'Hark! The herald angels' sing at Bristol Beacon

As part of this year's Christmas Adventures light trail, 'Hark! The herald angels sing' has been projected onto Bristol Beacon. Scroll down for some fun facts about the song and for our special #MerryBristmas fact to get you in a festive mood! 

Location

Bristol Beacon is the city’s largest concert hall, presenting concerts and entertainment by major names in rock, pop, jazz, folk, classical music, stand up comedy and light entertainment, as well as local choirs, orchestras and schools. Audiences have been enjoying music here since 1867 and the building remains at the heart of cultural life in the city. Some of the world’s biggest music and comedy stars have performed there, including Slade, who took to the stage in 1973 and 1999.  

In more recent years it has also been a key player in many of Bristol’s wider events including the Slapstick Festival which takes place each January.  

Bristol Beacon's historic spaces and auditoriums are currently undergoing a multi-million pound transformation, which will turn the venue into one of the best performance and music learning spaces in Europe – a modern, accessible, state-of-the-art facility. Meanwhile, they continue to bring the best live music to the region through their 'Presents' programme. 

On Wednesday 23 September 2020 the announcement was made that 'Bristol Beacon' would replace 'Colston Hall' as the name of the venue. The former name, that of the slave trader Edward Colston, meant that not everyone felt welcome or that they belong in their city’s concert hall. It's important to note, the organisation was founded long after Colston’s death, and has no direct connection to him, financial or otherwise. It was decided, the hall could no longer be a monument to someone who played such a prominent role in Transatlantic Slavery. 

This was part of their transformation; taking the opportunity to acknowledge difficult parts of the city's past and the chance to look forward, with hope, towards the future. After all, it's only just begun.  

• Bristol and the legacy of Transatlantic Slavery 

Song fact

"Hark! How all the Welkin rings, Glory to the King of Kings" were the original opening lyrics of Charles Wesley's 'Hymn for Christmas Day' from 1739. These were updated 19 years later by fellow Methodist founding-father, George Whitefield.

The hymn was set to music from Mendelssohn by British musician William H Cummings in the mid-19th century. More recently, The Mix, Bristol has performed this updated version.

#MerryBristmas Fact

Charles Wesley was the brother of John Wesley, whose 'New Room' is just up the road in Broadmead, right in the heart of Bristol Shopping Quarter. The New Room is the oldest Methodist building in the world and was constructed in 1739, the same year as Charles wrote the first iteration of the hymn. Visitors can experience the chapel as Methodists would have done when the Wesleys preached there in the 18th century.

The museum on the top floor explores Methodism and the Wesley philosophy in more detail and the cafe serves fantastic coffee, snacks and lunches. A statue of Charles Wesley can be found at The Horsefair entrance and pre-booked groups can usually visit Charles' house in nearby Stokes Croft.

Each year The New Room welcomes many visitors on pilgrimages from many countries including the USA and South Korea. You can also find out more with a self-guided Wesley Walk around Bristol.

• Find out more about Sacred and Spiritual Bristol

Other Christmas Adventures illuminations nearby:

• Fa La La La La, La La La La on St Georges
• Driving home for Christmas at the corner of Park Row and Woodland Road
• Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night on Premier Inn on Lewins Mead

Please make sure that you adhere to government covid-safety guidance when visiting the Christmas Adventures illuminations. 

- Find out more about all the Christmas Adventures illuminations throughout Bristol city centre

- Find out what else is going on this Christmas in Bristol

- Listen to the Spotify playlist

The project is part of Bristol City Centre BID’s #LoveBristol campaign which promotes the recovery of the city, bringing together 100s of businesses to help create the festive trail. New to this year is the partnership with Redcliffe and Temple BID, adding many new and iconic locations to the attraction.

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