Illustrated portraits of participant of Lullabies are displayed in the Graffiti Room as part of Roxana Vilk's Lullabies takeover. Photo Khali Ackford

Trinity have been awarded a prestigious Bristol Life Award, coming first in the 2021 Arts category.

“A truly one-of-a-kind art space that this year engaged 60,000+ people across over 1,000 events and cultural experiences.” Judges, Bristol Life Awards

We were nominated alongside Bristol Old Vic, St George’s Bristol, Bristol Beacon, and Brave Bold Drama, who received a highly commended award for their achievements over the last year.

When the building closed due to COVID-19, our programme went online, featuring live streams and workshops. We teamed up with leading circus company Cirque Bijou to host a 'Day of Dance’ to celebrate what would have been Bristol Harbour Festival. We commissioned live experiences including: Social Muscle Club (in partnership with Shambala), Learning To Swim On An Ironing Board, and What Words Are Ours?, in partnership with The Gulbenkian Theatre (both BSL interpreted).

Partnering with St Paul’s Carnival, we live-streamed carnival in a UK first - and, with the support of Carnival Elders, commissioned a poem by Bristol poet Malaika Kegode. As well as this, we worked with community organisation Eastside Community Trust to distribute over 900 family activity packs to local school children and families.

We commissioned Split Ink Theatre Company to devise a new piece of work for young audiences. Artist Tink Flaherty was awarded a D/deaf/Disabled commission to create a new piece of digital work. Roxana Vilk’s Lullabies project, initially developed as part of our IGNiTE arts development programme, connected 100s of families across Bristol and beyond through online workshops.

We are so proud of the team who worked hard to adapt delivery over the pandemic and want to say a huge thank you to all our funders and supporters and, of course, everyone who took part in the programme and helped make the magic happen.

Want to take part in activity at Trinity? Click here to see what is coming up.

Locality, an organisation that supports community businesses to be strong and successful, came down to Trinity for a day to film a short video focusing on Trinity's role as a community arts hub.

"In a physical space when you’re enjoying something, whether you’re having fun just getting down, having a dance or making something and being really proud of that thing that you made – art is just quite magical". Emma Harvey, Trinity CEO

Featuring Trinity regulars Hype Dance as well as CEO Emma Harvey, the film shines a light on the range of community activities at the centre, from neighbourhood celebrations to accessible and affordable dance and music events, as well as nurturing emerging artists.

Trinity is one of the few remaining truly independent community arts venues in the city so it felt fitting to launch the film on Venues Day, 5th October 2021. To mark the film's launch, Trinity took over Locality's social media to celebrate the charity's role as a hub for community arts.

The film was part of a wider set of films showcasing the many great activities that take place across the community and voluntary sector. You can find out more about the work Locality do by visiting their website.

Hype Dance Group at Trinity. Photo credit: Alex Brenner

"I've never had much luck when it comes to competitions, aside from a school fete circa 1998 when I won a pack of colouring pencils in a raffle (does that even count?) but the failure has never deterred me. Given my lack of success, I didn't have high hopes last year when I filled out Trinity Centre's questionnaire in hope of winning a custom-designed Minirig (while sharing my views on the venue, of course), so the day I found out I had in fact won was a thoroughly joyous one. I've always wanted a Minirig and the speaker has been very well used over the past year, having been taken to various green spaces across Bristol, the few festivals that have taken place for campsite tunes and the back garden on sunny days, not to mention for post-lockdown shindigs. I don't think my neighbours are quite so fond of it, though... After my rare taste of success, I highly recommend you fill out this year's survey. You've got to be in it to win it, after all, and even if you don't get as lucky as I did, you'll be helping shape the future of this fantastic venue."

Robin Murray, Mini Rig Winner 2020

Your voice matters - each year we ask you to share your thoughts about Trinity. Feedback from audiences helps us shape and adapt our programme and helps us raise funds so we can ensure that everyone in Bristol has the opportunity to access and shape arts and culture.

Last year over 500 of you to the time to share what areas we could improve at Trinity and how we could welcome audiences back following the easing of Lockdown restrictions:

You said: You would love to see "a larger outdoor venue" and "as many live music and DJ events in the garden following social distancing practices".

