God Save The Trinity Centre

Click here to get to our Crowdfunder & support Trinity Community Arts

Artists Jimmy Cauty and Andy Council have created original and exclusive pieces of artwork to support The Trinity’s Crowdfunder Campaign, to launch on Wednesday 1^st February. Funds raised will support our Conservation Project to carry out urgent repair works to the Trinity Centre roof, towers and stained glass windows.

Elecro-pioneer and founding member of The KLF, Jimmy Cauty has produced an original poster, God Save The Trinity Centre (pictured, left). Following their visit to Trinity last year as one of the first stops on the ADP Riot Tour, artists from Jimmy's L-13 Light Industrial art collective - Billy Childish, Harry Adams and Jamie Reed - have all collaborated to produce the punk-inspired artwork.

Cauty said God Save the Trinity Centre was, “inspired by the rich musical heritage of the Trinity Centre, particularity the punk bands who played there in the late 70s, and it reminds us of posters we used to make in those days.”

Jimmy's support comes at a time when it has been rumoured that KLF are set to  reunite in 2017 – Sorry to disappoint! But a full denial has been reported in the NME and The Guardian.  However, it is also reported that 'something is coming' in August to mark the end of a self imposed moratorium that silenced them for 23 years.

The Trinity Fox

Local urban artist and illustrator Andy Council, best known for his Bristol Dinosaur and Creature-Creations featuring Bristol’s historic buildings, has also produced an original piece in support of Trinity's emergency repairs appeal.

Titled Trinity Fox the illustration features some of the historical buildings in Old Market. Speaking about the work, Andy said; “The Trinity itself is an iconic building in the city and it's been a while since I've included it in any of my Bristol ‘creature-creation’ pieces. Also included in the ‘urban beast’ are buildings from the nearby Old Market area. I've been wanting to focus on Old Market for some time now, the buildings there are really interesting and have so much history.”

As one of Bristol's leading community arts spaces, Trinity is proud to have the support of the city's arts community. In 2016, graffiti artist Stewy also provided his support, producing a series of limited edition prints and mural in memory of DJ Derek and in support of our youth music programme.

These latest original artworks will be auctioned online to raise vital funds to save the Trinity Centre - so watch this space for further announcements!

Donations to our Conservation Project can be made through Just Giving at or by Text Giving ROOF31 £5 to 70070. Click here to read more about The Trinity Conservation Project and the work Andy and Jimmy are supporting.

Our commitment to safeguarding

At Trinity, we believe everyone has the right to feel safe and supported. We take the safety and wefare and Safety of Children, Young People, and Adults at Risk very seriously.

We follow clear safeguarding and child protection policies, processes and procedures to help keep everyone safe while taking part in our activities, events and programmes.

What to do if you have a concern

If you, your child, or someone you know feels unsafe or has a concern, no matter how small, please speak to a member of staff. All staff and relevant volunteers are trained to help if someone has a concern.

You can also ask to speak with our Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputies.

We will always:

• Listen to your concern
• Take it seriously
• Act in line with our safeguarding policy, processes and procedures

How to report a concern

We encourage anyone with a safeguarding concern relating to Trinity's activities to report this, no matter how minor:

• If the concern is urgent and someone is at immediate risk, call 999

• For all other concerns, follow Trinity’s procedure and contact a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) via welfare@trinitybristol.org.uk

• Anyone can make a direct report to Bristol's First Response via 0117 903 6444 (Monday–Friday) or by calling 01454 615 165 (Out of Hours)

• You may also call the NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 for confidential advice

Safeguarding contact

If you have a Trinity related safeguarding concern or question, please contact:

Emma Harvey, CEO and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

welfare@trinitybristol.org.uk / 0117 935 1200

We want to make sure every young person has a chance to access music learning. We work with young people from a range of backgrounds, from across Bristol and the South West, to help them achieve their potential.

“I found the Trinity to be brilliant and I had great support from the staff” Mitchell, Music Student

Trinity specialises in engaging those who face barriers to participation. Since 2005, we've worked with some of the most vulnerable and socially excluded young people; from young people who feel they are not ready for full time work or education, to referrals from youth offenders and young people in care and hospital.

“This was the first activity that I was interested in, I had not been out my room until this point! I met some of the other young people and got to know them. I really like Al and Dave, they have helped me settle in.” Teenage Cancer Trust Inpatient

Young people referred to us have become disengaged from mainstream learning due to their complex learning needs, behavioural and health issues. After facing exclusion, young people are left feeling isolated from society, leading to anger management, youth-offending and other destructive behaviours.

