Eek, where does the time fly – lots of exciting stuff to tell you all about coming up

This week we have a mega weekend including Ausform Micro-fest (pictured above) featuring drag queen regulars from the London cabaret circuit, Maxi More and IMMA / MESS. Later the same night we open up for the DEEP Medi Weekender, two nights of sounds system culture and music curated in partnership with Teachings in Dub.

After that we come crashing in to December with a packed Friday night featuring Massive Owl Theatre's new show Castle Rock, a distortion of the film, Stand By Me and Bump's Christmas Special; expect all the usual fun just a few more crazy costumes and probably some pretty terrible/amazing festive tunes.

Saturday 5, The Fantasy Orchestra return this year bringing us their very special David Bowie Party, encouraging you to come dressed as your favourite Bowie personality and for those musically inclined they'll be starting the proceedings with a 'David Bowie Berlin period' open mic session!

There is also still time to bag yourself a ticket for an evening with Miriam Margolyes. All proceeds from this night will go to support our youth training programme so excellent entertainment and a good deed all rolled into one.

Later in the month we still have Netsky, Aadhunik, the return of Twinkle Brothers and the City Rockas Festive Link Up to come, presenting plenty of opportunities to get dressed up and strut your stuff before we reach the big NYE Party to end the year on.

Art Weekender – Bristol & Bath is a three-day celebration of the visual arts across the two cities taking place from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November. Now in its second year, the Art Weekender is produced by Situations in partnership with over 30 arts venues, artist-led groups and arts producers. The weekender brings together exhibitions, one-off special events, artists’ talks, family activities and trails, public artworks and performances by outstanding contemporary artists in multiple locations across the two cities.

Trinity has joined forces with Lockjaws* to host a 5 day exhibition in Fyfe Hall and The Graffiti Room including exhibition and publication launch alongside a number of artist performances and artist collective interventions.

Curious about art? Want to be part of something big? Art Weekender are seeking inspired and enthusiastic people to become Ambassadors. Help celebrate the arts in Bristol and Bath, while learning professional skills and making new friends.

Art Weekender Ambassadors will be immersed in the festival, working directly with producers, artists and curators. You will be the public face, helping people to access exhibitions and events, and engage with new experiences and new ideas. Click here to find out more from the Art Weekender website.

In addition to Art Weekender Ambassadors Trinity is looking for 2 x volunteers to assist with the exhibition here on Sunday 1st November. Get in touch to find out more: info@3ca.org.uk

She Called Me Mother Wednesday 14 October.

“I try not to tink about she too much, 'cause de pain dem thoughts bring it like a herd of buffalo runnin wild in a field, an I beneath dem foot.”

Meet Evangeline Gardner - a homeless, 70 year old African-Caribbean woman, who finds herself living on the streets and searching for her estranged daughter Shirley.

She Called Me Mother stars BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee Cathy Tyson, best known for her stage work with the RSC and the Liverpool Everyman and on film in Mona Lisa (1986)

She called me Mother is written in poetic Trindadian vernacular rarely heard on British stages.

"I believe She Called Me Mother has the potential to be a modern classic. We are going into territory that hasn't been explored on our stages before. The emotional potential of the play is boundless. I hope this play will be a rewarding experience for our audience and all those with creative involvement." (Cathy Tyson actor/producer)

This debut show from Pitch Lake Productions, founded by actor Cathy Tyson, writer Michelle Inniss and director Cara Nolan will be the second show to tour for the Black Theatre Live consortium, dedicated to bringing inventive BAME theatre to venues across the country. It follows the recently concluded tour of Tara Arts new version of Macbeth.

“I’m delighted that our consortium have selected such an exciting prospect for our first commission. The poetry of the script blew me away” (Sarah Brigham, Artistic Director Derby)

Nine Lives Saturday 17th October

Fleeing from his home in Zimbabwe where homophobia threatens his life, Ishmael has sought sanctuary in the UK. He waits to hear his fate, and for a new life to begin amongst strangers.…can he find a place to call home again?

The strangers are brilliantly brought to life by Lladel Bryant..you care as much about them as you do about Ishmael.

