra is an ensemble that performs original pieces in unlikely spaces and is radically changing who connects with orchestral music, removing barriers to showcase excellence in disabled musicianship. The show will also be kept as affordable as possible, with a range of 'pay what you decide' ticket options.
Charles Hazlewood, Paraorchestra Artistic Director, said: “Bristol Beacon’s reopening is a moment of enormous importance to the people, the culture and the city of Bristol. We are proud to be Associate Artists of Bristol Beacon, and for the very first performance on this bright new stage, Paraorchestra [is] excited to premiere a standalone, bespoke commission."
The composition has come together in a unique collaborative ‘call-and-response’ process created over several months. Paraorchestra (who are also heading to Glastonbury this year) has worked with Surgeons Girl and responding composer Oliver Vibrans to create an evolving work that will take audiences on an expansive journey, illuminated by audio-visual experts Limbic Cinema who employ projection-mapping and innovative lighting techniques in their work. The ongoing improvisation has delivered a multi-sensory experience that will light up Beacon Hall for the first time.
Bristol Beacon's relaunch weekend will also see the venue open its doors for 'The Housewarming', an all-day free party across the entire venue on Saturday, December 2. It will feature communities, artists and talent gathered from right across the city through an open call.
The weekend will conclude with a 'Bristol Beacon Presents' affiliated performance from Penguin Café on Sunday, December 3, Arthur Jeffes’ highly acclaimed collective. Ticket details for Trip The Light Fantastic and The Housewarming events will be announced soon. To be the first to hear sign up now at: bristolbeacon.org/opening. Tickets for Bristol Beacon presents Penguin Cafe are on sale now.
Bristol Beacon reopens for the first time in five years on November 30, 2023
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