"Due to unforseen circumstances this event is cancelled. Refunds are available from point of purchase"

The group that needs no introduction. Arguably the founders of recorded hip hop music with their instantly recognisable 'Rapper's Delight', and 'Apache'

The Sugarhill Gang , are bringing the classics back for an anniversary tour.

This special tour with Rock & Roll and Grammy 'hall of famers' Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio The Furious Five , who are widely regarded as among the most influential Hip Hop acts, play the legendary tracks, including the masterpieces The Message , White Lines and Freedom

Jump on it!

'Caution: excessive sound levels' - earplugs are available at the bar for 50p

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.

Crowd throwing the Trinity T's 2017 Photo credit Khali Ackford

This year's Garden Party is on Sunday 13 May, we have a packed schedule of family-friendly activities and workshops running alongside a fantastic mix of local artists and bands.

Throughout the day we have lots of family and kids activities. From learning circus skills with Invisible youth to making a traditional Japanese puppet in the Bunraku Puppetry Workshop. Don't forget to head to the main hall and take part in a drumming workshop.

This year's main stage highlights include some of the most exciting music coming from Bristol & the South West right now. Headliner, Om Unit brings his unique take on sound-system culture, inspired by hip-hop, dubstep, ambient, jungle and footwork. Big party vibes coming from heavyweight live performance, UK Bass scene leader and lyricist Gardna whose taking the stage with DJ and producer, Kreed.

Bristol musician Sam Neal plays at garden party 2017 Photo credit @ Jessica Bartolini

We’re welcoming back Baraka, featuring musicians from Ghana, Senegal, Dominica, Trinidad and Southern Ireland to bring a sound influenced by Calypso baselines, Blues Harmonica, Soca with Balafon and Flute. Sam Neal who is just one of the talents we have seen grow from our Youth Music Scheme, will be performing songs from his up coming EP. It makes us very proud to see him doing so well. Nice one Sam.  Head to our main hall during the afternoon and catch  some of the young people attending music sessons at Trinity, Basement Studio and ACE.

We’ve got a great selection of stalls from Bristol makers, including women and men’s clothing stall Ashanti Empress , art work by Cosmic Soul Collective and cruelty free feather jewellery from Phat Feathers.

Volunteering: Trinity's Garden Party relies on volunteers to ensure that the 3k people who come every year have a great time (and, are is are also kept safe). We have a variety of stewarding roles and shifts across the day. If you fancy meeting new people, gaining new skills and getting 2 free gig tickets, then head over here to find out how to offer your time and sign up.

This year we are going to be shaking our buckets hard and asking everyone for a donation of £3 (or what you can afford). We recently launched the Trinity Conservation Campaign to raise the vital funds needed to repair historic damage to the building. Your donations will go directlytowards our campaign, ensuring we secure Trinity’s past, present & future.

Full line up:

Om Unit

Gardna x Kreed

Sunun

Baraka

The Brackish

Soma

Baast

Rhain

Sam Neal

Youth Music Showcase

Help us secure Trinity's past, present & future

We're super happy to be hosting the launch for this year's Mayfest festival...as well as three fantastic shows.

To celebrate their return (having taken the decision to become a biannual festival), Mayfest have invited "Ghanaian DJ and producer Katapila to kick off the festival with one of his marathon, euphoria-drenched DJ sets. Splicing the neo-traditional dance music styles of his youth in Accra with the up-tempo, bass-heavy, Roland 808 sounds of Detroit techno, Chicago acid and house, Katapila’s relentlessly joyful sets have become a thing of legend" in Trinity's Main Hall. Come on down (10 May) and expect killer selections adorned with splashes of digital synths, electronic percussion and vocal interjections that galvanise waves of full-blown euphoria wherever he plays.

So, for those who haven't been - what is Mayfest? Mayfest is Bristol’s unique international festival of contemporary theatre, "dedicated to presenting a broad range of unusual, playful and ambitious work from leading theatre makers from Bristol, the UK and beyond". They will be taking over theatre (and non theatre) spaces across the city bringing 10 days of back to back performances, workshops and talks from Thur 10th - to Sun 20th May.

