What does creating space make possible?

In our first Your Trinity story, Dr. Edson Burton reflected on Trinity's role in giving Black artists, communities and emerging cultural movements space to gather, experiment and be heard. Read here.

That history isn't finished.

In this piece, Jamell Ackford reflects on what creating space for culture looks like at Trinity today, and why it still matters.

Answering the question: what excites you about the artists, sounds and ideas we’re platforming now, and why is creating space for this work still important?

Trinity's history is wrapped up in the birth of many beautiful genres, cradling heritage sounds from the rise of Soundsystem culture in the uk. Creating space for reggae and punk, which holds the space for emerging sounds such as Ska, Jungle, D&B.

What excites me most about the work we do, and the wider programming that happens across the building

What excites me most about the work we do, and the wider programming that happens across the building, is the possibility of creating those 'what the hell is this moment'. The experience of hearing something completely new that reshapes your understanding of music. Artists and sounds coming through Uganda's Nyege Nyege label are a great example of this. Seeing DJ Travella within our walls was an eye-opening moment, which doesn't happen too often.

For me, it's about keeping heritage at the forefront while creating space for the future to emerge in exciting and unexpected ways. Nights such as Teachings in Dub, Pangea (AnExperience), Accidental Meetings and Seedling Sessions, alongside artists like Grove, Batu and Omega Nebula and labels such as Deep Medi and Rupture, all play a vital role in keeping culture moving forward while remaining connected to its roots.

What Does That Look Like Today?

Seedling Sessions x Black Creatives

• Celebrating 50 years of music at Trinity and 10 years of Seedling Sessions with a special Black History Month edition in collaboration with Black Creatives.
• A genre-crossing lineup featuring KWAZI, TIA, iAM13E, MĀDŁY, SOULBEE, Cindy BlackBird and BLCK Stream.
• A celebration of Black creativity, culture and community from Bristol and beyond.

Adventures in Hidden History:

• A joyful, interactive adventure celebrating hidden histories, remarkable lives and Global Majority trailblazers.
• Live music, oral history and imaginative storytelling combine to bring untold stories to life.
• Exploring identity, colonialism and alternative histories through a family-friendly lens..

Teachings In Dub:

• Dub legends Iration Steppas bring their heavyweight Leeds soundsystem to Bristol for a highly anticipated edition of Teachings in Dub.
• Going head-to-head with Bristol/Birmingham sound system Concrete Lion in a powerful clash of roots, bass and sound system culture.
• Expect a full-force sound meeting drawing dub heads from across the country.

Rachel Chinouriri

• Acclaimed alt-pop and indie-folk artist Rachel Chinouriri brings an intimate stripped-back show to Trinity.
• Honest songwriting and powerful vocals explore love, loss and personal growth.
• Known for captivating live performances that feel both uplifting and deeply personal.

Omega Nebula:

• UK future dub duo OMEGA NEBULA bring their powerful blend of dub, reggae and electronica to Trinity.
• An immersive live show with added pressure from Sinai Soundsystem
• Pushing dub into new territory with a high-energy fusion of live and electronic performance.

Festus Market:

• A festive all-day market celebrating African Caribbean and Black British culture.
• Discover unique gifts, handmade products and local traders offering everything from jewellery to cosmetics.
• Enjoy family-friendly craft activities, storytelling and free badge-making workshops.

Soak up the festive atmosphere with hot sorrell, great music and community spirit throughout the day.