Why are Bristol community energy groups mostly from a narrow section of a diverse community? Why does it seem so hard to get others involved?
Energy affects us all - we all use gas and electricity in our homes. There are many people and groups working to create a new energy system where energy is affordable for all, environmentally sustainable and community-controlled. But this energy movement is only effectively working with a small part of society. The communities most affected by fuel poverty are often not involved in discussions about energy, or have much to do with the groups working in this area. Many energy groups try to reach out and involve others but often with limited success. But with these important voices missing, how can we create a sustainable, inclusive energy system that works for us all?
The aim of this meeting is to bring diverse voices into the debate with people from different communities sharing what’s going on in their communities, what their priorities are and the difficulties they face in getting involved.
The event will mostly be organised into small groups so you can have more meaningful discussions. By learning more about each other's different communities, culture, struggles and their views about the community energy sector, we can change the way we work so we can better include everyone
]]>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.
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]]>Hopefully you are all feeling festive as we begin to approach the end of 2015. What a packed out, super exciting one it has been here at Trinity. We've still got a couple of great weekends of events to go - full of all the variety you would expect from us.
Tomorrow night we launch Aadhunik, Asian Arts Agency's new regular music night exploring and showcasing some of the best cutting edge contemporary South Asian music, from the UK and around the world. Combined with art visuals, food, and dancing to create a night out like nothing else - this is going to be a great regular feature to the Trinity calendar.
Saturday night sees the return of the Twinkle Brothers, last here in 2012 for a truly excellent live show. This is a very special chance to catch these legendary Jamaican reggae artists; “you need to see them live, Norman is famous for his energetic performances that deliver an inspiring night of vocal reggae sounds”.
Join us Sunday night as we celebrate with Temple Records as they complete their second year. A record label for young, aspiring musicians – organised and created by young people and supported by Creative Youth Network. For one night only they bring a host of young artists and celebrate an exciting new release from Alice Brewer ‘ashes in sparks’.
Next week still to come we have Attack Pro Wrestling (sold out), Rich Cottell and City Rockas. Beyond that it is all about NYE and this year we've teamed up with After Dark and Tremor Sound System who are bringing one hell of a party to end the year on, with one of our favourite Bristol bands – Babyhead!
If you can cope with thinking past December there is also plenty of great stuff booked in for 2016 – check out our what's on pages for more info.
A social satire that follows the stories of four black students at an Ivy League college where controversy breaks out over a popular but offensive black-face party thrown by white students. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, the film explores racial identity in acutely-not-post-racial America while weaving a universal story of forging one's unique path in the world.
On sale soon!
Doors: 7pm
Film starts: 7.30pm
Running time: 1h 47m
Age: 15+ (tbc)
Still to come before the end of the month we have a fabulous Roaring 20s Fundraiser this Friday, including live music, bar, games, raffle, best dressed prizes, mini vintage treatments and much much more! Tickets available on the door.
Next week we kick off June with Earl Sweatshirt, “talent so boisterous and music so innovative”, making an appearance all the way from LA “displaying grade-A lyricism in brilliantly dark fashion that you'd only associate with hip-hop's elite”, Odd Futures greatest asset launches out on his first solo UK tour.
Next week we also welcome the start of a two week run, returning from its UK tour and sell-out run at Edinburgh Festival 2014, the award-winning FellSwoop Theatre (Ablutions, Belleville Rendez-vous) present Current Location; an allegorical response to the ongoing and ever-increasing number of ecological disasters. A site specific production, developed specifically for Trinity Centre, Current Location will immerse and enlighten audiences in the significant issues and questions surrounding climate change:
“Quietly gripping and thoroughly unsettling, this piece climbs inside you, like the best examples of sci-fi”. Wildfire / Exeunt
Also announced on the website last week and coming up in July we have the UK’s sell out beer festival, Craft Beer Rising, launching its first cider event in Bristol this summer. Already confirmed: Prince Fatty & MC Horseman, Don Letts, Portishead sample digger Andy Smith, DJ Format & Boca 45. The Nextmen have just been added to the bill too so this is certain to sell out - get your tickets in early.
