Bristol Beacon cancelled Windrush event on police advice

It's emerged a celebration of Afro-Caribbean artists at the Bristol Beacon was cancelled last week after police advised it should not go ahead

Author: James DiamondPublished 27th Jun 2024

It's emerged an event planned at the Bristol Beacon last week (Friday 21st June) as a celebration of Afro Caribbean culture was cancelled at the last minute, following advice from police.

The Beacon was due to host a performance of Masicka and Malie Donn as part of wider celebrations of the Windrush generation - the name given to those who moved to the UK from the Caribbean following the Second World War.

That afternoon the Beacon posted on social media to say the event was cancelled, without giving a reason.

However a spokesperson for the Beacon now says the decision was taken on the advice of local authorities including Avon and Somerset Police.

"In light of credible information received from local authorities, Bristol Beacon made the difficult decision to cancel the performance," they said.

"This action was taken based on strong advice from these authorities."

The Beacon however, says the decision was not related to any safety or security concerns regarding the venue itself or to the artist or promoter.

"At Bristol Beacon, the safety and wellbeing of audiences, staff and local residents are of the utmost priority.

"We are actively working on rescheduling the Back A Yard performance and will provide further updates as soon as possible."

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We provided safety advice to the venue ahead of an event they were due to host.

"Following this, the venue took the decision to cancel the event.”

The exact reasoning for the cancellation has not been made public.

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