“I really enjoy the drumming. It’s the first time I’ve ever done any sort of drumming and find smashing on the kit helps me to release my anger. I feel good when I come to Trinity. It gives me something to look forward to every week.” Under 16 who had been excluded from school

Young people either self-refer or are referred to us by youth organisations, including the local council authority social care teams, mental health trusts, pupil referrals units, foster carers, youth offender teams and other charities. These agencies have fed back to us about the positive changes they have seen in the behaviours and attitudes of the young people who we’ve supported.

“My staff at St Matthias are extremely happy to have found this brilliant and rare session, that has had a hugely beneficial impact upon the social and educational progress of our students. I can't rate the experience highly enough and can only commend the Trinity staff and their incredible understanding and patience in working with SEN students. Long may it continue!” St Matthias Pupil Referral Unit

We provide intensive music courses - music production, lyric writing, composition, guitar and percussion - helping young people to develop skills and abilities, achieve accreditations and re-engage with mainstream learning.

“The song writing session that Dave from Trinity delivered last week has inspired her so much that she has gained the confidence to go to voice coaching lessons at school!” Tact Care Foster Carers

Click here for more information about our courses for young people.

When someone’s a seasoned old-timer, been going to gigs and festivals for more years than they care to remember, and they come home saying, “That was the best show I’ve ever seen!” you’d be forgiven for taking it with a pinch of salt.

Peaches, however, took that crown. She blew my socks off. And her own.

The costumes (Dancing vaginas - every show needs them. Who knew?) - or, at times, lack of them! - were eye popping.

The crowd were a sea of ecstatic faces, wowed by Peaches’ utter lack of inhibition which was, of course, infectious.

Strangers became dancing partners as we funked the night away; her growling, encompassing, electro punk sound and attitude forcing us all to let it all go. So we did.

This was a night to remember: one for the grand-kids; one for sweet dreams; a unifying spectacle of a night.

Thank you, Peaches, please keep f**king that pain away.

Would you like to write a review of a Trinity gig? Get in touch to find out more!

Another year over and a big thank you to all those who have worked with and supported Trinity throughout 2016.

It’s been another amazing year - so many fantastic events, activities and people, making Trinity a special place to be.

Last week, an ex-offender who's been taking part on a volunteer work placement said;

“Thank you for making me feel part of the team and treating me like a human being again.”

It’s people like this and such inspiring stories that make me want to work to ensure Trinity carries on into the future, providing a vital community space for everyone.

In 2017 we’re planning some essential repair works to the Centre - without this work, Trinity’s future will be at risk.

That’s why I’ve donated toward the Trinity Centre Conservation Project.

I hope that this will inspire you to support our cause in whatever way you can.

Thank you all for your continued support and love - have a great festive season!

Emma Harvey, Centre Director

Care...

Visit our Just Giving Page - Help us to keep our building running so that we can deliver music sessions for young people… Read More >

Share...

Share our Appeal page with your friends & family via social media - Help us to provide space for community activities and projects... Read More >

Donate...

Please donate the cost of a cup of coffee or whatever you can, to support our work - Help us to repair and conserve the Trinity Centre and create a lasting legacy for everyone.... Read More >

Click here to find out more about our work and how you can help

“Thank you for doing such powerful and difficult stuff! Great to see Political Art and Social Change”. Audience Member Cathy, Cardboard Citizens

A HUGE shout-out to all the companies and artist who have been part of Season One.

To recap: Ultimate Dancer brought: Holy Smoke, a surreal exploration of shamanism that filled Fyfe Hall with, a lot of smoke, while Jo Fong’s An Invitation… , playfully and delightfully enticed audiences.

“Warm, friendly, powerful and outstanding performance”. Audience Member An Invitation, Jo Fong

Peter McMaster explored masculinity and age with: 27, An Ecstatic Ritual of Life and Death. Cardboard Citizens brought debate and conversation with Cathy and we were immersed in a New York Club with Uchenna Dance’s: Our Mighty Groove.

“Excellent. Really got the club vibe and the personalities of the dancers where excellent! Had a great time! Thank You”. Audience Member Our Mighty Groove

Programme Manager, Rhiannon Jones, and Producer, Fergus Evans, have been busy presenting Season Two to our programming forum, so eyes peeled everyone to early 2017 when we will launch this to the public.

