Beloved Bristol Beacon Reopens After Dramatic Renovation

Charcoalblue were first appointed in 2011 to provide technical consultancy for the second stage of development at Bristol Beacon, formerly known as Colston Hall. The project aimed to restore one of Bristol's oldest and most celebrated venues.

Working alongside Levitt Bernstein, we devised flexible solutions to facilitate swift transitions between various stage formats, ranging from large orchestras to the requirements of international touring rock concerts. The stage transitions seamlessly from a flat rock and roll stage to the multi-level stage tiers needed by orchestras, utilising 18 individual stage lifts. There are two large-format stage elevators, which can extend the permanent stage for larger orchestral formats or be set at auditorium level to increase audience capacity. These elevators also efficiently transport seating wagons to storage in the cellars beneath the auditorium. To accommodate rapid changeovers between venue formats, Charcoalblue specified 15 bespoke seating wagons, incorporating 288 seats, and 50 beam-mounted wheeled seat units with 220 seats for the stalls. This innovative approach enables the transformation of the stalls from a 508-seat tiered auditorium to a 1100-capacity standing area in under three hours.

Charcoalblue collaborated closely with Bristol Music Trust to equip them with a comprehensive technical infrastructure for stage lighting and audio-visual systems. The Music Trust boasts a rig of over 90 moving and fixed position LED lighting fixtures and an in-house PA system tailored to the needs of major touring bands. In a pioneering move in dynamic stage engineering, Charcoalblue specified a system allowing a section of the over-stage acoustic reflectors to pivot from horizontal to vertical, enabling the house PA system to alternate between its deployed position below the canopy and a visually 'hidden' storage position above the canopy.

Charcoalblue implemented the acoustic design of renowned concert hall acousticians from Sound Space Vision. We designed and specified 14 vertical acoustic banners and approximately 150 linear metres of motorised acoustic drape, enabling Bristol Music Trust to vary the venue's acoustic performance to suit diverse needs, from a virtuoso solo violinist to a heavy rock band.

Within the 296-seat to 500-standing capacity Lantern Hall, Charcoalblue specified 12 individual stage lifts for variable stage heights, complemented by three motorised production grids and a comprehensive stage lighting and audio-visual infrastructure.

As part of the Public Art design, Charcoalblue worked closely with renowned artist Rana Begum on the implementation of a bespoke design for the seating fabric in the Beacon and Lantern Halls and the acoustic drapes in the Lantern Hall.

Bristol Music Trust's visionary ambition for a world-class concert hall and music venue has been realised through Levitt Bernstein’s extensive redevelopment. Charcoalblue are honored to have contributed to the remarkable transformation of this iconic venue in the heart of Bristol. Now a radically versatile and technologically advanced space, the revitalised venue is poised to accommodate a huge spectrum of performances and events, solidifying its status as a cherished cultural landmark and elevating Bristol's standing as a centre for exceptional cultural events.