Performed by Lladel Bryant and directed by Alex Chisholm, the play threads together humour and humanity to tell the human stories behind the “negative reports in the public domain regarding refugees, asylum seekers and the word, immigration. (writer Zodwa Nyoni)

Nine Lives, written by Zodwa Nyoni as part of her residency as West Yorkshire Playhouse / Channel Four Writer in residence 2014, was first performed as part of West Yorkshire Playhouse ‘s A Play, A Pie and a Pint’ season.

“a cracking piece of theatre that offers a glimpse into an issue that’s present in the country and around the world today” (Adam Bruce from a A Younger Theatre)

Theatre at Trinity

These shows follow on from several successful solo shows over the last year including Chanje Kunda's Amsterdam last October and Solo Showcase in March which brought Bella Fortune, Alice Human, Hannah Sullivan and Ale Marzotto to the Centre. Fyfe Hall has the ability to create an intimate warmth, despite its grand size, making it the perfect space to get close up to the performance.

Things are hotting up for our M&S Energy Community Energy Fund campaign, we are currently in second place. Wohoo! With just a few more votes we could take a giant leap towards making the Trinity Centre sustainable for the future. Every vote counts and it only takes a moment.

Celebrating EID Night, Bristol Somali Youth Network are hosting a very special fundraiser at Trinity, Wednesday 23 September. An evening of live music with Kultuun Bacado, Faysal Yare and Aiderus Malibu, accompanying them will be DJ Hajji playing a mix of RnB, Dancehall, Afro Beats plus Somali mix. Join us from 10pm.

New live music announcements include Devin Townsend, who earlier this year capped off a European headline tour with a sold-out show at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall venue, will be performing a very special acoustic night on Saturday 10^th October.

A little later in the year we are pleased to confirm Netsky will be visiting the Centre. Pioneer of liquid drum 'n' bass, this Belgian based musician has now evolved an incredible new live show.

As part of celebrating Black History Month in October we have two excellent solo performances coming up. She Called Me Mother stars BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee Cathy Tyson, and invites the audience into the life of Evangeline Gardner – a homeless, 70 year old African-Caribbean woman, estranged from her daughter, who finds herself living on the streets. With the “potential to be a modern classic - the emotional potential of the play is boundless”. Catch this show Wednesday 14.

Saturday 17 October we host Nine Lives, written by Zodwa Nyoni, performed by Lladel Bryant and directed by Alex Chisholm. Threading together humour and humanity to tell the real personal story behind asylum headlines. “Fleeing from his home in Zimbabwe where homophobia threatens his life, Ishmael has sought sanctuary in the UK”. Described by Adam Bruce, A Younger Theatre as “ a cracking piece of theatre that offers a glimpse into an issue that’s present in the country and around the world today.”

We also have social dances as part of Celebrating Age Festival this September - a perfect opportunity to dance, meet people or just enjoy the music over tea and cake. The first, LGBT Tea Dance hosted in partnership with Bristol LGBT Forum, is Wednesday 30 September. The second, Celebrate with Dance in partnership with Link Age, will feature live music on Friday 9 October.

The count down is on to Make Sunday Special, Stapleton Road style – 10 days to go until The World on One Street! We're getting ready for a great afternoon of live music from 47SOUL, Batch Gueye Band, The Scribes, Linda B & The Tornados, Sasha Steppa, Area Boys. Activities and workshops from @Bristol, Afrika Eye, Invisible Youth, Mufti and Litterati to name a few. Plus lots of great stalls, check out the full programme and download your map here.

If that was not enough we've now announced our Make Sunday Special After Party featuring Zhou ft Rider Shafique (Young Echo Sound), Evermoor Sound (Dub Theories Records), Sasha Steppa to keep the vibes going just that little bit longer – best of all its free.

Looking further ahead we have an ever expanding Autumn programme. Latest additions include Bristol Stands Against Modern Slavery: An evening of film and Q&A with anti-slavery experts and the premiere of Unchosen’s Films Against Slavery.

We are also proud to present Nine Lives by Zodwa Nyoni. This new show, performed by Lladel Bryant, tells the story of Ishmael, fleeing from his home in Zimbabwe where homophobia threatens his life as he seeks sanctuary in the UK. Nine Lives threads together humour and humanity to tell the real personal story behind asylum headlines.