Behind the scenes

“Very useful workshop with Jo Fong. Always useful to be exposed to how others work.” Workshop participant

Our building is used by many different groups in many different ways (through the Trinity Community Initiative) and we are dedicated to improve how our communities participate and engage with performing arts.

Alongside our main IGNiTE programme Uchenna Dance delivered two open classes, including one to HYPE Dance, Trinity’s weekly street dance class for 5-25yr olds. Jo Fong worked with with Gerry’s Attic, a new resident older people’s Dance Company to deliver a workshop that explored participants relationship to dance.

Team IGNiTE are super excited to be continuing to connect artists and communities in the New Year.

“Our work together comprised of sensory exercises, partner work and an exploration to our own relationships to dance … what I saw there was something like a real curiosity about sensation and presence, inhabited bodies, thinking bodies, a hyper awareness and yet a directness, an honesty of approach and a committed attention.”

Jo Fong reflects on working with Gerry’s Attic

2017 (and beyond)

We do tell subscribers of the IGNiTE mailing list FIRST about shows, tickets offers, workshops and opportunities. So if you are not subscribed, you definitely should be. Email us at info@3ca.org.uk and we can pop you on.

If you are on that list you will be the first to know about our first batch of resident artists, which we will be announcing soon who have been selected with help from our fabulous Programming Forum:

On board we have Tom Marshman (Independent Artist) , Kate Yedigaroff (MAYK), Dr Edson Burton, Natasha Benjamin (HYPE), Julie Thorneycroft (Gerry’s Attic) and Jasmine Haque (Awaz Utoah).

& for now, a very merry signing off from me (Sarah), Fergus, Edson and Rhiannon and the rest of the team.

See you in 2017.

In Between Time are looking for 6 – 8 artists or performers working in Live Art, contemporary performance & theatre, at any stage in their practice, who can perform the role of ‘host’ to support artist Ria Hartley within her performance at IBT17 Bristol International Festival. ‘Look No Further’ is about the choice of self-marriage and is staged as a post wedding reception dinner, inviting an audience as guests to attend this unique celebration.

Your role in the piece will be integral to the audience’s experience, in how they enter the piece and how the reception dinner unfolds. The hosts will be welcoming the guests into the venue, leading them to their seats, serving guests and guiding them in moments through the piece. Each host will have a station and specific areas to attend.

We are looking for hosts who have experience in:

• – Participatory performance/ theatre /live art

• – Speaking /interacting to and with live audiences

• – Leading & managing groups of audiences

You will receive a full briefing and rehearsal prior to the performance premiere on the 12 February 2017. The briefing, rehearsal and performance will take place at Trinity Centre, Bristol.

You will need to be available to attend the following times/dates:

• – A performance briefing on the 8th of January 2pm – 5pm

• – A rehearsal on 11th February 5pm – 8pm.

• – The Performance on 12th February 6pm – 8pm, you need to be available to meet at 5pm.

There is a small symbolic fee for your participation in this piece of £50.

To respond, please send the following information:

• – A statement of motivation and why you feel you connect with this performance, including a brief description of your work and any front of house/hosting/participatory performance experience you have.

• – One link to an online reference to your work. Please provide links to specific work and not to your homepage on your artist website.

The brief should be no more than 500 words. Please send the above information to opportunities@inbetweentime.co.uk

Deadline for applications: 12pm, 5th December 2016

Artists notified by: 12th December 2016

More information about Look No Further:

https://www.inbetweentime.co.uk/whats-on/look-no-further/

Look No Further received the IBT17 Wild Card Award and will premiere at IBT17 Bristol International Festival, 12th February 2017

Our Mighty Groove came to Trinity as part of IGNiTE, 11th November 2016

“What I love is working with people and bringing their talents to reality”.

IF Vicki Igbokwe ever had any concerns about her cv they soon disappeared in 2012 when she helped to create the opening ceremony at the London Olympic Games that captivated TV audiences around the world.

As one of the mass movement choreographers involved in Danny Boyle’s stunning historical presentation, Vicki worked with 200 men, known behind the scenes as the Warriors – 90 per cent of them volunteers – on the moving Industrial Revolution scene.

“Mass movement was what I’d been doing in my career but 2012 was a thousand times more intense,” said 35-year-old Vicki. “I learned so much about myself and so much about people, and it obviously improved my reputation within the industry, being able to work with so many people under so much pressure”.

