‘Stunning’ new coloured lights planned for Clifton Suspension Bridge

The new lights could contribute to events such as Bristol Pride and the Balloon Fiesta
Alex Ross
By Alex Ross
Published 18th Sep 2022, 13:03 BST
The work on new lighting could take place as early as next yearThe work on new lighting could take place as early as next year
The work on new lighting could take place as early as next year

New cutting-edge lighting for Clifton Suspension Bridge presenting an ‘artistic visual voice’ for the city have been proposed.

The dimmable, colour changing LEDs could be in place next year and be used to promote movements and events such as Bristol Pride, Black Lives Matter and the Balloon Fiesta.

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A planning application for the new lighting along the walkways, hangrs and towers and arches has been submitted to Bristol City Council by the charity Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust.

The bridge’s existing dimmable lights were installed 16 years ago - but they are coming to the end of their life and many are beginning to fail, say supporting documents for the proposal.

There are also concerns that the bridge isn’t well defined under the current lighting, which leaves a ‘partial lit’ impression at night.

The statement adds: “The trust wish to install a wish to install a new, cutting-edge, visually stunning, low energy, environmentally friendly and sustainable lighting design for the bridge.

The work on new lighting could take place as early as next yearThe work on new lighting could take place as early as next year
The work on new lighting could take place as early as next year
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“This could be accommodated as part of significant maintenance works to the bridge planned in 2023 – including repainting of the chains, hangers, and parapets – which would provide the added benefit of minimising costs and disruption as part of any installation.”

It continues: “Under the new lighting design and control system, for specific events, the lighting could be pre-set to have event scenes where the lighting can be programmed to a specific colour or dynamic motion if desired.

“This could be utilised on key dates and for key celebrations (e.g. Pride) as well as contributing to the local community for local events such as the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.”

The trust held a consultation on the project in May and June.

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More than 80% of those who responded supported the idea to creatively light the bridge in different colours in celebration of key local or national events.

Britol City Council will make a decision in the coming weeks. For more on the project, click here.

Related topics:Black Lives MatterCity Council

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