This year we are excited to be hosting How (not) to live in Surburbia (14-15 May) a new show from Annie Siddons "a hilarious, brutal and poignant attempt" to describe what happened next when "in the middle of a shitstorm of life events, single mother, artist and proud Londoner Annie Siddons found herself living in suburbia by accident".

Meanwhile, Scottish Dance Theatre bring Velvet Petal (16-18 May) to Fyfe Hall where they present their latest show about"tough girls and pretty boys living life in the margins, dreaming about being at the centre". They explore "the transformative power of beauty, created out of whatever is on the bedroom floor" in this "truly compelling piece, exquisitely performed” (The Stage).

Finally it feels very fitting to be hosting acclaimed Australian artist Joseph O’Farrell (JOF) and Sam Halmarack who combine theatre with the fist-pumping euphoria and power ballads of a stadium gig, in WE ARE LIGHTNING! (15-18 May) "a darkly comical work that reflects on the importance of communal spaces where people can come together and express themselves".

For more info on the rest of their programming visit Mayfest's website here.

Keisha Thompson's Afrofuturistic Man on the Moon

Trinity’s new season of Theatre and Dance is all about celebrating change and features a strong cast of female led  performances - launching with Keisha Thompson’s Afro futuristic journey of displacement and family relationships, Man on the Moon (March 23) and Ella Mesma’s emotionally charged fusion of hip hop and latin dance, Ladylike (24 March).

Thompson’s Man on the Moon is a bruk down journey, through space and time, fuelled by love and fear. Using poetry, looped sounds and story-telling, Keisha’s intimate performance explores the Black British experience of mental health and how that can impact the family dynamic. While Ella’s Ladylike fuses Afro Cuban, Breaking, Rocking and Contemporary dance theatre to fight & undress preconceptions of what it is to be ‘Ladylike’.

Uchenna Dance’s The Head Wrap Dairies (13 April) is “ an amazing piece that I know that a lot of people have been dying to see” says Natasha Benjamin who runs the award winning weekly urban dance group Hype at Trinity.

“I think Head Wrap Diaries really embraces the struggle that the Afro Caribbean community is going through at the moment, especially young girls and women, for many years of growing up not knowing when or where the natural form of their hair will be accepted, so I think seeing this piece will be an eye opener to those that may not be aware or may not understand the struggle of this issue.”

Natasha, sits on Trinity’s programming forum – who share their thoughts on possible shows for our in-house programme. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, so asking communities to help us shape our programme means the work we bring here is relevant to our audiences.

IGNiTE Launches with Man on the Moon, March 23. 7.30pm at The Trinity Centre. For tickets and more, head to IGNiTE's what's on.

About IGNiTE

Trinity's in house programme of world-class, innovative theatre and dance about issues that matter to people now, starting conversations and sparking debate. IGNiTE is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

The first half of the show explores the idea that although we often strive for the same things, we each must find our own way. The dancers have been invited to think about their own journeys, their future opportunities and the decisions they may make.

This year RISE is 10 years old and the second half of the show celebrates the achievements of the company and the young people that have been part of its journey. We have revived some of our favourite pieces from the last 10 years, and invited previous company members on their own journeys, some working as professional dancers or training professionally, to join with the 2018 company.

Please note there are mulitple performances: Click the links below to book a specific time and date.

7.00pm, Friday 27th April: Book Tickets

2.00pm, Saturday 28th April: Book Tickets

7.00pm, Saturday 28th April: Book Tickets

2.00pm, Sunday 29th April: Book Tickets

Participants will take part in 4 workshops with company members to create a short piece to be presented alongside TrashDollys, and a mixed program of performances from Bristol based artists on Saturday 27th January. The community cast piece will explore themes around isolation, and the value of communication in young people.