For the dancers out there we have a fantastic new mini programme of contemporary dance classes now open to bookings with Laïla Diallo and Lisa May Thomas. Both offer contemporary dance techniques including released based practice and drawing from their own experiences as artists, practitioners and teachers.

Finally as the summer season turns from planting to harvesting we have some final exciting workshops out in the garden. If you've always fancied making your own chutney, whittling a spoon, weaving a willow basket then check out the regular events page or our Garden Project Page for more info.

Hope you are all enjoying the summer out there? We've been keeping busy with some great workshops out in the garden, from Cob Oven Building and Foraging Walks for the grown ups (don't miss the next Foraging Walk, Wednesday 19th August) to Children's Adventures in Nature, Little Green Warriors and Holiday Lunch Club for the kids. Plenty more on offer to keep the younger ones entertained with our list of Summer Activities.

Things are hotting up for our big Guinness World Record attempt for the largest Samba Dance which is now officially registered. Bristol is home to a number of Samba artists, dancers & drummers, who provide a vibrant backdrop to some of the city's key events including Harbourside Festival and St Werburgh's Farm Fair. If, like us, you feel we can beat this record, join in and learn the simple routine, created by World Jungle Samba Dancers and head on down to Stapleton Road Make Sunday Special.

Last week we popped along to Circomedia to hear all about Bristol Circus City who have now announced their full programme. We are very pleased to have Bromance, by barely methodical theatre, in Fyfe hall, 21^st – 23^rd October ‘a jaw-dropping magnificent show.’ Lots more great shows to catch in this new month long festival.

For those creatives out there we are hosting a very special meeting with MAYK, Situations and Dr Edson Burton to share the word on Theaster Gates new commission here on Tuesday 18^th August – amazing opportunity to find out how you can work get involved and be part of this incredible event.

Just added Nitin Sawhney to our live listings, one of the most distinctive and versatile musical voices around today headed our way in November.

Also, if you have a moment please vote for us as Just Giving's Charity of the Year 2015 From free music courses for young people to arts, heritage and permaculture projects for wider community, Trinity offers something for everyone. Each year the centre is used by over 40,000 people and we give over 1,000 hours of free space to other grass-roots groups to run their projects and activities for the community.

Finally still time for any last applications to our Operations Assistant vacancy – closing Friday 31 July

This week it is all about the film – Dear White People, premièring in Bristol here at the Trinity Centre in collaboration with Come The Revolution, this social satire “follows the stories of four black students at an Ivy League college where controversy breaks out over a popular but offensive black-face party thrown by white students. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, the film explores racial identity in acutely-not-post-racial America while weaving a universal story of forging one's unique path in the world.”

Meanwhile behind the scenes Liz Clarke is working away in Fyfe Hall on her new show Cannonballista ”Part installation, part workshop programme, part intrigue, Liz has invited local women to engage in three day-long workshops sharing her making processes and practices. They will discover participants' individual Super Hero Alter Ego- or the parts of themselves that are extraordinary, untapped and unexpected. Participants will be invited to play their own unique part in the final show, Cannonballista Friday 17th & Saturday 18th July.

2015 is the UNESCO International Year of Light and on Saturday 10th July South West Dance Theatre are preparing a Sci/Art showcase day, Light Lab, to celebrate fusing arts and science. “There will be a light lab of workshops to play with ideas behind the physics of light and how they can be used in dance and other arts, as well as hosting an exhibition where artists and scientists from academia and industry can show off some of their great light-inspired work. The day will culminate in a show by several dance companies, including SWDT, performing light inspired repertoire.

Fancy joining the team? We are seeking an Operations Assistant to join the Operations Team to help with the ongoing upkeep, maintenance and repair of the Trinity Centre and with the administering of our car park – an essential revenue stream that supports our community, arts, education and heritage activities.This post is a 6mth Internship for 18-24-year-old, currently on JSA. Check out the website for more info.

Also new to the website – Mercury Rev coming to Bristol Monday 5th October. More announcements in the pipeline too so keep an eye on the website.

