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UWE’s graduation ceremonies to move to Bristol Beacon
A new partnership has been announced between the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and Bristol Beacon, which will see the music venue become the new home of the university’s graduation ceremonies.
The partnership will also see the Beacon used to host large-scale university events, and offer students more opportunities to access creative and cultural experiences outside of their course disciplines.
This includes Welcome Week events, exhibitions, gigs, academic programmes and through the university’s Centre for Music.
UWE’s first graduation ceremonies will take place at the Beacon from July 2024, having being held at Bristol Cathedral over the past 30 years.
Bristol Beacon will become the home of UWE Bristol’s graduation ceremonies from 2024 – photo: Martin Booth
Steve West, vice-chancellor of UWE Bristol, said: “We are delighted to enter this new partnership with Bristol Beacon, an organisation that shares our values and focus on inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability.
“Bristol Beacon is one of Bristol’s most iconic historical and cultural venues, and as it prepares to re-open and in UWE Bristol’s 30th anniversary year, it feels like the perfect moment in both our histories to work together to create fantastic opportunities for our students and staff.
“We are confident that Bristol Beacon will provide a wonderful venue for our graduation ceremonies from next year.”
For the last 30 years, UWE’s graduation ceremonies have been held at Bristol Cathedral – photo: Rachel Sutherland
Louise Mitchell CBE, chief executive of Bristol Beacon, added: “Our new partnership with UWE Bristol perfectly encapsulates the benefits and opportunities that the completion of our building transformation will bring to the city.
“It is fantastic to enter into this broader partnership, which enables us to go further in our shared values of inclusion, diversity and sustainability.
“This is a great example of how Bristol Beacon can, through successful corporate partnerships, ensure our mission of unity and joy through live music is felt across the city.”
Bristol Beacon hopes the partnership will “ensure our mission of unity and joy through live music is felt across the city” – photo: Plaster
Bristol Beacon is currently undergoing a major transformation, which is due for completion in November 2023.
Once it reopens, it will include two performance venues, restaurants and a bar, with the historic cellars being used for the first time as education and performance spaces.
It will have the highest possible accessibility rating, ensuring all UWE students, staff and guests have a fully accessible graduation experience.
The Beacon also shares UWE’s goal to become a net zero organisation by 2030.
Main photo: UWE Bristol
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