Bristol's Howlin' Lord opens the evening with a confident busker's pitch of high-volume guitar songs that demanded, and got, tonight's big audience's full attention. A suitable warm-up to the evening's main act, Australian-born blues artist CW Stoneking.

CW Stoneking pulls off an improbable impersonation of deep authenticity tonight by treating us to grandly tall tales and lots of downright fibs. Whatever else we were believing about his job in the New Orleans Voodoo Emporium, his tale of a drowning Trinidad scientist being paddled onto the Gabon shore with a short-necked banjo is the moment when we all surrender to gales of happy laughter.

The Medicine Show at Trinity is spectacularly entertaining. The jungle music of CW Stoneking and his Primitive Horn Section is the perfect soundtrack for getting dressed up, drinking and storytelling and the crowd at Trinity are up and dancing from the first song.

Tunes come from two of his finest albums, Jungle Blues and King Hokum, and he alternates between solo and band, banjo and resonator guitar and between dance, blues and story formats. Cab Calloway, Big Joe Turner, Louis Armstrong, Ma Rainey, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Jimmy Rogers are all here in spirit tonight: CW Stoneking sounds like none of them specifically, but he knows and loves all of their music and he has a fabulous blues voice (the yodelling disaster notwithstanding).

While his albums are unquestionably very good, it's his great stage presence and an enthralling live show that sets him apart from the rest.

Sam Saunders

For more on Trinity's rich history of hosting live music head to the Archive section of the site

Charitable Objects

to promote, maintain, and advance education through the presentation of creative and performing arts

to advance the education of people of all ages in the creative and performing arts, information technology and life skills

to preserve, protect and improve for the public benefit the Trinity Centre, formerly the Holy Trinity Church, and promote the heritage of this building

to provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life

to promote racial harmony by promoting equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial and cultural identities and by encouraging the use of the Trinity Centre or other Trinity Arts Centre facilities for multicultural activities

Trinity Community Arts (TCA) is a registered charity (no.1144770) and Limited Company (no.4372577) and is VAT registered (no.123388420)  Trinity Community Enterprises (TCE) is a Limited Company (no.7848421) and is a wholly owned subsidiary trading on behalf of TCA and is VAT registered (no.123388420).

TCA registered as a charity in November 2011 and secured a 35 year leasehold of The Trinity Centre from Bristol City Council in 2013. Further information about our charity's purpose can be found in our Memorandum & Articles of Association.

Students enrolling on our music course can now work towards a Music Practitioner qualification to help develop their skills. Whether their interests lie in performance, recording or simply exploring different types of music there is something for all music lovers here at Trinity.

The course is suitable for beginners as well as those who want to develop existing skills and experiences. Students can either work towards a Level 1 Award or Certificate.

All our courses here at Trinity are delivered in a relaxed learning environment with skilled professionals, using industry standard equipment.

We are now enrolling for our Music Course, for more details please email training@3ca.org.uk

Way back in 2006 The Guillemots released their first studio album, the Mercury-nominated Through The Windowpane. The record found critical acclaim with its rustic charm and choruses so mighty that singing along was obligatory. It was a record that was natural and honest at a time when bands were being interviewed on T4 before they’d even played a show, but then The Guillemots have always been a breath of fresh air - and this wintry Friday night at Trinity is no different.

Opener Kriss Kross sets the mood for an evening of joyous energy from band and fans alike. Lead singer Fyfe Dangerfield’s vocal is on form – he sure can belt it out and his range reaches far. The Guillemots have a talent for writing choruses that are colossal and they have bags of magnetism.

This year's album Walk the River makes up a fair chunk of tonight’s set and favourites such as Vermillion, and I Don’t Feel Amazing Now are met with an affectionate response from admiring fans. Material from Walk the River reveals The Guillemots' musical dexterity. Their soaring acoustic hooks could have easily found them chart success, but they've chosen a far more considered musical road, not just grabbing every catchy chorus in their reach.

