PRESS RELEASE

Final plans announced for Brunel’s birthday party

Organisers of the Brunel 200 birthday party have announced the final programme of entertainment that will lead to the switching on of the Clifton Suspension Bridge new lighting scheme and spectacular firework show on the evening of Saturday 8 April.

A new stage on Observatory Hill in Clifton will now feature the performances by the 100 strong Brunel Brass and the Bristol Choral Society performing pieces including “See the Conquering Hero Comes”. They will be joined by Dance Bristol performing a specially commissioned piece inspired by Brunel. Acta theatre company will also perform an extract from a new community play celebrating the life and achievements of Brunel which will be performed later in April at the Bristol Industrial Museum.

The performances will end with a new piece of music written by Bristol-based international jazz musician Andy Sheppard, which Andy will perform with 200 saxophonists.

Near to the Cumberland Basin there will be children’s rides and food stalls for the anticipated crowds gathered to view the main attraction – the switching on of the new Clifton Suspension Bridge lighting scheme at around 9.00pm followed by the spectacular firework display set to classical music which will begin with a firework waterfall cascading into the Avon Gorge.

Both Observatory Hill and Cumberland Basin will offer spectacular views of the lights and fireworks.

Andrew Kelly, director of Brunel 200 said:

‘Brunel’s birthday event will be a very special evening for the people of Bristol. The stage on Observatory Hill and the children’s area near the Cumberland Basin will mean that visitors to both Clifton and the dockside will be able to enjoy some of the wonderful entertainment planned to celebrate Brunel 200. It promises to be a real night to remember.’

The Saturday evening celebrations will launch the exciting Brunel 200 programme, running from April to October that will include new exhibitions at the ss Great Britain, At-Bristol and City Museum and Art Gallery as well as arts projects, special tours and guided walks around the city.

For further information on the 8 April event, including travel information visit

Contact: Ruth Wilmshurst 0117 946 2216

Notes to Editors

Brunel 200 is a partnership initiative led by the Bristol Cultural Development Partnership and supported by Bristol City Council, Business West, Arts Council England South West and the Heritage Lottery fund.

The Brunel 200 launchis sponsored by Discovery Channel, Bond Pearce and First GreatWestern.

Event programme

Performance stage at Observatory Hill

7.30pm Brunel Brass

7.45pm acta

7.55pm Brunel Brass

8.10pm Dance Bristol

8.30pm Choral Society

8.55pm Andy Sheppard and 200 Saxophones

The Suspension Bridge lights will be switched on at around 9.10pm followed by the firework display. The event will finish by around 9.30pm.

Road Closures

The following road closures will be in operation:

The Portway (from Cumberland Basin to Sylvan Way) and Bridge Valley Road:

From 16.30hrs until 23:59hrs Saturday 8th April 2006

Brunel Way

From 19:00hrs until 22:30hrs on Saturday 8th April 2006

Suspension Bridge Road

From 12:00hrs until 23:59hrs on Saturday 8th April 2006

Sion Hill: From 19.30hrs until 22:30hrs on Saturday 8th April 2006

Travel information

Parking is very limited close to both event sites. Park and Ride services will be in operation from Brislington, Long Ashton and The Mall. For full details of services, nearby car parks and ferry services visit