DATES:
The rehearsals and performance will take place at the Trinity Centre, Bristol. You will be required on the following dates:
23rd January | 5pm – 7pm
24th January | 5pm – 7pm
25th January | 5pm – 7pm
26th January | 5pm – 7pm
27th January | 3pm – 5pm (Rehearsal) | 7pm – 9pm (Performance)

SIGN UP: To sign up for a place in the community cast, just email participation@trashdollys.com - please include your name, age, and a line or two about you and what interests you in the project. Its free to take part!

Trinity is proud to announce that we have achieved Bronze status in line with Attitude is Everything's Venue and Festival Charter of Best Practice.

Attitude is Everything improves Deaf and disabled people’s access to live music by working in partnership with audiences, artists and the music industry. The ethos of the Charter is that Deaf and disabled people should be as independent as they want to be at live music events.

Attitude is Everything provided a toolkit detailing criteria for changes to the built environment, organisational policies and processes to help Trinity become more accessible. A specially designed action plan will allow us to progress through the stages, starting with Bronze and making our way to our goal of achieving Silver Award by the end of 2018. Reaching Bronze is recognition of our current offer:

- personal assistant ticket for gigs at no additional cost

- accessible parking spaces and box office

- viewing platform with good sightlines to the stage

As part of our commitment to access Trinity recently secured £5,000 funding from the Hedley Foundation and Bruce Wake Charitable Trust to pay for a mobile accessible lift to enable wheelchair users to access our Main Stage. The new lift can be available for any event. Please get in touch if you would like more information.

For more information about accessibility at Trinity click here or give our staff a call on 0117 935 1200.

Full Bloom Festival – led by Gerry’s Attic over 55’s Dance Company will feature an afternoon of workshops followed by an evening of discussion and performance.

Funded by Arts Council England and supported by Bristol Ageing Better this one day festival grew from a desire "to kick-start a conversation about dance and older people in Bristol" A discussion panel with speakers from Pavilion Dance South West, LinkAge and Lea Anderson, talking about dance for older people.

Come and see a dazzling performance showcasing the tireless work of Gerry’s Attic Dance company, including a new piece by Lea Anderson with guest performances from Yama and Striking Attitudes.

Renowned choreographer Lea Anderson is a founder member of dance companies The Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs whose 'accessible, irreverent' work grew popular onstage and in dance films for TV in the 80's and 90's, including 'Flesh and Blood' (1989) and 'Cross Channel' (1991). Anderson is currently Artist in Residence at the Southbank, and recently created a performed exhibition of choreography and costume at the V&A.

Striking Attitudes are a total theatre dance company based in Cardiff who make approachable, theatrical dance.

Yama are an over 60's dance group from Bath led by Artistic Director Anna Heighway.

Gerry's Attic was founded in 2016 by Julia Thorneycroft Dance Theatre in partnership with Trinity. Since 2016 the Company has run weekly classes and performed in varied contexts including Sadler's Wells Elixir Festival, Joie De Vivre (PDSW) and Bristol Harbour Festival.

Full Bloom brings together these different perspectives to discuss dance for older people and perform brand new work. Expect great visuals and humour in equal amounts.

Prices and Admission: Tickets for the evening performance are £7, daytime workshops are free but you will need to register as places are limited. Find out more about the daytime workshops here.

The crowd was made up of a lot of serious fans of Lanegan and his various collaborations from Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age to his folkier-toned music with Isobel Campbell. This led to a warm welcome for another collaborator of Lanegan’s, Duke Garwood, who is supporting on this tour.

Gardwood, a talented multi-instrumentalist whose music is the British answer to Lanegan’s distinct brand of Americana. Launching into some newer material made for a slow but steady start to Lanegan’s set, with a mellow but appreciative audience but once he hit Nocturne and Bleeding Muddy Water, things started to pick up with some more animated reactions - slow head-banging, sincere fist-bumping and heartfelt sing-a-longs.

Starting off in his signature sunglasses, Lanegan removed this during the set to reveal his wise, lived-in face; There were times when the impact of his wilder early days was visible, from his limp around the stage and his supping of water - not whisky. That unmistakable baritone voice proved the focal point for most songs, with girlfriend Shelley Brien joining him mid set for a few dynamic numbers.

