Bristol Colston Hall reveals its new name
It was previously named after slave trader Edward Colston
Popular venue Bristol Colston Hall named after slave trader Edward Colston has been given the new name of Bristol Beacon.
The 2,000-capacity concert hall and Grade II listed building first announced it was changing to a new name three years ago once reconstruction work on the venue was complete.
Following the Black Lives Matter protests in Bristol in June, which saw the toppling of the controversial bronze statue of Edward Colston in the city, owners of the venue once again reiterated their commitment to changing the name this autumn.
The Bristol Beacon name-change announcement was made in the foyer of the venue yesterday (23rd September) by Chief Executive Louise Mitchell and Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees
Bristol Colston Hall first opened its doors in 1867 and was developed into a rock music venue in the mid-1960s.
Acts who have performed at the venue over the decades include Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden.
Bristol trip-hop group Massive Attack had previously refused to perform at Colston Hall as it bore the name of the slave trader.
In a statement, Bristol Beacon said: “Since 1867 we have been at the heart of Bristol’s cultural life. We are so proud and grateful to have played such an important role in our city and the lives of our audiences for so long. And now, in 2020, we have a new opportunity – a chance to acknowledge difficult parts of our past and look forward with hope towards our future”.
“We know that our former name, that of the slave trader Edward Colston, meant that not everyone has felt welcome or that they belong in their city’s concert hall”, it goes on. “And if we can’t share the joy of live music with everyone, something must change.”
It continues: “Our organisation was founded long after Colston’s death, and has no direct connection to him, financial or otherwise. We can no longer be a monument to someone who played such a prominent role in the slave trade. This is an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to play our part in creating a fairer and more equal society. We believe in the power of music to break down barriers and cross boundaries. Bristol Beacon will celebrate this in everything we do.”