What we did: In Oct 2020 we did just that with the Garden Sessions. Over two months we welcomed live music and DJ sets back audiences to enjoy the likes of Waldo’s Gift and Hodge and Danielle. We brought back the pop-up venue in April and May 2021 – this time programming a wider variety of events including a Desert Island style panel talk with Reggae and Soundsystem legends Lioness and Vibronics.

You said: You would like "more activities for children & families"

What we did: As part of Trinity Presents, we welcomed family-focused events, including Baby Raves, workshops with Associate Artist Roxana Vilk and performances for young children.

You said: "Be open to what the community needs (community-led) and potentially provide free space where people can start to engage in positive activities in a safe way".

What we did: We employed a new Activities Coordinator whose role is to work with local communities to support new events and activities at Trinity.

We have recruited more community members to be part of our Trinity Presents programming forum - members have helped selected artists commissions as well as a programme of Theatre and Dance.

You said: " I think your loos in the main hall need improvement".

What we did: Installed new cubicles in the toilets in the main halls and are currently developing plans to install new toilets in the grounds.

We would love you to share your voice again this year by filling out our short survey, it takes about 15 mins - and we really do listen.

Last year, Robin Murray filled in our questionnaire and was selected through random selection to receive a custom designed Mini Rig - share you voice this year you can be in for a chance to win a Trinity Mini-Rig, custom-designed by Adam Menzies.

Click here to fill out our audience survey

Survey closes 06 Oct 2021 5pm

Teachings in Dub regular sound system night @Trinity, ©Khali Ackford

Trinity Community Arts Statement re Trinity Road Police Station Redevelopment, Sept 2021

Trinity welcomes the prospect of increased affordable homes in the locality offered through the proposed scheme, but it’s important for everyone to understand what that will actually mean in practice.

People need housing and existing residents also want to see improvements to their area. However, as one local resident has fed back to us regarding the proposed development; “When they say affordable housing there is no mention of social housing - that simply means people on benefits will have no chance to get a house, which is the issue we have in Bristol - there's not enough social housing. Not affordable housing. Social housing.”

As with other developments in the city and country, we have to be mindful about the 1st of 10 principles from the Govt’s National Design Guide, which is ‘context’ and this rapid re-imagining of our city has to include everyone.

Unfortunately, in spite of Agent of Change, the responsibility to protect what exists already falls to individual businesses and citizens like us.

As with recent developments near venues such as Motion, we are keen to see as part of this development that a Deed of Easement is placed onto the application as a condition at planning stage, to protect Trinity as an existing venue with a rich music and cultural heritage and a lively and diverse present-day offering.

We have discussed with developer acoustic considerations and are keen to understand more about how they've been incorporated into the design. So far, there has been a lot of good will expressed.

Now we just need to ensure this translates into conditions and mitigation measures as part of the development to legally safeguard Trinity’s future as a cultural institution for East Bristol.

We recommend anyone with concerns to direct these through the Bristol City Council planning portal (application ref no. 21/04338/F).

Trinity Garden Sessions will relaunch in 2021. Photo Khali Ackford

Trinity has been granted £162k from the Cultural Recovery Fund, providing critical investment for Trinity to remain solvent and financially viable beyond 30 June.

The grant replaces income generated by our trading-arm, which has been severely impacted as a result of pandemic restrictions.

Support from the Cultural Recovery Fund means we have the capacity to reopen. The grant will support our socially distanced live programme, providing paid opportunities for freelancers and artists, as well as covering Centre running costs, enabling rehearsals, workshops, community classes and other planned grant-funded projects such as Youth Music to return to the building.

Thanks to the support and flexibility of funders, Trinity has adapted delivery in response to the pandemic, reacheing over 5000 people across a programme of arts, heritage, well-being and, community activity.

Between April-June we will relaunch our outdoor, socially-distanced live-programme, bringing you some of the best of Bristol’s music scene. We will work with regular community groups to support the relaunch regular activitiesprogramme and, as restrictions ease, we will be hosting a series of family performances.

Further details will be announced soon. Sign up to our mailing list for more info.

#HereForCulture

Trinity is a COVID-Secure, multi-use venue. We are reopening in a phased way to reduce risk of COVID19 spread and working with event organisers to risk assess and ensure activities take place in line with the latest Government guidelines.

