The Suspension Bridge finally opened in 1864, marked by a grand official opening ceremony for which the whole population of Bristol appeared to have turned out. The Bristol Daily Post reported 'It is difficult to conceive and much more to describe the bustle and crowding that marked the thoroughfares of the City. The people of Bristol seemed to have turned out en masse whilst their ranks were swelled by the arrival of immense numbers from the surrounding towns and villages. We do not think we should over estimate the crowds that were to be found at some one or other point of the City, if we placed the number at 140,000 to 150,000. Flags and banners were displayed in all directions, the Church bells too rang out the joyous music, everybody was decked out in holiday guise....'. This pink card ticket, number 751, for the opening day on 8 December 1864 was issued to Mr. Henry Nickless. His presence was requested by the Clifton Hotel at 11.30am