Latest news with #BristolBeacon
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Bristol Beacon completes £1m organ restoration
A major concert hall's pipe organ has been fully restored after a seven-year Grade II-listed pipe organ inside Bristol Beacon is one of the last 'late Romantic' style concert hall organs in the entire part of the building's grand reopening in November 2023, the pipe organ was reinstated, but the final adjustments could only be made earlier this Coleman, from Bristol Beacon, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have the Britton Organ back in its rightful place in Beacon Hall." The instrument had to be completely taken apart as part of the of the process involved cataloguing each of the organ's 5,372 pipes, which range in size from small tin whistles to 32 ft bass lorries were needed to transport all the parts up to Durham, where it was both originally made and recently project was completed by organ builders Harrison and Harrison, the contractor which built and installed the current organ in 1956 after a discarded cigarette set the hall and the previous organ from the firm said they had to scrape multiple layers of nicotine from each part. Now back in place, the organ was renamed the "Britton Organ" after a £250,000 donation was made by Bristol foundation the Jack and Monica Britton Trust, which supports young organists and organ refurbishments as Jack was a passionate month, donors towards the project had the chance to take a sneak preview of the restored instrument in a private and Harrison said that the venue's refurbishment gave them the "perfect opportunity to undertake a full restoration" of the pipe organ, aimed at helping improve the acoustics inside Beacon Coleman, said "It's one of the last pieces in the jigsaw following our transformation."We can't wait to hear it being played in several concerts next year - its 70th anniversary year - during our 25/26 Orchestral Season."Bristol Beacon, formerly known as The Colston Hall, underwent a £132 million refurbishment, which saw the venue shut for five final cost of the project was criticised by some as it had tripled from the original estimates, although the venue has pledged to pay back £8m of its profits to the city council.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bristol in Pictures: The Manics rock the Beacon
Twice this week Bristol Rovers have been supported by about 9,000 fans at the Mem. Sadly it didn't help them on the pitch with two disastrous defeats. Elsewhere in the city, the next generation of musicians have been showcasing their talent at the Bristol Beacon, while a popular bakery chain was effectively handed over to its staff to run. Special masses were celebrated at Easter, and flags were flying proudly to celebrate St George's Day. Packed out: The Bristol Beacon was jumping on Saturday night as Welsh indie rockers the Manic Street Preachers took to the stage. Stepping forward: A new permanent audio trail is being launched to tell the stories of the Christmas Steps in the city centre. Performers from the Invisible Circus will be returning to bring the tales to life on 3 May from 19:30 BST. Keep the brolly handy: Easter Monday didn't bring much in the way of sunshine to Bristol, whereas the forecast for this coming week is a bit more promising. Ones to watch: The Bristol Beacon Next Level showcase saw multiple young artists performing at the end of a writing, production and rehearsal camp. The group will now be supported by Big Team & Bristol Beacon over the next 18 months to help them take the next steps in their musical careers. Blessed: Clifton Cathedral was packed for the annual Chrism Mass, where the oil of the sick and the oil of catechumens were blessed by Bishop Bosco ahead of being used throughout the diocese in the coming year. Back at the Gate: Fans made their way to Ashton Gate on Sunday to watch Bristol City Women's FC take on Sunderland. Locks of love: Pero's Bridge over the harbour is weighed down by many hundreds of padlocks, which often bear the initials of couples as a way of showing their affection for each other. The bridge is named after slave Pero Jones, who lived in the city. Rising to the top: Parsons Bakery, which began in Clevedon in 1926, has moved to an employee ownership meaning the family business, which has branches all over the West, is now effectively owned by its 400 staff. Flying the flag: In the week of St George's Day, you can rely on the Three Lions pub on West Street to show a bit of patriotism. Play on: Cricket fans were back at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol to watch Gloucestershire take on Leicestershire this weekend. Top deck: Sometimes the best way to see the murals of Stokes Croft is from the seats at the front of the 75 or 76 bus (other buses are available). Never forget: An exhibition highlighting the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine is on in the city centre. Erased from the Face of the Earth can be seen at the M Shed until 20 July. Taking over: Adam Flint has been named as the new chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association. Mr Flint, general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton in the city centre, has taken over from Raphael Herzog. All in a good cause: Law firm Burges Salmon transformed its Bristol HQ into a fine dining venue to raise more than £10,000 for various charities, helped by celebrated chef Josh Eggleton MBE. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. 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Bristol in pics: Wintry scenes, Gromit and elves Bristol in pictures: Mary Poppins and circus nights Bristol in pictures: Fireworks and chilly swimmers Bristol in pictures: Images from across the city Bristol in pictures: Images from across the city Bristol in pics: Wildscreen and national football Bristol in pics: Northern Lights and scary sights Bristol in pictures: Bears' derby delight Bristol in pictures: England cricket and the Bears Bristol in pictures: Images from across the city Bristol in pics: Round-up of images from the city Bristol in pictures: Crocodiles and cricket Bristol in pictures: Forwards, Dogfest and sunny skies Bristol in pictures: The proms and Massive Attack Bristol in pictures: It's home sweet home Bristol in pictures: Balloons, rallies and sunsets Bristol in pictures: A scorching week in the city Bristol in pictures: Balloons, bingo and boats Bristol in pics: Harbour Festival and graduations Bristol in pictures: Pride, politics and zombies Bristol in pictures: Polling day pooches and Euros Bristol in pictures: Images from across the city Bristol in pictures: Images from across the city Bristol in pictures: Concerts, cats and cricket Bristol in pictures: Busted, Placebo and Sir Ian Bristol in pictures: Riding the waves into summer Bristol in pictures: All you need is love Bristol in pictures: Marathons and music Bristol in pictures: A taste of summer in the city Bristol in pictures: Balloons, boats and buses Bristol in pictures: Rising from the ashes Bristol in pictures: Paint, pirates and protest Bristol in pictures: Anyone for cricket? Bristol in pictures: Faith, foxes and Filwood Bristol in pictures: Big beasts are waking up Bristol in pictures: Parades, concerts and a Grinch Bristol in pictures: From park runs to pilots Bristol in pictures: Snow and the Severnside derby Bristol in pictures: Images from across the city
BBC News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bristol in Pictures: Rovers, St George's Day and rising stars
Twice this week Bristol Rovers have been supported by about 9,000 fans at the Mem. Sadly it didn't help them on the pitch with two disastrous in the city, the next generation of musicians have been showcasing their talent at the Bristol Beacon, while a popular bakery chain was effectively handed over to its staff to masses were celebrated at Easter, and flags were flying proudly to celebrate St George's Day. Ones to watch: The Bristol Beacon Next Level showcase saw multiple young artists performing at the end of a writing, production and rehearsal camp. The group will now be supported by Big Team & Bristol Beacon over the next 18 months to help them take the next steps in their musical careers. Stepping forward: A new permanent audio trail is being launched to tell the stories of the Christmas Steps in the city centre. Performers from the Invisible Circus will be returning to bring the tales to life on 3 May from 19:30 BST. Keep the brolly handy: Easter Monday didn't bring much in the way of sunshine to Bristol, whereas the forecast for this coming week is a bit more promising. Blessed: Clifton Cathedral was packed for the annual Chrism Mass, where the oil of the sick and the oil of catechumens were blessed by Bishop Bosco ahead of being used throughout the diocese in the coming year. Locks of love: Pero's Bridge over the harbour is weighed down by many hundreds of padlocks, which often bear the initials of couples as a way of showing their affection for each other. The bridge is named after slave Pero Jones, who lived in the city. Rising to the top: Parsons Bakery, which began in Clevedon in 1926, has moved to an employee ownership meaning the family business, which has branches all over the West, is now effectively owned by its 400 staff. Flying the flag: In the week of St George's Day, you can rely on the Three Lions pub on West Street to show a bit of patriotism. Play on: Cricket fans were back at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol to watch Gloucestershire take on Leicestershire this weekend. Top deck: Sometimes the best way to see the murals of Stokes Croft is from the seats at the front of the 75 or 76 bus (other buses are available). Never forget: An exhibition highlighting the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine is on in the city centre. Erased from the Face of the Earth can be seen at the M Shed until 20 July. Taking over: Adam Flint has been named as the new chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association. Mr Flint, general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton in the city centre, has taken over from Raphael Herzog. All in a good cause: Law firm Burges Salmon transformed its Bristol HQ into a fine dining venue to raise more than £10,000 for various charities, helped by celebrated chef Josh Eggleton MBE.