What can happen:

Step 1 - As of 29 March

• Rehearsals
• Performances for the purpose of live-streaming
• Filming
• All outdoor children's activities
• Outdoor parent & child group (15ppl max excluding under 5’s)
• Wedding ceremonies & wakes (6ppl max)

Step 2 - No earlier than 12 April

As above, plus:

• Group activities for under 18s (including indoor physical activity)
• Wedding ceremonies & wakes (15ppl max)

Step 3 - No earlier than 17 May and at least 5 weeks after step 2

As above, plus:

• Socially distanced shows or performances where audiences are seated and follow the rule of 6
• Live music - DJs - Theatre - Cinema
• Meetings and conferences that are essential, following reduced room capacities and social distancing
• All group activities, (including indoor physical activity)
• Formally organised support groups (15ppl max)
• Most significant life events: wedding, ceremonies & wakes (30ppl max)

Step 4 - No earlier than 21 June and at least 5 weeks after step 3

As above, plus:

• No legal limit on life events
• Larger events & club nights (details to be confirmed)
• Social contact: no legal limit

This news item was published on 31 Mar 2021

Hype Dance perform flash mob style dance at Trinity Garden Party. Photo Jessica Bartolini

Help Trinity move forward with positivity and strength

Trinity are reaching out for new Trustees to join the existing Board on the next phase of our journey.

Trinity plays a pivotal role in providing cultural opportunity in one of the most ethnically and economically diverse areas nationally – working with communities to shape a much-needed participatory arts offer that is impactful and relevant.

We are looking for candidates who can show creative thinking, independent judgement, strategic vision and a demonstrable commitment to equal opportunities, inclusivity and diversity - to work as part of a team and act as an ambassador - helping us to renew and rebuild. You will support Trinity to look at things differently, to grasp new opportunities and to make our vision a reality - Creative Expression for All.

As a multi-disciplinary grassroots hub, with a strong track record of bridging arts and communities, we are committed to creating a Board which represents the people and communities we serve. We are particularly looking for Trustees with experience to share in: Social impact, Finance and Community Engagement.

If you are interested in joining Trinity’s board, please download the recruitment pack for more information about the position and further details on how to apply.

Deadline for applications: Monday 15th April, 10am

Save Bristol Nightlife - a campaign to save, protect and promote Bristol's nightlife - have been working to amplify tales from venues across the city over lockdown.

"Trinity, a venue which, to many, is the most crucial to protect. It is integral to the city's cultural life yet always under threat by plans for the development of residential buildings all around it and not given half the respect and recognition from the powers that be that the venue deserves."

Save Bristol Nightlife

Alongside the film above, featuring our Venue Manager Jamell, Save Bristol Nightlife's YouTube channel documenting stories from other loved venues including the Beaufort in Montpelier and the Queenshilling on Frogmore Street.

All filming is courtesy of photographer Colin Moody. The series of documentaries explore the challenges and uncertainty still facing the hospitality and events industries, as one of the areas of the UK economy that's seen activity heavily restricted to try to limit the spread of COVID19.

If you'd like to join Save Bristol Nightlife's campaign, visit their Facebook page and help to support your local venue by writing to your MP and Councillors.

When Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden advised 25 of the UK’s most recognisable cultural institutions* to be consistent with the Government on issues of contested heritage, voices across heritage and the arts expressed a need for separation between culture and politics.

But when charities faced calls from Charity Commission Chair to remain apolitical - a reaction to groups such as The National Trust opting to present the colonial history of some of their properties - the cultural sector was equally unhappy.

This may appear contradictory; on the one hand, arts and heritage charities calling for state and art to be kept separate while at the same time bawking at being told to avoid politicising activity. Maybe artists aren’t that great at being told what to do. Or maybe politics can be intrinsic to, whilst also remaining separate from, the work of charities.

The work of charities is intrinsic to (small p) politics

Arts and heritage charities exist to enrich our understanding of the past and inspire the next generation to build a better future. These aren’t just fluffy-feels. Rather, they are legally defined principles, set out in what is known as ‘Charitable Objects’.

