Bristol Beacon has been reimagined as a vibrant community hub. As well as providing a stage for some of the world’s finest musicians and artists to perform, it is a place where young, Bristolian talent is nurtured through Bristol Music Trust’s hugely successful education programme.

The project has:

• uncovered three Elizabethan wells  
• committed one million hours to the building work
• given 7,000 hours of free music lessons per week – over 1.5m hours in total
• begun a new chapter in 2020 by changing its name from Colston Hall to Bristol Beacon

The Lantern Building, its historic heart

We supported the Lantern Building’s refurbishment and activities including a substantial community engagement programme and archive project with nearly £5m.

The Grade II listed Victorian Byzantine-style building dates back to 1873 and is unique to Bristol, but had become tired and dilapidated. It has been restored to its striking Victorian splendour and is now a versatile performance, catering and education space.  

Within the Lantern Foyer, an incredible 14-metre Story Wall documents 156 years of Bristol Beacon’s history, illustrated by artist Mel Northover. The Story Wall brings to light forgotten stories and people from the building’s past, including the story of an unexploded bomb landing in the hall during the World War Two Blitz.

A wider transformational project

The project received a total of £132million support for many other parts of the venue to be completely revitalised, thanks to partners such as Bristol City Council and Arts Council England.  

Notable transformations include Beacon Hall with world-class acoustics installed and the 5,372 pipes of the Britton organ that were rebuilt into the venue. As well, the revitalised cellars have opened for the first time in 100 years to create a state-of-the-art education centre and intimate new performance space.

Louise Mitchell, Chief Executive of Bristol Beacon, said: “The skill, hard work and love poured into this huge refurbishment has resulted in one of the best and most accessible performance and music education spaces in Europe. […] It all comes back to this building – it is our engine, it is our home, it’s Bristol’s stage for everyone.”