Bristol Beacon, the music venue formerly known as Colston Hall, reopened at the end of last year after the third major refurbishment in its long and illustrious history. Originally opening in 1867, the South-west’s largest music venue is perhaps best known for the roll-call of stars who played there during the 1960s and 70s, including Buddy Holly, Ella Fitzgerald, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, the Who, David Bowie and Elton John.

With this latest refurbishment, owner Bristol City Council and the building operator, the Bristol Music Trust, are again hoping to attract the biggest stars to Bristol. The last refurbishment took place in 1945, during a time of postwar austerity, and over 70 years later was no longer fit for purpose. The main auditorium was set out in cinema style with a huge first-floor balcony that badly affected the acoustics, the sightlines were poor, the inadequate ventilation system was noisy and the narrow, armless seats were a major source of complaints.

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