Objects such as, ‘to preserve and promote heritage and arts’, ‘advance education’, or ‘promote equality of opportunity for persons of different racial and cultural identities’, can’t help but touch upon the micro-politics of everyday life.

Objects exist to focus resources and give donors assurance funds will go toward furthering their chosen cause. When we give to charities, we put our trust in them to decide how to best use those resources in pursuit of the Objects.

Funders may request charities use a hashtag in acknowledgement of funds or report on how funds are spent. But, this need for accountability does not take precedent over thee responsibility to stakeholders first and foremost.

As independent legal entities, charities must remain free to decide what activities are most appropriate in pursuit of their Objects, for the good of those they serve. Charities cannot act against their legitimate Objects just to keep someone happy - even when that someone is the Culture Secretary, or the Charity Commission Chair.

Art and (capital P) Politics must be separate

When it comes to funding, this ‘at arms length’ principle is important for the autonomy of all charities and is particularly notable in UK culture, with creation of The Arts Council itself post-WWII to ensure a clear separation between culture and capital P Politics.

This separation of Charity from State is critical as it safeguards the pursuit of a charity's mission from any shift in government priorities.

It means charities can focus on the interests of those they serve rather than being distracted by the interests of those who fund them. They cannot de-prioritise stakeholder interests in the pursuit funds, even where those funds are administered by the Government or public funding bodies such as Lottery. They must be able to maintain their autonomy so they can flex and adapt to meet changing stakeholder needs - not least so they can ensure they remain relevant to an ever diversifying donor pool.

Applying pressure on how legally constituted organisations pursue their legitimate charitable aims - by warning public funding will be ‘scrutinised’ should they not tow the line, for example - is even more problematic right now, due to the financial precariousness of the sector.

Charities exist to make change and pursue activities that help to make life fairer for us all. To use Chris Whitty’s ‘Swiss-cheese’ analogy, they plug any gaps in the wider public sector safety-net. We must protect this freedom at all costs, so charities can respond to the disproportionate impact of the pandemic, amplify stories that give new perspectives to dominant narratives and ensure the art we make remains free from Political constraints.

Our charities, our heritage and our culture must remain independent. That freedom is more important than ever, for the sake of our collective recovery and prosperity. We must distinguish between the Politics to be kept at arms length and that which is central to our mission if want our vision to remain in arms reach.

By Emma Harvey, CEO

Seven ways to show solidarity

1. Support the work groups diversifying the sector, such as Migrants in Culture and Inc Arts
2. Sign Howell Furber 's petition to encourage to reconsider DCMS' stance on contested histories
3. Follow news about the Hands Off Our Heritage on social media
4. Sign up to Strike A Light's mailing list to be part of future cross-sector conversations
5. Join The Museums Association's campaign to decolonise museums
6. Write to your MP in support of a 'Keep At Arms Length' approach to UK culture
7. Show your support on social media to those such as @nationaltrust and other UK arts and heritage charities impacted*, using hashtags such as #KeepItArmsLength #HandsOffOurHeritage

*List of organisations: The British Film Institute, British Library, British Museum, Churches Conservation Trust, Historic Royal Palaces, Horniman Museum, Imperial War Museum, Museum of the Home, National Archives, National Gallery, National Museums Liverpool, National Portrait Gallery, Natural History Museum, Royal Armouries, Royal Museums Greenwich, Royal Parks, Science Museum Group, Sir John Soane’s Museum, Tate Gallery, V&A Museum, Wallace Collection, Arts Council England, Historic England, National Lottery Communities Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund

Trinity was exited to welcome IDLES band to the Centre in January 2021, as part of a socially-distanced film for their single Carcinogenic.

"Venues are at greatest risk because they are mostly small businesses, not interested in profit or investors but in the nourishment of creative, open-minded, critical thinking."

Mark Bowen, IDLES

(NME, Jan 21)

Each band member performs in some of Bristol's most loved grassroots music venues, including The Louisiana, Exchange, The Mother’s Ruin, The Old Duke, and of course The Trinity Centre.

The film was in support of Independent Venues Week that, with support from Music Venues Trust, have been working to raise the profile of grassroots music venues impacted by lockdown restrictions.