All the while Vicki – who went on to work at the Winter Olympics in Russia and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, both in 2014 – was being taken over by the drive to inspire others through dance, audiences as well as performers.

“I see it all as a question of empowerment, whether that is watching a show or attending one-to-one workshop training. Movement for me is another form of communication to make people freer. What I want to do is spend the next five years developing The Head Wrap Diaries and a second show – Our Mighty Groove – rather than make show after show. I want to work smart, not hard.

“There’s a lot of self-sabotage out there with women asking who they are and where they are going in life. There’s pressure in society on women in all their relationships, at home, at work and with their partners. I want them to go and make the life that they want to live.”

Vicki’s campaigning style clearly comes from her own background. Her barrister father died when she was very young and at 14 she had to be carer for her mother - formerly a Labour councillor in Kensal Green - until she passed away in 2009, and her three younger sisters.

That was also the year she set up Uchenna Dance, which “survived on love” and, in Vicki’s case, on some teaching in colleges and universities. “The company would meet every Sunday for a few hours where we rehearsed in a cold studio, followed by some food in Nando’s to heat ourselves up.

“The people I was working with wanted to be performers – growing from six to 15 - and I wanted to be a choreographer, so it worked for all of us on that level. Now we have six to eight in the company, all working as freelancers who work with Uchenna and me on a project to project basis.”

www.uchennadance.com

Will was referred to Trinity from the South Glos Early Intervention Team and took part in our Take Note sessions, February 2016.He attended all the sessions and even took part in a collaborative song with more experienced music students which culminated in a live performance on the main Trinity stage.

Since then, Will has been making the long journey from Yate each week to attend our weekly Thursday session, writing and recording original rap lyrics and learning music production techniques.

"My occupational therapist referred me over to Trinity because he knew I was really interested in music production. When I visited the studios I got a really good vibe and saw it as a great opportunity to learn all about music production and record my own lyrics.

The main benefit for me is that I can get on the mic and record my lyrics every week. It’s important for me to get my lyrics out as it is a way for me to express myself and to deal with the things that have happened in the past, which really helps me to move on. I have also enjoyed meeting, working and performing alongside other local musicians."

Will has been working on producing an album of original material and is now feeling confident enough to work the studio equipment on his own terms.

Will finished by saying; "I look forward to coming in to Trinity every week, it gives me something to get up for in the morning. Without it I would probably just be hanging out and chilling with my mates not getting anything done."

Will's support worker has been absolutely blown away by the progress he has made over such a short space of time. He is continuing to build his confidence, and would eventually like to apply for some work experience in a music industry setting.

We have recently teamed up with Ruth Ramsay, an external community consultant who has taken up the task of updating our 2012 Community Survey, via e-consultations, face to face and focus groups with regular centre users, members, supporters, as well as individuals and groups who are not currently engaged.

The consultation focuses on our existing services, building characteristics and facilities, and amongst other things it will help to inform our 2017 Learning and Participation Programme.

This new online survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete and is open until the 10th November.

Tell us what you like and we'll endeavour to keep doing it. Tell us where there's room for improvement and we'll look at where we can implement change to get it right.

We've acted on your suggestions since we last consulted you in 2012 - See You said, We did!

So please, take a few moments to complete our new Community Consultation.

This online survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete and is open until the 10th November.

As a big thank you, we will enter your details (if submitted at the end) in a prize-draw to win a pair of tickets for the event of your choice!*

Your responses will be kept confidential and will not be used for any purpose other than research conducted by Trinity Community Arts.

For more information about this survey and how the results will be used, or to have a chat face to face with Ruth, please contact us at: info@3ca.org.uk

*subject to availability

ABOUT IGNiTE – Performance for the people

IGNiTE is a series of residencies, workshops and and live performances featuring artists reflective of Bristol’s diverse communities. Trinity sits at the meeting point of three wards - Easton, Ashley (St Pauls) and Lawrence Hill - whose residents make up Trinity’s local community.

Find out more information about the wider IGNiTE Programme and to have a look at our programme strategy.

As part of IGNiTE we will be offering six residencies to artist or companies with strong links to Bristol and its communities.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AS AN ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

• free studio space in our iconic Fyfe Hall.

• an opportunity to share work to a mixed audience of programmers, other artists, and local people

• access to networks and programmers, including formal professional development opportunities

• advice and guidance as appropriate from key members of Trinity staff and partner organisations

• free hot desk and meeting space, subject to availability

To find out more information about who we are looking for and how to apply download our artist brief. The deadline for applications is Friday 18th November 2016 at 5pm.

