‘I thought it was a drone at first’ - Bristol residents react to rare sight at Purdown BT Tower

Bristol residents and motorists came in for a bit of a surprise this Christmas when the BT tower at Purdown was suddenly lit up for the first time in years.

The concrete tower on the hill at Purdown has been a familiar Bristol landmark since it was built in 1970. With its eight white platforms, the 70 metre BT telecommunications tower used to transmit radio and mobile phone coverage is a prominent sight for many drivers on the M32 motorway and can be seen for miles around.

But local residents and passing motorists spotted something quite different about the tower over the Christmas period.

The landmark, which was once used in the opening shots of the Bristol-based TV series Skins, has been mysteriously lit up at night.

Many residents say they have never seen the Purdown tower near Stoke Park illuminated and some are comparing it to the iconic BT Tower in London.

Lyn Sheppard of Stapleton said: “In 27 years of living here, I have never seen it lit up.”

Pete Cook of Horfield agreed and said: “It looks lovely and should happen every year.”

Jonny Bristow of Northville commented: “I can’t recall seeing the tower display anything other than aircraft warning beacons.”

Yaqub Young of Lockleaze added: “I hope they leave it lit up like this - it’s a much better look!”, and Razwan Akbar of Stapleton described the illuminated tower as a “great welcoming view as you enter Bristol - should make it a permanent feature.”

For local resident Georgina Riley, however, the sight of the tower lit up came as something of a surprise.

“I went out to get a takeaway and I thought it was a drone at first,” she said.

Bristol World has contacted BT for an explanation about the tower being lit up.