Speaking to NME about Independent Venue Week, guitarist Mark Bowen said: “Now more than ever independent musicians and the music industry at large need to unite to keep from being decimated. Between the pandemic and a government who not only don’t care about the future of the arts (especially independence within the arts) but take a pro-active role in its diminishment, independent venues are at greatest risk because they are mostly small businesses, not interested in profit or investors but in the nourishment of creative, open-minded, critical thinking.”

Click here to read the full article in NME.

The Prime Minister announced a third national lockdown for England beginning 6 January 2021 in an effort to limit the transmission of the COVID-19. Click here to read more about what this means.

The Trinity Centre will remain closed for public events and gatherings until such times as restrictions ease. Trinity has been and will continue to closely monitor Public Health England guidelines in relation to the COVID-19 situation, in order to respond as necessary.

We will be working to adapt and deliver some activities online as part of grant funded projects - including the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund - and will liaise with community partners to make sure we support any coordinated responses to support those most vulnerable during these difficult times.

Ticket holders

We will communicate via our website and mailing lists regarding all cancellations or postponed events. All tickets will be valid for rescheduled dates, however if you would like to request a refund, please do so by contacting our bookings team on info@trinitybristol.org.uk and include the event name, date and the email you used to make the booking. Please note, that it may take time to respond to refund requests.

Hirers

Please contact your Booking Coordinator via email about your planned event to discuss either postponing and rescheduling or cancelling your event.

Advice for the Community

We urge individuals to follow Public Health England guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 - do not leave your home or mix with anyone outside your own household unless absolutely necessary.

If you or anyone else in your household are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste - get a test as soon as possible and stay at home until you get the result.

If you are unsure or need to check symptoms, visit the NHS COVID-19 Self Assessment.

This news item was published in December 2020. Please click here for the latest information.

Trinity is operating as a Covid-19 Secure, multi-use venue.This means we are operating in a safe way to ensure that the spread of Covid is minimised with any activity happening on our premises. We will work with hirers to ensure that activities or events are thoroughly risk assessed and running in line with Government Guidelines. Please see below what each of the Tiers implemented by the government will mean for events happening at Trinity.

Tier 3: VERY HIGH ALERT

What can happen:

• Wedding ceremonies & wakes – up to 15ppl
• Group activities for under 18s (including indoor physical activity)
• Rehearsals
• Performances for the purpose of live streaming
• Filming
• Formally organised support groups - up to 15ppl
• Parent and toddler groups
• Capacities will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

What cannot happen:

• Conferences or meetings
• Adult group exercise classes / activities
• Wedding Receptions
• Film screenings or talks
• Live music / club nights
• Any performances with audiences (inc. sharings)
• Private Parties
  
  

Tier 2: HIGH ALERT

What can happen:

• Socially distanced shows or performances where audiences are seated and follow the rule of 6
  - Live music 
  - DJs
  - Theatre
  - Cinema
• Meetings and conferences that are essential, following reduced room capacities and social distancing
• Wedding ceremonies, receptions & wakes - up to 15ppl
• Group activities for under 18s (including indoor physical activity)
• Indoor activity for over 18s (including indoor physical activity) can go ahead subject to social distancing rules - however we recommend against the return of high-risk groups
• Filming
• Rehearsals
• Live Streaming
• Organised outdoor gardening groups (for voluntary, training or education purposes)
• Capacities will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

What cannot happen:

• Conferences or meetings which are not essential, or could be postponed
• Adult group exercise classes / activities for high-risk people
• Wedding ceremonies or receptions over 15ppl
• Club Nights
• Private Parties
  
  

Tier 1: MEDIUM ALERT

What can happen:

• Socially distanced shows or performances where audiences are seated and follow the rule of 6
  - Live Music
  - DJ's
  - Theatre
  - Cinema
• Meetings and conferences, following reduced room capacities and social distancing
• Wedding ceremonies, receptions & wakes - up to 15ppl
• Group activities for under 18s (including indoor physical activity)
• Indoor activity for over 18s (including indoor physical activity) can go ahead subject to social distancing rules
• Filming
• Rehearsals
• Live Streaming
• Organised outdoor gardening groups (for voluntary, training or education purposes)
• All activity / event capacities will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

What cannot happen

• Club Nights
• Private Parties
  
  

For all queries please get in touch by phone 0117 935 1200 or email info@trinitybristol.org.uk before 18th Dec 2020 or on / after 11th January 2021.

