Brunel celebrates 200th anniversary (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Brunel celebrates 200th anniversary

THOUSANDS of people are expected to join Brunel's open-air party on Saturday, April 8, as Bristol celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of Britain's most famous engineers.

Specially commissioned music and dance performances are planned to take place near the Cumberland Basin on the evening of April 8 followed by the switching on of the new Clifton Suspension Bridge lighting scheme and spectacular fireworks.

One of the highlights of the evening will be a performance of a new piece of music written by Bristol-based international jazz musician Andy Sheppard which Andy will perform with 200 saxophonists.

They will be joined by the Bristol Brass Band, Bristol Choral Society and other performers.

This will be followed by the switching on of the new Clifton Suspension Bridge lighting scheme designed by international architectural lighting specialists Pinniger and Partners, that will wash the bridge with light so that details of the latticework and towers will be visible.

Spectacular fireworks fired from the bridge will complete the evening's entertainment.

The entertainment near to Cumberland Basin will begin at 7.45pm. The Suspension Bridge lights will go on at 9pm followed by the firework display. The event will finish by 9.30pm.

The best places to view the entertainment and fireworks will be from Brunel Way (Plymsoll Bridge) The Portway (A4) and Brunel Way Picnic Park. Fireworks can also be viewed from Sion Hill in Clifton.