Bristol's Colston Hall unveils long-awaited new name

After Black Lives Matter protesters toppled the Edward Colston statue and threw it in Bristol's harbour back in June, the city's Colston Hall venue set out to change its name.

Protesters have been trying to get the venue renamed for years, and local music legends Massive Attack refused to play the venue due to its name.

This morning (23 September), the venue, formerly known as Colston Hall, has unveiled its new name, Bristol Beacon.

As ITV reports, Louise Mitchell, chief executive of Bristol Music Trust said, "This morning I am warmly welcoming you to Bristol Beacon. A symbol of hope and community. A focal point for music in the city. A gathering space, illuminating the way ahead. A place of welcome, warmth and light."

Bristol Beacon's site states, "We know that our current name, that of the slave trader Edward Colston, means that not everyone has felt welcome or that they belong in their city’s concert hall. And if we can’t share the joy of live music with everyone, something must change. Our organisation was founded long after Colston’s death, and has no direct connection to him, financial or otherwise. We can no longer be a monument to someone who played such a prominent role in the slave trade."

Local poet Vanessa Kisuule shared a poem to mark the venue's new chapter.

Welcome to Bristol Beacon.

A symbol of hope and community. A place of welcome, warmth and light. An open invitation to the city for everyone to come and share in the joy of live music.

Find out more: https://t.co/BwncHuW7Hy

Poem by @Vanessa_Kisuule#newname #bristolbeacon pic.twitter.com/qmmsvzsWJG

— Bristol Beacon (@Bristol_Beacon) September 23, 2020

The name change has been implemented immediately, and the venue exterior will get a new logo in the coming months.