Students and professionals take part in a Making Tracks sector sharing day. Making Tracks is a  life changing music making project delivered by us, in partnership with leading youth services providers Basement Studios and ACE. Photo Paul Blakemore

With the DWP's announcement of the Kickstart Scheme, Trinity explores what such jobs might mean for the Creative industries

People from lower socio-economic backgrounds make up just 12% of the workforce in the creative industries, despite being 44% of the UK population and the Creative Industries Federation highlight the inherent inequality within the creative and cultural workforce across almost every protected characteristic.
Covid-19 will mean high unemployment for young people, as well as having profound impact on the cultural and creative industries.Diversifying the creative industries remains high on the agenda with the Creative Industries Federation citing lack of diversity still a persistent failing across the sector.

Possible redundancies may only serve to harm representation through the loss of junior workforce.

At a time when we need to do more to create alternative pathways, the challenge has been compounded by the pandemic with more experienced people willing to volunteer time or remain in lower-paid roles and less job-mobility at senior or executive level.

The announcement of more detail about the Government's Kickstart Scheme in September 2020 offers some hope - with opportunities created for paid employment for unemployed 18-24yr olds.

But it is by no means a magic bullet and must be accompanied by strong youth provision to ensure that those who stand to gain most from such placements are given every opportunity to access and succeed in any roles created.

Though many will know Trinity as one of the most loved and iconic music venues in the city, what many don't know is that Trinity has delivered youth arts training since 2005, providing creative courses for young people, with a focus on working with those Not in Education Employment or Training (NEET), in partnership with Education Unlimited, City of Bristol College, Weston College, as well as Bristol’s wider youth sector.

Personal development through creative expression can be a critical factor in a young person's success.

Since 2018 we have led a Youth Music funded consortia with Basement Studio and Aspiration Creation Elevation working with 250 young people from challenging circumstances annually, giving them a chance to realise their potential through participation in arts and culture, giving access to free music-making which has truly been a life-changing opportunity for those who come through our doors.

Through our a decade of delivery, we are now part of a network of specialist providers who support with referrals, pastoral care and progression. Being part of this network who work to support the needs of NEET young people is a combined effort it is clear that, in most cases, multiple cross-sector agencies are involved in supporting a young person on their journey. The success of Kickstart in really changing the lives of those who need this chance the most rests on the ability to mobilise a cross-sector approach and support employers to help them realise the potential of a diverse young workforce.

Trinity has been part of a number of youth education and employment schemes historically, including The Future Job Fund, cited by NIESR as one of the most successful back-to-work schemes in history. Schemes such as FJF and the Creative Employment Programme have meant that we have been able to provide 33 young people aged 18-24 through with paid-internships since 2009, providing alternative pathways into creative industries.

Though not always perfect, they show us that this investment can provide a critical pathway into the creative workforce - over 1/4 of young people taken on via an internship remained employed at Trinity beyond the grant-funded post, including our Venue Manager Jamell, who started with us in 2010 on a 6mth FJF placement.

Read more about Jamell's story, here.

We aim to use resuable cups at all events to reduce waste and the impact plastic waste has on the environment

Having trialled our brand new reusable Trinity Cups at this year's Garden Party we're now rolling these out across all events. We want to make sure that Trinity does its bit to be green and what better way than introducing a system or reusable cups. We've already seen a reduction of of our waste by 80% after just one event.

In order to make sure that people don't take our cups home (they are pretty lovely so you might be tempted) we will be asking you for a £1 deposit when you place your first order at the bar. We will then return this at the end of the night when you bring your cup back.

If you decide you want one of our lovely cups for your own home (who wouldn't, perfect for camping and using for those long summer BBQs in your own Garden) you can choose to not get your deposit back. You can even swap your used cup on your way out at bar for a lovely fresh one. All proceeds from this are then fed back in to our fundraising efforts so it is a win win all round.

Jabu x Neek x Manonmars plays at Young Echo Album Launch, photo credit Khali Ackford

Trinity is known for it’s boundry pushing music events, so it is really exciting to be able to bring you a programme of live music & club nights inspired by the musical heritage of the building. This year you'll see established and new artists both local and national who are all about pushing new ideas in music.