BBC News
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The neurodiverse DJ who runs inclusive club nights in Bristol
A neurodiverse DJ has founded an event where autistic people can feel safe and "have a dance".Disco Neurotico is a club night series founded by autistic DJ Byron Vincent and, after a successful night at the Bristol Beacon, fundraising is under way for a further night in the event is a "safe space" for anyone who feels anxious about "mainstream" club events, Mr Vincent said."I've put thought into every element. It's a welcoming and friendly space, a safe space for people who don't feel safe but still want to dance and socialise," Mr Vincent added. "I started the event for selfish reasons," Mr Vincent said. "I'm neurodivergent myself, I'm autistic and have anxiety."I struggle with crowds and moving around the world is difficult."Mr Vincent used to run raves and said he enjoyed them but he always needed "a job to focus on".He added: "Eventually, moving in those environments became too much so I became a writer."Then, lockdown happened and I was invited to do online DJ sets. I really enjoyed them."After lockdown, Mr Vincent felt he wanted to recreate that environment."I remembered I hated events so I decided to create an event - selfishly - to my own needs," he said."I thought it was just me and nobody would come - but people said they felt the same way." He said the event was a "broad church", welcoming autistic people and people with anxiety but also "anyone who doesn't feel comfortable in club environments".Organisers offer people a tour of the venue ahead of the event and introduce their are also multiple spaces at the events, including gaming areas, crafting tables and a recovery room."The main dance floor is a silent disco with two DJs," said Mr Vincent. "You get a choice of genre and ambient brown noise on the third channel."We try to make sure everyone is held."It's a unique space unlike anywhere else."
BBC News
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Martin Freeman: I was impersonating Oliver Hardy in The Office
Martin Freeman has said comedians such as Laurel and Hardy had a big influence on his breakthrough role in The actor, who hosted the gala evening at the Slapstick Festival in Bristol on Friday, said: "Part of my stuff really was just doing bad impressions of Oliver Hardy."That exasperated look to camera is just me doing an Oliver Hardy impersonation.""It's a very big skill in our current culture to make people laugh with no words," he added ahead of the gala event, held at Bristol Beacon. Freeman said he had "really loved" working on The Office, where he played Tim, adding: "I'm still very proud of that show."In fact, a lot of the stuff that I really loved growing up was sort of around on The Office set as well," he said. 'Bonded over Spinal Tap' "A lot of us bonded over things like Spinal Tap, The Simpsons, Laurel and Hardy - quite disparate sorts of comedy."Freeman's roles since The Office, which ran from 2001 to 2003, have included Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit trilogy and Dr Watson in the BBC's Sherlock series, as well as the protagonist Lester Nygaard in the darkly comic series said he enjoyed taking on serious parts but added: "I've always loved laughing and occasionally making people laugh, if you can. There is nothing like a room full of people laughing."Slapstick Festival, which includes shows and talks featuring Stephen K Amos, Robin Ince and Rick Wakeman on Saturday, finishes on Sunday with a special show about 1970s sitcom The Goodies and then Adam Hills and Ben Elton talking about the latter's roles in shows such as Blackadder and The Young Ones.