The chemistry between the pair emanated from the stage and she parted with a loving and lingering kiss for Mr Lanegan. By the time the encore ensued, Lanegan demonstrated his staying power and brilliance as a musician - nailing One Way Street, Bombed and I Am The Wolf.

Words: Laura Williams

Pics: Andy Marsh

Circus City is the UK’s fastest growing circus festival, attracting the very best contemporary circus from across the globe and showcasing Bristol’s abundant homegrown talent. Circus City aims to put Bristol on the map as an international capital of contemporary circus.

This year, Trinity Centre is one of the key venues with Swing Circus staging a weekend extravaganza of swing dance featuring circus and dance shows, specialist choreographers and workshops to get your toes tapping 20 - 22 Oct

We are also super pleased to see the return of performer Grania Pickard to the Trinity Centre to tell the story of growing up with her brother Sean, who has severe learning disabilities, epilepsy and autism. Using physical theatre, aerial circus, audience interaction and storytelling she brings the world they share to life in her show He Ain't Heavy.

Last but not least we will be hosting Circus Shorts on Friday 27, a fantastic chance to see emerging work by a range of artists working with circus. An evening full of new ideas, different approaches and experimental skills served up fresh for your enjoyment.

There’s something for everyone in the Circus City programme – music lovers, dancers, circus aficionados, theatre goers, party animals and families. The very nature of circus is to push the limits of what’s possible in pursuit of the extraordinary – we encourage you to keep this spirit in mind and take a risk on something new.

Circus City co-director Kate Hartoch.

For more info about the rest of the festival check out Circus City's website here.

'It’s impossible to hear swing music without a smile on your face or tapping your feet. We want to harness that playful energy to create uplifting, energetic circus and dance shows. Get those happy feet a-movin’, and swing your booty in a hulahoop - guaranteed to leave a smile on your face and a spring on your step, it’s the Swing Circus!'

Come the Revolution and Trinity Community Arts bring together a weekend of classic films, live music and food.

Saturday  2nd September….Moonlight

Moonlight chronicles of the childhood, adolescence and burgeoning adulthood of a young, African-American, gay man growing up in a deprived neighbourhood of Miami. Directed by Barry Jenkins, Moonlight is a modern classic winning an Academy Award Winner for Best Picture.

Screening includes a pre show soul set by DJ and broadcaster DJ Kid Sis.

Sunday 3rd September….In the Mood for Love

Described as one of the greatest films of the 2000’s In the Mood for Love, set in the early 1960s, is the story of two neighbours, a woman and a man, who form a strong bond after both suspect their spouses of extramarital activities. While they find themselves increasingly attracted to each other, they refuse to give in to their feelings so as not to commit similar wrongs... but the passion is so tempting. With its exquisite colour costume, poise and tone Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love will linger in the memory like a perfect kiss.

Michael Galasso’s incredible score will be preceded by live music from Hokkett: A trio of flute, violin and baritone sax. Skronky / wonky riffs, snippets of melodies and hints of harmonies, woven together through improvisation. Hokkett take the space between them, using it as an extra member - stretching the silence out before crushing it flat with kneejerk riffs and torn rhythms.

More info:

Both evenings will be accompanied by food and an outside bar

This summer we have a range of activities, workshops and events especially programmed for young people, children and families.

Start the summer off with Bath Literature favourite Polarbear as he brings his spoken word show for young audiences - Mouth Open, Story Jump Out to The Trinity Centre  29 July. Be ready for a tale of assassins, boa constrictors and spies in this interactive show for 8 + (and their grown ups), tickets start at £6 and regular community group users get a discount.

Back again we have our very popular summer club, Children's Adventure in Nature in the garden, for 6 - 12 year olds (if you have a child under 6 they will need to have a grown up with them). Starting on 27 July and running every Monday & Thursday (expect bank holidays) until the end of August. Children will explore nature in our urban garden, learn bushcraft and play. It is free, but we ask those who can afford to, to donate £5 per session. To find out more and to book a place email: lisat@3ca.org.uk or call 0119 935 1200.