We’ve partnered with established promoters to bring you underground music that we know you are going to love. First up we had Bristol collective Young Echo who took over Fyfe Hall for their album launch back in February. Followed by Dubstep artist and promoter Pinch’s club night Subloaded celebrating the 100th release on his Tectonic label.

In May Trinity & Teaching in Dub will bring you Grime & Dubstep collective Bandulu Records with a massive line up ft Commodo, Rizla Teef, Kahn & Neek, Boofy, Hi5ghost. Plus the next generation of producers coming through, Drone, Lucy, Sir Hiss, Bengal Sound, with the big bad SGT Pokes on mic duties.  With more exciting artists coming in the Autumn (keep your eyes peeled for updates).

If you like high energy new reggae music with a heavy dub twist, definitely grab tickets to see Resonators on 19th May. This is going be a get up and dance vibe all night.

It is really important to Trinity that we showcase Bristol talent as much as we can in our in house music programme so we are pleased Resonators will be supported by Bristol artists, Roots Factory featuring YT (worked with the likes of Mungos Hifi and Solo Banton) plus Papa Steve and his mighty Downbeat Melody Soundsystem and Numesa.

Tickets: Bandulu / Resonators

We’ll be announcing more gigs. To know first sign up to our mailing list.

Collective Bandulu head to Trinity x Teachings in Dub presents in May phot credit Khali Ackford

Scaffolding in place at Trinity - image by Khali Photography

“We are pleased to continue to support the Trinity Centre in its project to repair the historic fabric of this Grade II* listed building which was a former church. This additional grant will enable the conservation of further stonework and the windows. These works will help transform the appearance of the Trinity Centre which is a significant landmark in both Old Market and Bristol.” Sarah Ball, Heritage at Risk Architect at Historic England in the South West

Having already supported us with a grant of £106k, Historic England have pledged a further £68k uplift grant towards our urgent conversation works. Significant historic damage to the building’s fabric - including corroded iron works and damage to the stained glass windows - was uncovered as part of recent investigations carried out on the 19th-Century Grade II** listed building - leading to fears that Trinity Centre could one day face closure if not addressed.

"When we announced the news earlier this year we were overwhelmed by the messages of support, generous offers and donations from the community. Funding from Historic England means we are one step closer to our £200k fundraising goal - we are very grateful for this support.” Emma Harvey, Centre Director.

We have launched a fundraising campaign to raise another £135k to cover the full cost of the planned programme of works - which includes sustainability measures to reduce running costs - before the scaffolding is planned to come down in the Autumn. Running from March - October we have an an exciting program of fundraising activities - including our famous annual garden party, 13th May.

Help us secure Trinity's past, present and future

Heart & Soul project volunteer Lowie Trevena works part time with the Scouts, but  wanted to get more involved in the community in their spare time, and learn about the heritage and community surrounding such an important building. We got them to catch up with Davontay Benjamin, one of two intern’s on Trinity’s heritage and conservation project to find out more about what he is up to.

The internships were created to offer professional skills, experience and opportunity to young people from Bristol who may not have otherwise had access to employment or training. Through his internship, Davontay is gaining hands on training to learn the fundamental aspects of conservation work.

How did you find out about the internship and why did you apply?

I found out from my mother Natahsa Benjamin who runs Hype Dance, a weekly street dance classes for young people. Karina Castro, Projects Manager at Trinity told her about the internship because she knows I do construction at college.

Is there more to the internship than just making tea and coffee for everyone in the office? What is the best thing you’ve done so far?

Yes! The best thing so far has been learning how to do stone work and learning about the history of the building. I've found out a lot about how the building was orginally built - and lots about the bands that and the musians and bands that have played here.

What are you looking forward to during the rest of the internship?

Learning to fit windows because it will help me in the future.

What new skills have you learned?

All about different cement mixes and tools you have to use.

Lastly, would you recommend an internship at Trinity to other young people in Bristol?

Yes!

