Love it or loath it, and the jury is still out, the Colston Hall‘s new foyer was a major happening in Bristol’s cultural year.

I think it is a mighty impressive building, just the kind of iconic structure that Bristol deserves, but in reality it is little more than a glorified porch.

What a porch it is though. It certainly makes leaving events more enjoyable, and interval drinks are no longer a huge bundle, especially upstairs in the top bar, which has a cool balcony that in the summer will certainly be one of my drinking locations of choice when open.

September’s wek-long opening celebrations of the new foyer were a triumph and I could have attended every night’s special events.

On the first night, dohl drummers led people into the foyer for the very first time (see pic to left).

Once inside, the fun really started. There were specially-composed works for 80 voices, 100 guitars and 200 saxaphones; performances by Cirque Bijou backed by a full orchestra; and more music wherever you turned, in the foyer, in the main hall and in the former bar now known as Hall 2, including a great performance by Sheelanagig.

Picking out more highlights from among the opening celebrations is a difficult task, but three events in particular stand out.

One, Mark Olver’s comedy night featuring Russel Howard, JLC and Stephen Merchant.

Two, Nature’s Great Events on a big screen, narrated by David Attenborough with the backing of the BBC Concert Orchestra.

And three, Bristol’s very own Roni Size and Reprazent with orchestra and choir.

Some very special events indeed then, and all of which proudly Bristolian.

There is much to look forward to at the Colston Hall in 2010, my own particular highlight being masters of modern tango the Gotan Project on May 13.