An aural exhibition of Bristol Beacon’s historic place in the community

Since 1867, Bristol Beacon has been a focal point in the lives of Bristolians, showcasing big musical acts and local talent in equal measure, alongside an eclectic program of other events including wrestling, political rallies, beauty pageants, and community events.  

In 2019, oral historian Tot Foster met and spoke with Bristol’s communities who gave voice to very individual and personal stories of their memories of Bristol Beacon. Alongside 40 specially commissioned illustrations by artist Matt Booker, the exhibition “A Place for Everyone” provided a snap shot of the unique role the Hall has played in people’s lives over the years.

A Place For Everyone

Part of 'A Place For Everyone' - An aural exhibition of Bristol Beacon’s historic place in the community.

For Bristolians there have been many opportunities to get on the stage at Bristol Beacon. Many people’s first memory of the Hall is actually as a performer rather than an audience member. 

Whether it was part of a school Christmas concert, dancing as part of the annual Stages festival or working with world renowned conductors. On this track we hear from those who have sung, danced, and even paraded on the main stage in front of proud parents, teachers and friends.  

Interviewees also explore the influence that these formative experiences have had on their lives, and the impact that the continuing education work of Bristol Beacon is still having today.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3TeJo8q

The Show Goes On

Part of 'A Place For Everyone' - An aural exhibition of Bristol Beacon’s historic place in the community.

Until the 1980’s what is now the Lantern was known as the Little Theatre, putting on regular and accessible theatre six days a week in partnership with Bristol Old Vic and the repertory theatre company the Rapier Players. With new stories added every week seats were available on subscription in the pre-television era, with members of the public eager to find out what happens next. We hear from actors who trod the boards, and the communities that were built around this unique theatre.  

In the main hall, wrestling was one of the biggest nights of the week. Big names such as Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy would go head to head in nail-biting shows, attracting audiences from around Bristol for regularly sold out bouts from 1950s to 2004. In this collection wrestlers, audience and staff recount their stories of the golden days of wrestling.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3TeJo8q

Spectacular Storytelling

Part of 'A Place For Everyone' - An aural exhibition of Bristol Beacon’s historic place in the community

For Bristolians there have been many opportunities to get on the stage at Bristol Beacon. Many people’s first memory of the Hall is actually as a performer rather than an audience member. 

Whether it was part of a school Christmas concert, dancing as part of the annual Stages festival or working with world renowned conductors. On this track we hear from those who have sung, danced, and even paraded on the main stage in front of proud parents, teachers and friends.  

Interviewees also explore the influence that these formative experiences have had on their lives, and the impact that the continuing education work of Bristol Beacon is still having today.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3TeJo8q

Bristol Takes A Bow

Bristol Beacon is the South West's largest concert hall, entertaining the people of Bristol since 1867. We program the best in Jazz, Classical, World, Pop, Rock, Soul, Contemporary, Comedy, Community & Education. This Soundcloud account is for us to discover new music, share tracks we like, and bring you recordings from within the venue.