The two internships run alongside the final major-works phase relating to the repair and conservation of the historic fabric of the Trinity. With full scaffolding in place unforeseen historic damage to the building was uncovered; the stained glass windows were found to be no longer watertight, and the metal cramps, holding the historic Bath Stone in place, were found to be critically corroded, leading to an additional £200,000 of costs.

Historic England has backed Trinity with a pledge of £68k towards the critical works; we still; need to raise £130,000 to safeguard the future of the building. and we need your help, or Trinity will face closure.

The Trinity Centre is at risk, and you can help to safeguard it’s future.

New intern Davontay Benjamin checks out the damage to the stone with specialists.

Last October, work commenced a 11 month project to undertake vital repairs to the building's fabric and structure.

Enabled through the help of Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic England, Allchurches Trust and 13 other funders, as well as generous donations from members of the public, works began on the lead-roof, original stained glass windows and stonework structure, including the iconic Georgian towers.

With full scaffolding in place, specialists have been able to undertake a more comprehensive metalwork survey. Investigations to metal cramps that hold the stonework in place, reveal the damage to the building is far worse than anticipated.

If we don't do these works now, Trinity will be placed back onto Historic England's At - Risk Register. In real terms this means we are going to have to raise an additional estimated £200k other wise Trinity will be at risk of closure- and we need your help to do that.

How you can help

Trinity is and has always been a central part of the community. Our mission it to keep it that way and protect the building's future and to ensure that Trinity’s doors stay open.

A donation, however big or small, will help us to bridge the gap and ensure we are able to complete these important repairs.

Your support will secure the future of our much-loved community space.

Click here to donate today.

Some of the damaged stoneworks

Get involved

Last year Trinity was used by over 50,000 people. Everyone has a story about Trinity - attending a gig, taking part in a community garden activities, taking part in one of the many community led programmes or even being one of the 200 young people attending our bespoke music courses.

If you're interested in becoming a part of our heritage story - a part of a community and a part of this much-loved building's journey - why not get involved in our Heart & Soul Heritage project? Click here for more info...

An Invitation...by Jo Fong from our 2016-17 IGNiTE project. Photo c. Jessica Bartolini.

Trinity is delighted to have been awarded a further four years of funding through Bristol City Council’s Cultural Investment Funding Programme 2018 - 2022, in recognition of our "localised vision that is inclusive, creative and entrepreneurial."

Like the Council, we share a commitment to using arts to empower communities, enabling everyone to take part in great art and shape the city’s cultural offer so that it is reflective of all the city’s diverse voices. We are heartened by the increased number of grass-roots organisations being supported through Bristol's new ‘Openness’ and ‘Imagination’ funding streams and the continued support for independent arts.

“At a time of great division in our world, we should not underestimate the power of arts and culture to allow us to connect to one other. This is why Trinity is committed to continuing to ensure people have space to come together, congregate, share ideas and celebrate” Emma Harvey, Centre Director

Trinity remains dedicated to supporting artists, organisations and communities in the creation of ambitious, inclusive art that connects across the city and beyond and to exploring new ways we can achieve a shared vision of a thriving cultural offer for everyone.

Long term investment enables us to plan for the future and to lever match funding from other sources in order that we can continue to programme key events such as our annual Garden Party and Fireworks Celebration; to develop new projects such as Heart & Soul and IGNiTE and to continue to support a wide range of regular classes, artists and groups who use the Centre.

Now more than ever, it’s important that we work together to develop new sources of investment for arts and culture.

Paradise City

Over ten days IGNiTE summer residents Back in 5 Minutes Squad and Art in Motion will be creating an evolving installation up in our Fyfle Hall.

This is super exciting as Spike Island Residents  - Back in 5 Minutes Squad and emerging not-for-profit participatory arts organisation Art in Motion (AIM) will be collaborating for the first time for this project.

Evolving over the ten days of the residency these two diverse groups will collaborate to portray their vision of an ideal, egalitarian future in which humans of all types and abilities coexist peacefully and purposefully together - the fabric of this future city will reflect the diverse and idiosyncratic interests of all the artists involved.

From Monday 19 the artists invite you to visit during this exciting process and Paradise City will be open to everyone for a celebration event from 5-7pm in the Graffiti Room at Trinity on Thursday 29 June.

Paradise City is supported by Arts Council England via Grants for the Arts and by Trinity Community Arts.