Local artist Stewy, visited Trinity to create a full-size stencil of DJ Derek, to help promote Trinity's Youth Music Training Programme.

The family and friends of Derek Serpell-Morris - better known as Bristol reggae-music legend DJ Derek - have been supporting Trinity's Youth Music Training Programme through a memorial fund set up in the late DJ's memory.

'Sweet Memory Sounds' helps to raise vital funds and donations to help keep Trinity's music training activities running, so that we can continue to provide opportunities for young people to engage with music - often at very challenging times in their lives - so that they can get back into learning and employment.

Artist Stewy is a keen supporter of the Trinity Community Arts charity and, when he heard about the work Sweet Memory Sounds have been doing to raise vital funds for Trinity's youth work, was keen to get involved and show his support.

The iconic image of DJ Derek - which has appeared in several locations across the city, marking some of his favourite places - is located in the Trinity Centre's Main Hall; a prominent position for visitors and gig-goers of the Trinity Centre to see and enjoy.

In addition to the mural, Stewy also donated 100 original DJ Derek screen-prints, to help raise funds for Trinity's youth music programme.

Emma Harvey, Centre Manager of Trinity said; "We're so grateful for all the support Sweet Memory Sounds have provided us so that we can continue our work with some of the most vulnerable young people in the city. As regular feature at Trinity gigs back-in-the-day, with Stewy's latest mural in place, this feels like a fitting tribute to Derek. We all want to say a massive thank you to Stewy plus to Jen, Mat and Derek's family for their continued support."

About our Youth Music Programme

Trinity has a strong track record of skills development and training, providing music learning activities for 150 young people in 2015/2016 and supporting some of the most vulnerable and socially excluded young people:

“Trinity is important for me because it keeps me off the streets and gives me the space and time I need to express myself. It has helped me build my confidence and has challenged me to try things I don't usually do. They also helped me get a work experience placement.” Nail, Trinity music student (2015)

We have delivered music training to disengaged young people aged 16-25 since 2005; specialising in engaging young people who face barriers to participation and working with some of the most vulnerable and socially excluded. Our work is critical to our locality and fully supports our mission in empowering all areas of society to shape the arts and culture in their own communities.

Click here for more info about our programme.

Images - Stewy (Right); DJ Derek mural in Trinity's main hall (Left)

Images courtesy of ©Laure Noverraz

Following the securing of a grant from Arts Council England, Trinity launched IGNiTE: a programme of performance, artist residencies and workshops.

"IGNiTE melts the brilliant parts of our creative city into a shining new whole." Dr Edson Burton, Engagement Officer

Trinity has built a strong reputation for engagement across different communities and across different disciplines. It is a well-established music venue, and has further developed as a centre for learning and creative activity. With this is mind programme manager, Rhiannon Jones specifically created a platform for programming that directly engages the local community and centre users, aptly named the Programming Forum.

Click here to view the final project report or visit the Artists area of our website for information about the artists we supported through the programme.

Portishead legend and Bristol-Sound pioneer Adrian Utley, together with world-renowned musician and guitarist John Parish, describe why they support Trinity's Notes for Notes Appeal in an interview, now available on You Tube

During the interview, John and Adrian explained why they are supporting the Trinity Centre by creating the "Trinity Anthem" for the Appeal, and Adrian goes on to remember his time performing with Portishead at Trinity back in the '90s.

For every £5 received in donation to the Appeal, Trinity will exchange a virtual musical note, and once 4,000 notes have been exchanged (£20,000), Adrian and John will release the Trinity Anthem - a unique piece of music that reflects and celebrates Trinity's rich 40 year musical heritage.

To support the Appeal, donate on our Just Giving page or by text to ROOF31 £5 to 70070

With thanks to Charlie Tothill, Chris Price (film & edition), Memotone (music).

One of Bristol's oldest Freemasonry Lodges has supported Trinity's Notes for Notes Appeal with a donation of £908.

The Royal Sussex Lodge of Hospitality said they wanted to support a local charity that works closely within the local community. They chose Trinity as they know how vital the Centre is in providing space for community groups, also the benefit the space has been for the local community for over forty years.

The group were also aware of the impact that Trinity's Youth Music Programme has, helping vulnerable young people to access music, often at very challenging times in their lives.

