/Bristol’s Colston Hall Changes Name To Stop ‘Toxic’ Slave Trader Association

Bristol’s Colston Hall Changes Name To Stop ‘Toxic’ Slave Trader Association

Historic Bristol music venue Colston Hall is changing its name to remove “Toxic” associations with the slave trade.

The 2,000 capacity venue, which has hosted gigs by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and David Bowie over the years, shares its name with Edward Colston, a notorious 17th century slave trader.

A spokesperson said: “The name Colston does not reflect the trust’s values as a progressive, forward-thinking and open arts organisation. We want to look to the future and ensure the whole city is proud of its transformed concert hall and so when we open the new hall, it will be with a new name.”

Colston Hall is due to undergo a huge refurbishment and will reopen in 2010 with its new name, which has yet to be announced.

Bristol band Massive Attack have consistently refused to play at Colston Hall because of its name.