Slapstick comedy will be powered by sunshine at Bristol Beacon

Bristolians will be able to enjoy a line up of “unforgettable” slapstick comedy film events and performances at Bristol Beacon from 14-18 February – many of them powered by the energy of the sun.

Bristol-based Solarsense has installed a huge 348-panel solar array at the Beacon as part of its recent £132 million refurbishment, which will provide over 110,000 kWh of electricity to the venue every year. During daytime hours more than 99% of the energy will be used directly on site, providing power for shows such as Tim Vine’s ‘Fearmoth’, a comedy horror film in which a giant moth begins to attack a small town, with unexpected consequences.

Sustainability has been integral to the £132 million transformation of the Beacon, which aims to become the UK’s first carbon neutral music venue. The solar PV system will make an important contribution to this target, avoiding more than 24,000 kg/year of carbon emissions and providing 12% of the venue’s total electricity.

Delivering a world-class programme of over 800 events a year, the Beacon has pledged to use its unique place as a music venue to amplify positive climate action. The solar panels are part of the venue’s sustainability roadmap which covers all aspects of its operations, from supply chain management to visitor engagement to business travel.

Award-winning solar installer Solarsense worked with building contractor Willmott Dixon, community energy developer Bristol Energy Cooperative and building owner Bristol City Council to deliver the solar PV system, which will also contribute to the city’s ambition to reach net zero by 2030.

Stephen Barrett, Managing Director of Solarsense, said: “As a local company that has been based in the Bristol area for more than 25 years, we were delighted to be able to play our part in this important development for the city. The new venue is absolutely fantastic and it’s exciting to think that the solar panels will be providing power to such a great range of comedy show, gigs and concerts. The system will significantly reduce the venue’s carbon emissions and will reduce running costs too.”

Rosa Corbishley, Development Director, Bristol Beacon, said: “A key part of Bristol Beacon’s transformation was to use the opportunity to become as sustainable as we could. We have an ambitious and detailed sustainability roadmap to help us become the first Net Zero concert hall in the UK by 2030. This new extensive solar PV system is a really important step to achieving that.”

Co-founder and Development Director of Bristol Energy Cooperative, Andy O’Brien said: “We are very proud that community energy is playing a part in the transformation of the Bristol Beacon. BEC will sell the generated electricity to the music trust at a discounted rate then funnel the revenue back to its investors and into community benefit projects. In this way, enjoying a show or gig at the Beacon, audiences are not only endorsing Bristol’s journey to net zero, they are also helping the grassroots projects that keep this city going.”

New drone footage released today gives a rare bird’s eye view of the flagship cultural venue, with the solar PV system on full display.