Please note Bump Roller Disco, Friday 10th July has been cancelled, next event is Friday 4th September

Join our mailing list to get our latest new direct to you inbox

Well we have been super busy this month, three amazing shows from Mayfest, a super line up for Dot to Dot and our biggest Garden Party yet which saw over 6000 people through the gate in one day...plus a Cider Festival and the usual live gigs, classes rehearsals and workshops.

Still to come before the end of the month we have a fabulous Roaring 20s Fundraiser this Friday, including live music, bar, games, raffle, best dressed prizes, mini vintage treatments and much much more! Tickets available on the door.

Next week we kick off June with Earl Sweatshirt, “talent so boisterous and music so innovative”, making an appearance all the way from LA “displaying grade-A lyricism in brilliantly dark fashion that you'd only associate with hip-hop's elite”, Odd Futures greatest asset launches out on his first solo UK tour.

Next week we also welcome the start of a two week run, returning from its UK tour and sell-out run at Edinburgh Festival 2014, the award-winning FellSwoop Theatre (Ablutions, Belleville Rendez-vous) present Current Location; an allegorical response to the ongoing and ever-increasing number of ecological disasters. A site specific production, developed specifically for Trinity Centre, Current Location will immerse and enlighten audiences in the significant issues and questions surrounding climate change:

“Quietly gripping and thoroughly unsettling, this piece climbs inside you, like the best examples of sci-fi”. Wildfire / Exeunt

Also announced on the website last week and coming up in July we have the UK’s sell out beer festival, Craft Beer Rising, launching its first cider event in Bristol this summer. Already confirmed: Prince Fatty & MC Horseman, Don Letts, Portishead sample digger Andy Smith, DJ Format & Boca 45. The Nextmen have just been added to the bill too so this is certain to sell out - get your tickets in early.

Also, don't forget the monthly regulars, Bump Roller Disco, Lil' Bumpers and Rhythm of The Night.

We have now added the final piece of the puzzle of what is going to be a megga night on Friday 10th April, an epic visual feast featuring the stunning bespoke visuals of VJ metaLuna, complete with home-made light show and special FX, re-creating all of this in Fyfe Hall as Kassia Zermon aka 'Bunty' performs her album Multimos.

Support will come from the ever incredible Bellatrix; beatboxer and collaborator with Dizraeli, and vocal improviser Maggie Nichols who has worked with improvisers from all over the world - this is going to be a night of incredible collaboration with even a chance to get involved in an audience choir!

Coming up we can also announce two new shows to complete the line up for this year's Mayfest here at Trinity, introducing  The Secret Slowness of Movement and Stand which along side Dance Marathon create a week of innovative performances.

For those keen to get political we have plenty going on from the Anarchist Bookfair, bringing you stalls from local campaigns and groups to national anarchist distros and publishers; workshops and meetings to discuss and debate the key issues and much more. For a chance to ask your questions to local candidates check out Whyvotebristol and Thirst for Knowlegde.

If you want to get outdoors get involved with our project Grow it Cook it Eat it which kicks off this month with a Holiday Lunch Club and Seasonal Foraging Walk.

Check out lots more new events including Ariel Pink and Teachings in Dub.

Not long until we reach British Summer time and we have plenty going on to fill those longer evenings...

First up tonight we have a brand new project kicking off for budding young drummers, BrisArts introduce their new group, Bristol Youth Samba who are working up to a performance at this year's St Pauls Carnival. For young people looking for a career in dance check out the Youth Dance Road Show this Saturday, find out more about work and education in the industry and check out five awesome performances.

Thursday and Friday we welcome SOLO showcase presenting 4 premieres of new contemporary performance from Bristol-based artists: Summon the ancestors with Alice Human; spot a rabbit in the headlights with Ale Marzotto; challenge your audience etiquette with Bella Fortune and relish in an angry outburst as Hannah Sullivan explodes. Jo Hellier completes the bill with her flood inspired sound installation.

Dunkelbunt ; said to merge the diverse sounds of Europes “Wild East” with Bluegrass and Hillbilly from the American pioneers of the old “Wild West”. Sounds of the world mixed with electronic, modern club music and bass heavy beats - playing alongside Manushka, Mr Tea and the Minions this Sunday.