It's a shame that the rural rhythms on tracks like Trains To Brazil and the uplifting Annie, Let’s Not Wait don't quite get the Bristolian dancefloor jumping, but the show isn’t under appreciated. The more mellow spectators tonight are genuinely spellbound by the songs and there are times when those oh-so-beautiful choruses strike a smile on the face of the most committed crossed-arm observer.

There's something really magical about this band playing this venue as winter kicks in. The Guillemots might never get bigger than this, but it doesn’t matter. This is a band who are passionate about the music they make.

Dangerfield looks humbled by the cheers that soar at the riff that kicks off Trains To Brazil. It's well-deserved recognition of their passion and skill. The Guillemots' three albums have earned the band a loyal following with a winning formula: they have beautiful songs, they play them incredibly well and they love doing it.

Duncan Harrison

Trinity has a long and rich heritage of hosting live music. Head to our Archive section to find out more...

The sky was lit up with fireworks and the display was accompanied by music from the Bristol Reggae Orchestra and local MC artists Dinnall, Roger Dat and DJ Read.

People of all ages turned out to enjoy the spectacle and there were plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd, who also had the pleasure of munching on local culinary delights and warning off the crisp Autumn chill with a glass of festive, hot, spiced cider.

One visitor Tweeted: “Thank you @TrinityBristol for an awesome night of fireworks, warm cider, bonfires and The Bristol Reggae Orchestra! Just amazing.”

The event, run entirely by volunteers, organised by Trinity Community Arts, is an annual tradition targeted primarily communities living in the three neighbouring wards Easton, Ashley and Lawrence Hill.

There were a host of organised firework displays and bonfires across the Bristol county over the weekend, however Trinity's display is one of the few remaining free displays. Combined with its central location, this years event attracted record crowds of over 5,000 spectators.

Fireworks night in Bristol was once a dazzling affair - Over years larger displays have attracted the bulk of the crowds. These have dwindled over the years, particularly with the cancellation of events such as the Downs Firework Display - previously Bristol's largest display. With no large display and many people feeling the pinch of the financial crisis, Trinity was inundated with people wanting to attend the free event. Even the Free Firework Display at Portland Square, St Paul's on the Friday evening did not detract from the number of attendees.

The limited capacity of the building and surrounding grounds meant literally thousands of Bristolians were left to watch from adjacent roads, forcing traffic to a standstill.

Emma Harvey, Centre Manager for the Trinity Centre commented: we started out eight years ago with a small display for the local community – since then the Free Trinity Fireworks Party has gradually become an institution.

Despite our best efforts to only publicise the event locally, this year's event has seen us attract record numbers and Trinity will have to think very carefully as to how we proceed next year in order to ensure public safety and also to ensure local people have the opportunity to attend.

Our thanks go out to all the volunteers who work so hard to make the event happen each year and special thanks to Avon and Somerset Police, who helped us to manage the unexpected numbers, reacting quickly to close a major through-road to protect the public.

We hope to work closely with the Constabulary, Bristol City Council and the community over the coming year to keep the spirit of the free firework display alive.”

Number 6 West Street is being re-developed by Trinity to provide a hub for community and arts activities including affordable meeting and office space with reduced rates for local people and groups, a café with free wi-fi and low-cost internet access and exhibition space for local artists.

Last week, we unveiled Bristol graffiti artists Silent Hobo and Mr Riks' dynamic makeover of the front of the building. The artists have created an attention-grabbing mural depicting the cityscape of Old Market spotted with emerging butterflies and a friendly-looking pigeon!

West Street will initially be running activities on a Tuesday evening and Saturday daytime while building works are still being carried out. The full launch of the cafe with regular opening times is planned for January 2012.

Volunteer committee meetings take place every Thursday, with start times alternating each week between 4pm and 6pm. Other events taking place over the next few months include:
film night on November 8

indoor picnic on November 12

acoustic night on November 15

word up games night on November 22

art workshop on November 26

We'll be posting details of more events as soon as they've been confirmed. Watch this space for updates.

We're picking up the pace as we head towards the end of the November with two unmissable gigs and Trinity's first high-profile comedy night.

