Colston Hall

General information

Colston Hall is Bristol’s largest concert hall, presenting concerts and entertainment by major names in rock, pop, jazz, folk, world and classical music, stand up comedy and light entertainment, as well as local choirs, orchestras and schools.

Our audiences have been enjoying music here since 1867 and the building remains at the heart of cultural life in the city.

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We have 3 performance spaces at Colston Hall, the Main Hall, The Lantern and the Foyer.

Our main hall was completed in 1951, the Royal Festival auditorium undergone a number of transformations over the years. Some of the world’s biggest music and comedy stars have performed on this stage, including The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong Motorhead and Bob Dylan. The perfect acoustics in the space have also attracted the world’s leading orchestras and classical soloists. The hall houses our magnificent Harrison and Harrison Pipe organ and has a maximum capacity of 2075.

The Lantern
Situated in the oldest part of the building, The Lantern was built in 1873 and offers a programme of world, folk, jazz, acoustic and new classical music in a quirky and intimate space. In former times the venue was a theatre, and staged performances by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School alumni including Patrick Stewart and Daniel Day Lewis. The maximum capacity for this venue is 350 standing and 250 seated.

Foyer Performance Space
The new foyer is a light and airy space, perfect for our Friday and Saturday evening free performances. The foyer was built in 2009 and offers meeting and conference spaces available to hire.

Our imposing and iconic foyer has made Colston Hall an architecturally significant and striking addition to Bristol’s skyline and befits the many fantastic performers who play here. With a café bar, roof terrace, conferencing and education facilities, plus disabled access to all floors we offer a top quality experience to all our visitors.

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Colston Hall is run by Bristol Music Trust, an independent organisation and registered charity (no. 1140898) created to develop the Hall’s artistic programme and promote music and music making in Bristol.

Launched in May 2011 Bristol Music Trust is an exciting independent venture with two distinct aims:

• The first is to manage the operations of Colston Hall; developing a diverse musical programme, leading a major capital refurbishment programme and securing its commercial success. The Hall presents a wonderful opportunity to build a diverse Music and Arts Centre for the region.
• The second aim is to drive forward music across Bristol; working in partnership with city wide organisations; leading on musical education, commissioning new works, supporting local musicians, and promoting music across all communities to build on the vibrant talent already in the city. We want the Bristol music scene to stand out with its own unique culture and internationally renowned reputation.

For more information about Colston Hall our strategic vision, and our Transformation plans please visit our website.