Also just announced Earl Sweatshirt will be gracing the Trinity stage this coming June, "with impeccable wordplay, dense rhythms and effortless melodies layered in humbling texture, it's crazy to think Earl Sweatshirt has just turned 21". Described as showing "grade-A lyricism in brilliantly dark fashion that you'd only associate with hip-hop's elite", this gig is not to be missed.

And we have some great new events up on the website, from ex-Moloko lead-signer, Roisin Murphy, who will be performing one of a handful of warm up shows before her big sell out show at Camden Roundhouse to bluemouth inc.'s immersive site-specific performances Dance Marathon as part of Mayfest 2015.

Before then, join Julia Thorneycroft Dance Company for Get Lucky as they present Frustra, Breath:Taking and Endeavour, three performances in one night - what's not to like? If that's not enough they are even offering a welcome drink on arrival, Friday 13th March.

Don't forget to bag a ticket for this Sunday's  Radical Funnyism; with Sara Pascoe, Shazia Mirza & Kate Smurthwaite celebrating International Women's day and raising money for South West Rape Crisis Centers.

Dot to Dot 2015 have also announced further headline bands including Swim Deep, Best Coast and Fat White Family for their 10th anniversary festival - we're looking forward to finding out who will be performing here at Trinity.

To receive e-new bulletins sign up here

On sale today as part of Mayfest 2015 is Dance Marathon by Award-winning Canadian theatre collective bluemouth inc, coming to Trinity from Tue 19-21 May.

Part participation-theatre, part dance contest, full out endurance contest, there’s only one rule: you keep moving your feet. “To say that Dance Marathon breaks down the fourth wall is an understatement. It eliminates it.” - Vancouver Sun, February 2010

Based on the the physically gruelling spectator sport from Depression-Era North America, Dance Marathon invites you to strut your stuff to the live band under the always watchful eyes of the judges. Buy your tickets now for what promises to be a unique experience both completely exhilarating and exhausting which has already been hailed with critical acclaim “★★★★★ - Dance Marathon is tremendous fun. Beg, borrow or steal a ticket for this original, life-affirming show. “ For more info on Mayfest line up so far visit: Bristol Old Vic's website

If you want to get your dance fix this next month then check out Get Lucky, a triple bill from Julia Thorneycroft Dance or for more live performance see the SOLO Showcase, two evenings of new shows including four premiers from Alice Human, Ale Marzotto, Bella Fortune and Hannah Sullivan as well as an installation piece from Jo Hellier and if you want to roll on back to the 80's then skate on down to Bump Roller Disco.

This Friday we have some great live music in aid of 'Save Our NHS' show your support and dance to the likes of The Zen Hussies and Baraka. Saturday night join us here for a celebratory three course meal and live entertainment marking the 50th Gambian Independence Anniversary.

Coming up in March, join Sara Pascoe, Shazia Mirza & Kate Smurthwaite for Radical Funnyism; a night of exquisite, ground-breaking, clever and most of all excellent comedy raising funds for Rape Crisis Centres in the South West.

Also snap yourself up an early ticket for CW Stoneking, here 7th May and Dot to Dot 2015 who have released the first of their line up announcements including Saint Raymond, The Wytches, Laura Doggett, Honeyblood, Hinds and Josef Salvat! Trinity is proud once more to be part of this award winning urban festival.

Also keep an eye out for new announcements for support acts for Bunty, multi-dimensional beat merchant & vocal juggler, here 10th April.

We have plenty more up on our event pages so check it out or pick up one of our mini brochures from around town.

Announced today we have Bunty Multimos live show - epic audio visual feast from Kassia Zermon, best known for fronting UK leading Dub act Resonators, coming to Trinity Friday 10th April.

More upcoming gig highlights include Drenge - successfully relying on the heavily distorted guitar riffs of the grunge era; Babes in Toyland - original late 80s post punk band whose raw live show "captured a musical and cultural moment; angry, talented and unfettered by societal norms"; Dunkelbunt + The Secret Swing Society - " labelled “a wizard of tone colours“ and “specialist for exquisite music & spice blends" are also new to the listings.

This month we still have Honeyfeet, Bombs, Simon Panrucker, Count Bobo,Eva Lazarus & Snareophobe + more all playing live Saturday 14th February and Teachings in Dub finally announce their line up for Deep Medi including Commodo, Kaiju, Kahn, Gantz and Compa. This goes on sale Thursday so get in quick as guaranteed to sell out.

