SPOTLIGHT

Visual light display by Limbic Cinema Photos Colin Moody

Music

THE STORY OF A NEW NAME he music hall formerly known as olston finally has a new name.

For reasons too obvious to mention, the big reveal on 23 eptember was a lowkey aair that took the form of a streamed broadcast from the foyer. Speeches by Louise Mitchell of Bristol Music Trust and Mayor Marvin Rees were followed by a poem by Vanessa Kisuule, read by a diverse range of Bristolians in a short film. he new name for the hall was revealed in the last line of the poem: Bristol Beacon.

The name, said Louise, was designed to be “a symbol of hope and community. A gathering space, illuminating the way ahead. 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.”

The controversial former name of the venue, with its associations with slave-trader Edward Colston, has been a thorn in the city’s side for many years, and the Trust declared as far back as April 2017 that the venue would be renamed as part of its ongoing multi-million-pound transformation. “We believe in the power of music to break down barriers and cross boundaries,” said the Trust. “Bristol Beacon will celebrate this in everything we do.”

No reason for Massive Attack not to play the venue now. Launch gig, lads?

Shine on, Beacon. bristolbeacon.org

Community

LOCKS DOWN Many thanks to Karno Arieli for sending us this photo of six-year-old Teo having his hair cut by his dad during lockdown. The image was selected by Hold Still, a nationwide community project launched in May to create a unique collective portrait of the UK during lockdown. Just 100 images were chosen from over 31,000 submissions.

“I loved watching as Saul gently shaved the sides of Teo’s hair; my son’s fingers still had nail polish on from other adventures. e was a little fragile, and scared of the little hairs and the machine, but the connection is tender and strong. For me, as a mother and artist, photography has been a friend and saviour during lockdown, helping me to create, document and digest in these challenging times.”

See the full gallery at the link below; the images are deeply touching and uplifting, and rearm, if rearmation is needed, your faith in humanity. npg.org.uk

Books

A LOCAL BOOK BY LOCAL PEOPLE

Think you know Bristol? We defy you not to be surprised, intrigued and inspired by the latest book on the city. 111 Places in Bristol That You Shouldn’t Miss by Martin Booth is a cliché-free guide that looks beyond the obvious tourist trappings to unearth places mostly only known to locals. Every page is crammed with insider knowledge and love for Bristol, lavishly illustrated with photos by Barbara Evripidou.

Our tip: if you ever take part in a Bristol-themed pub quiz, make sure that Martin’s on your team. 111 Places in Bristol That You Shouldn’t Miss (RRP £12.99) is available from local bookshops