Americana outfit Okkervil River kick off the week as the quintet make their way from Texas to Bristol bringing with them dark brooding narratives and their own take on American roots music."They're the Wilco waiting to happen" say the BBC. Catch them here on November 21. Doors open at 7.30 and tickets are £15 in advance.

Following in their footsteps on November 22 is CW Stoneking. Drawing influence from jazz, pre-war blues, calypso and folk, Australian-born CW is a unique artist, guitarist and banjo player who will be accompanied by brass band, the Primitive Horn Orchestra. Doors open 7.30 and tickets are £12.50 in advance.

Closing the week on Friday 25 November is all-female comedy trio Zoe Lyons, Suzi Ruffell and Jen Brister. Touring their first live show since storming Edinburgh Fringe, the threesome will be accompanied by live music act, Amity. If you're up for a laugh, come down to Trinity on Friday 25th November. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets costs £13.50 in advance.

Head to Bristol Ticket Shop to purchase tickets.

The Maccabees

2 November 2011

The Maccabees are happy to be back and the crowd are pleased to see them. It hasn't been that much of a hiatus, but the cheers that greet them when they wander on to the Trinity stage is undoubtedly a warm embrace.

Kicking off with new song, Child - a more ambient track for the strum-based janglers - Orlando Weeks’ vocal is as free and jittery as ever. Still, Child feels a little more considered than the tracks from their last album, Wall of Arms. It feels, well, a little bit more grown-up with the musicians having to focus to reach the crescendos that make the crowd really jump. And, they jump... a lot - especially when the band start to haul out old favourites like First Love and Precious Time and a throng of people race to the front for a glimpse of the angelically bashful frontman.

For newcomers to the group, fresh fare such as Child and Pelican could well be highlights, but for stalwart fans these tracks hint towards The Maccabees' upcoming album, Given to the Wild (due January 2012), containing the Brighton-based outfit's best work to date.

This show is part of a mini UK tour in the build-up to the release of Given to the Wild, and the album looks set for success. On one side of the stage people are calling guitarist Hugo White a sexy beast, on the other side his brother and fellow six-stringer Felix White is thrusting and lunging at the crowd over the amplifiers to generate the fever pitch they clearly want.

The Maccabees' chemistry is still raw with band members pairing off while playing new tracks to make things sound as impeccable as possible. The encore begins with the urgent X-Ray sending the crowd into absolute overdrive before another newbie, Grew up at Midnight closes the show with a thrashing finish. These songs are locked down and ready to be released.

The Maccabees have matured, but not grown up. They’ve held on to the mischievous performance style that a lot of bands lose when their sound develops. The Maccabees are happy to be back, because they know they won't be going anywhere.

Duncan Harrison

Trinity has been hosting gigs since 1980. Head to the Trinity Archive to find out more about our rich musical heritage

Excitement is building around Trinity Community Arts' latest project in the Old Market area. The new centre at 6 West Street, due to launch early November, will be a hub for community and arts activities with low-cost office space, a café with free wi-fi and exhibition space.

As part of the building's redevelopment, Bristol graffiti artists Silent Hobo and Mr Riks have just completed a dynamic makeover, painting a mural which depicts the cityscape of Old Market spotted with emerging butterflies - and a friendly looking pigeon! Covering the entire face of the building, the Bristol artists' work means 6 West Street should attract plenty of positive attention.

Silent Hobo is a traditional graffiti artist whose work featured in the 2009 Crimes of Passion Exhibition at the RWA. His characters can be seen around Bristol on walls, in community centres, pubs, libraries, train stations and at festivals. His work has been exhibited across the city and beyond.

Mr Riks is part of the Elusive Collective a group of professional graffiti artists who design graphics, murals and deliver workshops in the art form.

This year both artists took part in creating the BrisFest mural and also worked on the recent See No Evil en mass graffiti-art pop-up-gallery along the length of Nelson Street, Bristol. Both artists have also led courses for young people at the Trinity Centre in how to become a professional artist.

"We hope that our new mural will bring a new creative energy to Old Market and encourage people to take a different look at the area", says centre manager, Emma Harvey.

