NEWS: The Housewarming: Bristol Beacon's ultimate re-opening houseparty releases its full line up
Another huge crop of artists have been announced for Bristol Beacon’s all-day free party which marks the venue’s opening weekend on Saturday 2nd December, with every space in the newly refurbished venue taken over by local communities and artists including Doreen Doreen, Krust, Ishmael Ensemble, Lady Nade and Elles Bailey…
Words: Delroy Hibbert, @crossingthedanny.com
To mark its relaunch Bristol Beacon will host a free, whole venue takeover on Saturday 2nd December from 11am – 2am.
With a spectacular variety of both well-known names and festival favourites the all-Bristol line-up also includes a huge selection who answered a public call-out to take part.
Expect back-to-back beats from the likes of Da Fuchaman & his Fire Blaze band, Solomon O.B and Deems Experiment, Bristol Reggae Orchestra and Windrush Choir, Elles Bailey, Up, Bustle & Out, Fantasy Orchestra, Vilk Collective and more during the day.
The Housewarming Advisory Board Image: Plaster, @weareplaster
Advisory board member, Natalie Thomas-Gayle explains more: “It has been a huge honour to be part of the advisory board with the other members. Bristol is a diverse city, not only regarding race and culture, but for wealth and opportunity.
For me, a girl born and raised in St Pauls, the Colston Hall never really had the vibe of being a place for me. But being welcomed into the space, with the new name Bristol Beacon, and my suggestions and opinions being valued and heard, has been a thought-changing experience.
The bonus of being able to put my artist suggestions forward for the event was not even a thought when I took the opportunity, but when we were asked I saw it as an opportunity to give back, show support and acknowledge musicians that I personally know and respect, and want to see reach higher heights.”
Da Fuchaman & his Fire Blaze band. @dafuchaman
Beacon Hall, the largest performance space, will be buzzing throughout the day with pop, jazz, funk, orchestral, mass singing and DJs (and a few surprises thrown in too). Lantern Hall will be the space to dance the night away to Bristol’s alternative scene with local legends and community voices. A must see for the Lantern Hall will be a performance by Bristol’s Queen of Americana, Lady Nade, whose name will also be added to the stairs at Bristol Beacon, alongside the likes of Nick Cave, Grace Jones, Take That and Portishead in the newly renovated hall.
A brand new space which will open to the public, Weston Stage, will have guests heading underground into Bristol Beacon’s cellars to the intimate space for a daytime youth takeover and a night of emerging acts, grime, rap, pop and R&B. Filling all five floors of the foyer space, Bridgehouse will host kids activities, poetry, dances, DJs and music of all genres around every corner.
Taking over the Kennedy Room on the lower ground floor of Bristol Beacon, ‘Big’ Jeff Johns will also be showcasing his artistic talents with his latest exhibition. STARE: An exhibition by Big Jeff Johns will feature a collection of self-portraits painted during and after lockdown along with some newer works painted after his accident. The new exhibition encourages people to look beyond disability to see the person.
The Housewarming is a free-to-attend celebration for Bristol with no ticket required. To receive the schedule and all essential information, RSVP at bristolbeacon.org. Follow Bristol Beacon on Facebook, Instagram and X to keep up to date with latest news and announcements.