The Lodge wanted to support Notes for Notes and the forthcoming Conservation Project, which will provide essential repairs to the iconic Trinity towers and the building.

Keep an eye on our growing fundraising appeal and pledge your support via our Just Giving page.

You can support Trinity's Notes for Notes Appeal, text ROOF 31 £5 to 70070 or donate at www.3ca.org.uk/donate

The Trinity Community Initiative (TCI) supported AWP Bristol Early Intervention in Psychosis Team with 40 hours of subsidised space hire at Arts West Side, between February and May 2016.

The Art Therapy sessions were planned for young adults, most of them referred by their GP's. The purpose of their project was to help participants to increase their understanding of what is happening, reducing the level of distress caused by unusual experiences and prioritising personal recovery and a quick return to valued roles and social relationships.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends the use of art for young people because it can help to alleviate negative symptoms and should be provided in a group setting.

We talked to Katie Gannaway, Mental Health Worker for the project, who summarised her time at Arts West Side for us:

"Earlier this year we ran a therapeutic art group from Arts West Side, for 16 weeks. The group was for young people 16- 35 years who are experiencing mental health difficulties. As part of their recovery we wanted this group to be in the community to promote social inclusion, leading to service users to feel less isolated and facilitating them to link in to other community resources.

The art group gave them an opportunity to explore their creativity whilst receiving emotional support in a safe group environment enabling them to feel more confident to be part of the community. The group was for a maximum of eight people, and included two healthcare professionals facilitating the therapeutic art group.

The feedback from group members was very positive; they liked the location because it was central, they also felt the space provided was safe and confidential, allowing them to freely express themselves through their art.

They also appreciated the art space below (SPACE), giving them the opportunity to view various exhibits, which for some, influenced their art and interest. This often impacted on our art sessions; members would access the group through the exhibition and this would become a talking point, and an opportunity to engage with others. Some of the members had never had the opportunity to visit art exhibitions; however, the accessibility provided this opportunity.

We would have struggled to provide this group in the community due to limited funds; Arts West Side offered a great space, accessible to communities that are often isolated."

Presented by Diverse City and Bristol City Council, Doing Things Differently is a new festival coming to Bristol that takes a playful look at experiencing, learning and doing something different. In September audiences will be able to see shows from a range of performing companies. A playful look at doing something different this autumn…

Doing Things Differently is about celebrating, learning and talking about equality in the arts. Experience great shows from a range of performing companies, including Weighting from the UK’s integrated professional circus company, Extraordinary Bodies in Castle Park.

Our strap-line 'A Centre for the people' came directly from our experience of facilitating and supporting 'communities' regardless of age, gender, sexuality ethnicity, income & ability such as theatre group the Misfits and their monthly Rhythm of The Night accessible disco. As well as providing a carefully managed and lovingly maintained spaces, we support groups which, with a little additional support, can expand their activities to something extraordinary. As part of the festival Misfits have partnered with Funky Llama, all the way from Plymouth to bring an alternative version of this ever popular event.

On Friday 16 we invite you to an intimate performance of On the Edge of Me in which the voice of one actress echoes the struggles of an entire generation of people facing unemployment, anxiety and depression...a solo dark comedy about the life of recent graduate, Remi, who confronts life as she knows it.“Brilliant, poignant and touching.’”

That same night we will also be hosting “one of the most incredible stories ever committed to film”. From the lawless streets of Kinshasa, Congo, comes Benda Billi, five years in the making which follows a group of street musicians as they struggle to record their first album. Hailed as the new Buena Vista Social Club, “Benda Billi is an inspirational, infectious, hilarious and life-affirming story of a dream that becomes reality”.

As this is a festival of doing as much as watching and learning we are pleased to be hosting Cardboard Citizens as they bring their celebrated 2 day workshop How to use Forum Theatre as a tool for social change with communities. This training is ideal for Arts and Social Sector practitioners who want to develop their practice to support working with disengaged groups from an organisation which has been making life-changing theatre with and for homeless people and disengaged groups for 25 years.

Our thanks to the staff at The Regency Group for supporting Trinity's Notes for Notes Appeal with a generous donation of £500

The Regency Group are based in Weston-Super-Mare and support and promote many local charities

The Notes for Notes Appeal aims to raise £20,000 towards the £1/2 million cost of essential conservation repairs to the 187 year old Grade II* listed Trinity Centre

The donation will help secure the Centre for the future of Trinity Community Arts and help conserve the heritage of the building