For those with younger children the garden team are also hosting weekly Stay and Play drop-in sessions on Thursdays,  9.30am-11.30am for the under 5's, their parents and carers all summer long. No need to book, just turn up!

Our IGNiTE Theatre and Dance resident, dance artist Latisha Cesar is bringing a series of Haitian Dance and Drumming workshops to Trinity. Delivered by dancer and drummer Peniel Guerrier these classes are high energy, and big and expressive moves. Prices start at £8, booking is essential - find out more here.

23 & 24 August we are opening up our music studio for Free Summer Music Sessions for young people to create and produce music, including percussion, grime and hip-hop. We even have some very special guest speakers. Age guide 13+, places are limited and booking is essential.

Huge thanks to Jessica Bartolini for the pics :)

Hot off the press we are happy to confirm that The Mark Lanegan Band will be here at Trinity this November, following a full European summer tour of his new album Gargoyle and his first ever Glastonbury appearance on the Park Stage last week.

Also announced this week, Moulettes set to visit Trinity in December. The Brighton based collective Moulettes, continue their journey into the alt.pop/rock/folk universe with the release of their most accomplished album to date - ‘Preternatural’ an eclectic but cohesive 11 track collection, which marries the mind-expanding concept with elements of prog, pop, alt-folk and rock.

Coming up in August, we have the honour of hosting Lambchop fronted by Kurt Wagner as part of his pre-festival tour. Already confirmed for Autumn we have The Black Angels, psychedelic rock band all the way from Austin, Texas (27 Sep). Local favourites Lamb, celebrating 20yrs since their eponymous debut LP - one of the "genuinely genre-bending dance albums of the mid-90s"(17 Oct).

Hurray for the Riff Raff, return to Bristol following a packed show at Colston Hall's Lantern in January, expect an irresistible blend of stories and sounds from a band that “reclaims folk’s protest roots and marries them to the sounds of the Caribbean” (23 Oct). Local artist  Gabrielle Aplin back at Trinity (24 Oct) following a sell out show in 2013.

Finally, in November, British folk artist Will Varley and one of country music’s most promising duos Dan and Shay will be gracing the stage. As will be the godfather of DnB; LTJ Bukem, joined on the night, by other legends of the scene & we don't use that term 'Legend' loosely! (10 Nov).

Oh, and while you are here.

We have a fresh and super new mailing list which means we can keep you updated on things you want to hear about at Trinity Centre.  For you musos out there this means you'll be the first to hear about upcoming gigs just by selecting live music in your preferences. All you need to do is sign up here.

Last year's event will be a hard one to top – as we were blessed with glorious sunshine all day and a lovely crowd that joined us from dawn to dusk. However, you’ll be happy to hear that this year it is going to be even better [sadly we cannot guarantee the weather though, just the experience]. This year we’ve a delightful line up ranging from soul to- jaz to hip-hop to dub.

Headlining this year is Dubkasm (aka DJ Stryda & Digistep), who we have worked closely with over the years so it’s pretty special to be programming them to play on the Garden Party stage. This is a headline slot filled with live instrumentation and lo-tech dubwise textures, underpinned by a strong roots vibe. It is going to be smashing.

Across the rest of the day we’ll be filling the line up with a mix of artists from Bristol. We are starting the day with young people from our in house music course, everything from solo singer-song-writer to hip hop and beyond.

Sounds Of Harlowe bring live hip-hop/ soul to the line up this year and Sepia, will grace the Trinity stage for the first time with his forward thinking beats and rattling bass. Run Logan Run bring a sax and drums jazz outfit with added noise and expect jazzy wonky-pop from Toddler, fronted by Stevie-Jo Dooley. There’s afrobeat, soundscapes and improvisation from instrumental group Tezeta or for those of you who like something a little different we’ve got minimal / hypnotist-un-rock from Motes.

We have a couple more acts to announce (exciting stuff) plus workshops and family activities to add to the bill. Full info coming soon.