For those interested in performance check out Get Lucky - fantastic triple bill from Julia Thorneycroft dance or SOLO Forum Showcase - two evenings of new shows including four premiers from artists Alice Human, Ale Marzotto, Bella Fortune, Hannah Sullivan and Jo Hellier all happening in March.

We have plenty more up on the events pages so check them out.

We are very excited to announce this year's NYE Party: 2014/15 will be brought to you by After Dark who have teamed up with Tremor vs Swing 'n' Tingz': The Countdown Carnival with very special guests Slamboree - expect walkabout circus performers / outdoor fire performers / carnival décor / full SXS lighting rig / full SXS 30k martin audio sound system / carnival fancy dress is encouraged!

Coming up this Thursday we host a special performance from Arifa, performing in Fyfe Hall (our new upstairs space) playing one of only 3 UK gigs; "artistic sophistication, technical mastery, and fascinating blend of backgrounds and influences make it highly recommended listening". Tickets for available from Bristol Ticket Shop or on the door. This will be a unique chance to catch a "masterpiece of postmodern, post-global cool".

If dance is your thing then check out Around the World in 80 Minutes a wonderful night of New Orleans jazz, tango, flamenco, afro-beat and opera, featuring South West Dance Theatre, Jazz Quartet, Movema, Rise, 3rd Stage, and more...all raising money for Shelter.

Also plenty of new additions on the website including This Is The Kit + The Fantasy Orchestra, 27 (a new performance from Peter McMaster as part of IBT15) and  Sharon Van Etten. Check it out!

Coming up to the end of a bumper October here at Trinity which has seen some super gigs (Morcheeba, FKA Twigs and Goat to name a few), stunning theatre and exhibitions and some fabulous community events including the Up Our Street Thank You Awards last night.

Still to come we have tonight Reggae Inna Space featuring film screening of 'The Upsetter: The Life And Music Of Lee Scratch Perry' plus spoken word performances from Steven Duncan (Uk Slam Champion), Nadine Bourne (Bristol Slam Champion), Chloe Laing  (Poet / Singer) and our very own Edson Burton (Writer).

Sunday sees a great opportunity for young people (11-25) to play alongside Tomorrow's Warriors Connexions as the launch of a new series of jazz jam workshop with this award-winning jazz collective and best of all its free!

On sale today we have Chrissie Hynde. Tickets already flying out so you need to get in quick to make sure you don't miss the opportunity to catch one of a handful of special shows that will see The Pretenders front woman play songs from her illustrious back catalogue alongside her critically acclaimed debut solo album ‘Stockholm’.

And don't forget - Sunday 2nd November is the date for this year's FREE Fireworks Party. Live music will come from, No Go Stop (FKA Bristol Afrobeat Project), flyers are out and about or available to collect in the office and act as your 'ticket' so make sure you grab one.

To get all our updates delivered to your inbox sign up to our e-bulletin

For those of you smart enough to get your ticket early, then tonight we have the Mercury Music Prize Nominee FKA Twigs.This weekend we have a bumper selection of events such as the exhibition launch and film screening of A Brush With Immortality - Henrietta Lacks by artist Helen Roe, featuring scientists, spoken word and performers; Bump Roller Disco doing their thing on Friday night; Scenes, Soundsystems and Shebeens discovering and exploring Bristol’s African Caribbean music scene of the 1970s and 1980s; Planet Shroom dancing away until the small hours on Saturday, and then a slightly more relaxed Sunday with Sunday Assembly followed by Lil' Bumpers.

For those of you looking further ahead, check out Reggae Inna Space and Tomorrow's Warriors Connexions at the end of the month exploring musical genres through workshops, films and activities.

New announcements include the 'sumptuous, thrilling and alchemical' Arifa, bringing their influences from East and West in November as they do a short UK tour following their appearance at the London Jazz Festival, and Hudson Taylor in the new year.

Also, we've just announced our Winter Art Market for Saturday 6th December, so get in touch if you'd like to book a stall or find out more! info@trinitybristol.org.uk