Our work at 6 West Street is part of a wider development plan for the Old Market area. The Old Market Community Association have been working with the Princes Foundation to lead interactive public workshop sessions exploring the key issues for local people and the vision for the future of Old Market. The sessions will culminate in a final report outlining the phased development plans to reinvigorate the high street and improve services. For more information email oldmarket.future@gmail.com or visit www.oldmarket.org.uk.

The Horrors have announced their new rescheduled date for Friday 20th January - all original tickets still valid.... it will be a great way to kick start the new year!

The Horrors have unfortunately had to postpone their gig, scheduled for Sunday 23rd October 2011. However, don't despair, they will be announcing a replacement date very soon and all orginal tickets will still be valid.

Keep an eye on our website where will we post full details as soon as we find out.

If you have any questions regarding your tickets, please contact the ticket issuer direct.

Hype Dance Company have opened for big-name acts including Sean Paul, they've won a string of awards and accolades and they've been involved in nearly every major Bristol event from the Balloon Fiesta to the Harbour Festival.

They are also one of the most established community street dance groups in the country and they hold classes in Trinity every Wednesday between 6-8pm. The evening is divided into three groups: Lil Hype is for younger dancers between five to 10 years. This session kicks off at 6pm and finishes at 7pm. Hype Juniors and Swoop (11-30 years), with choreographer Lewis Norman, starts at 7pm and finishes at 8pm.

Hype has been running for seven years and the group has had a positive impact on its students: "It's an exciting and vibrant street dance training which is not only fun but a good way of keeping fit," says instructor Natasha Benjamin, who also says that 90% of students between 2007 and 2009 went into further education - some to study dance.

Each session costs £4 per session and Hype are keen to get new recruits, especially younger dancers to join Lil Hype.

If you'd like to come along, contact Natasha Benjamin on 07789212804 or email thype@hotmail.co.uk.

Recognising the exceptional potential of the Old Market area, The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment has offered their expertise and support in developing a vision for our neighbourhood.

All members of the community are invited to attend the two interactive public workshop sessions at the Marriott Hotel.

The first, public session on  25 October between 7pm-8:30om will be asking "What are the key issues for Old Market?". The second session on 27 October from 7pm-8pm will ask attendees "What is your vision for Old Market?". There will also be a third meeting on  26 October with stakeholders including the Old Market Community Association, the Village Business and Residents Association and Destination Bristol.

This is your opportunity to shape the future of Old Market - don't miss it!

For more information email oldmarket.future@gmail.com, visit www.oldmarket.org.uk or phone 0117 929 0484.

As well as hosting some of Bristol's best gigs, Trinity is now up for a bit of a laugh as we open the doors to three of the UK's funniest female stand-ups, Zoe Lyons, Suzi Ruffell and Jen Brister.

The trio are out on the road on their first live tour having each stormed Edinburgh Fringe with their respective shows. "Lyons has personality and real skill," said The Guardian of Zoe while Time Out called Jen Brister "gorgeously talented".

The threesome will also be accompanied by live music act, Amity. Stand Out, Trinity's first high-profile comedy tour, will take place on Friday 25th November. Head to our Events page for full details of the night.

Trinity has been home to some of the world's biggest and best musicians in every genre from punk to dubsteb, folk to electronica. Acts that have performed at Trinity range from international names such as Public Enemy, grassroots artists like Laura Marling, timeless 80s superstars Duran Duran to local heroes such as Massive Attack.

With more great gigs coming up we need fantastic writers to review the gigs for our website and e-newsletters. If you love music and are keen to get experience writing music reviews, we'd love to hear from you. Although, we can't pay for reviews you will get free entry into gigs as well as seeing your work published.

To apply to be a Trinity music reviewer, email katen@3ca.org.uk with a 100-word review of a recent gig.

The deadline for applications is Friday 21st October.

November will mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. To celebrate his life, and to raise money for AIDS charity the Mercury Phoenix Trust, Trinity will be hosting a night of Queen-themed burlesque on November 26th.

Who Wants To Live Forever will have host and compere Tiger Tiger at the helm to introduce a bevy of burlesque acts including Lady Lace and Cherry Blush, live music will come courtesy of Miss Terri Davies and The Dolly Mixtures plus there'll be boutique stalls from Polly Darling, Smutters and Snells and Pomegrante Boutique.

"If you're a fan of Freddie Mercury, Queen and burlesque, then this event is going to feel like heaven!" says Tiger Tiger. "There are going to be sexy routines, silly routines and a bit of drag thrown in, all accompanied by boutique stalls and a raffle which will include a Freddie-themed Christmas cake - all in the name of charity!"

The fun starts at 8pm and tickets costs £12. Head to our Events page for full details of the night.

After a six-year sojourn, Pop Will Eat Itself will be celebrating their 25th anniversary this month with a tour to support their new album, New Noise Designed By A Sadist. As part of a nationwide tour, the Poppies will be playing a mix of classic tracks and new material at Trinity on Friday 21st October.

PWEI were one of the first groups to blend heavy rock sounds with rap and electronica in the late '80s. The four-piece from Stourbridge made their name with tracks such as Bulletproof and Get The Girl! Kill The Baddies! and they became notorious for their incendiary live shows, sharing the stage with the likes of Primal Scream, Public Enemy and Run DMC.

For reviews of Public Enemy's gig at Trinity, or for features on Trinity's rich heritage of hosting alternative music, go to our Archive section or head to our Events page for details on how to buy tickets for what promises to be an unmissable gig.

Following the huge success of the sell out SWhoop in 2010, Hooping Mad are proud to announce two 3 day SWhoop events for hooping enthusiasts. The event last year was truly amazing, with over 500 hoopists from across Europe and the US coming together to practice and celebrate their craft. Tickets for SWhoop 2010 were exclusively promoted via SWhoop internal networks, however this year's event, which will run twice across two consecutive weekends, has allowed the event to be accessed by even more hooping fans.

The hoop has come a long way since the 1950s, when it was predominantly marketed as a toy for children. Over the past few years, hooping has become a true art and dance form, sparking trends including fitness regimes, an International Holiday and even fire hooping!

SWhoop 2011 will see two weekends of workshop events, led by the best and most renowned hoopers and teachers from across the UK and the US. International teachers will be the same for both weekend and include Anah "Hoopalicious" Reichenbach, Malcolm Stuart, Emma Kerr and Loz Becausebut. We will also see sessions delivered by UK teachers including Satya Bella (11^th-13^th) and Angie Mack (18^th-20^th).

There will be additional optional dance and circus workshops from complimentary disciplines as well as ample social and playing time. Each weekend will feature a Saturday night showcase and LED Ball. This is truly a unique opportunity for those with a passion for hooping and one not to be missed.

For more info, and to reserve tickets, check out the Hooping Mad website.

Dinnall is a Bristol born singer, rapper and producer who has been making music for the last 4 years at Trinity Bristol.

He is influenced by Neyo, Usher, Dot Rotten, D Double to name but a few. Dinnall currently works with us part time as a music mentor, providing support to other younger artists as part of our Music Training Programme.

The track, Love 4 You is currently being featured on 100% Homegrown as Target's selection for Unsigned Track Of The Week. The station promotes new black British music, every Sunday courtesy of BBC Radio 1Xtra.

To check out the track and download visit: BBC Radio 1Xtra - Homegrown

There'll be joined on October 29th at club night How Come... by a host of DJs and live bands for what promises to be a night of eclectic fun at Trinity. Genre-stepper Green Gartside, aka Scritti Politti, should get the crowd warmed up. AJ Holmes will be proving his skills on the decks while Goan Dogs will be airing their brand of atmospheric rock live on stage. Head to our events page for full line-up details on the night.

Zun Zun Egui are currently wowing the music press with their African-influenced, experimental sound, with The Guardian describing Katang as an “unselfconscious and exhilarating" album. Book now to avoid missing out. Doors will open at 7pm. Tickets costs £6 in advance plus booking fee.