Also, don't forget the monthly regulars, Bump Roller Disco, Lil' Bumpers and Rhythm of The Night.
]]>Part participation-theatre, part dance contest, full out endurance contest, there’s only one rule: you keep moving your feet. “To say that Dance Marathon breaks down the fourth wall is an understatement. It eliminates it.” - Vancouver Sun, February 2010
Based on the the physically gruelling spectator sport from Depression-Era North America, Dance Marathon invites you to strut your stuff to the live band under the always watchful eyes of the judges. Buy your tickets now for what promises to be a unique experience both completely exhilarating and exhausting which has already been hailed with critical acclaim “★★★★★ - Dance Marathon is tremendous fun. Beg, borrow or steal a ticket for this original, life-affirming show. “ For more info on Mayfest line up so far visit: Bristol Old Vic's website
If you want to get your dance fix this next month then check out Get Lucky, a triple bill from Julia Thorneycroft Dance or for more live performance see the SOLO Showcase, two evenings of new shows including four premiers from Alice Human, Ale Marzotto, Bella Fortune and Hannah Sullivan as well as an installation piece from Jo Hellier and if you want to roll on back to the 80's then skate on down to Bump Roller Disco.
bluemouth inc. create immersive site-specific performances that marry choreography, text, original live music, and film.
In Dance Marathon, there’s only one rule: keep moving your feet.
Award-winning Canadian theatre collective bluemouth inc bring their worldwide smash hit Dance Marathon to Mayfest. It’s theatre, it’s a party, it’s a dance contest and it’s completely exhilarating and exhausting.
Based on the 1930s Depression-era American dance marathons, you are invited to dance the night away under the watchful eye of the referee on roller-skates, the ticking clock and accompanied by live music from our very own Dance Marathon house band.
In a three-hour endurance contest, compete with your fellow dancers to be crowned Dance Marathon champion. Those with two left feet can simply sit back and enjoy the fancy footwork.
Show runs 3hrs plus intervals
14 + This is an immersive show for all ages and for anyone between the ages of 14-90 who likes to dance.
To say that DANCE MARATHON breaks down the fourth wall – The imaginary wall that separates the audience from the performance in a traditional theatre – Is an understatement. IT ELIMINATES IT.
Kevin Griffin, Vancouver Sun
“bluemouth inc.'s Dance Marathon is perhaps the richest, fullest theatre experience I've ever had. This extraordinary event, which mashes up the dance marathon concept from the '20s and '30s with contemporary dance/physical theatre and a sort of live version of reality TV, is joyous, exhilarating, remarkably moving, and wondrously fun. Do it—it isn't a thing to merely be seen—and you will find the barriers and boundaries of conventional performance pushed wide open; you'll understand anew what theatre can be.”
Martin Denton, nytheatre.com1
Mayfest is seeking volunteer Dancers to be part of DANCE MARATHON
Dancers do not need to be professional and can be amateur, as long as they have some movement skills.
Volunteers will have an opportunity to work closely with this international collective, gain valuable experience and be part of a truly invigorating piece of theatre as part of the 2015 Mayfest
Dancers need to be available for all:
4 Rehearsals 13-16 May
Technical rehearsal Mon 18 May
3 Evening performances Tue 19-Thu 21 May
For more information or to submit your interest in this opportunity please contact:
Stephen O’Connell
bluemouth inc.
E: stephen@bluemouthinc.com
+ support from Jim Evans
C.W Stoneking, a musician who draws influence from pre-war blues, jazz, 1920s calypso, folklore, and personal experience to produce his unique original songs. He accompanies himself with National Reso-Phonic guitar and tenor banjo, and with his amazing brass band the 'Primitive Horn Orchestra'. Stoneking's songs range in style from lonesome field holler blues, to hokum blues duets, to full blown jungle epics.
Visiting the Trinity Centre again we expect more elaborate stories in amongst his excellent music.
CW Stoneking 9pm / Jim Evans 8pm
]]>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!
]]>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!'
This event has sold very fast and there will be no tickets available on the door.
It's Bristol Cider & Sausage Festival's 5th birthday, so it's going to be a big one! And this year it’s at Trinity!
As ever, there will be over 40 varieties of the new season’s very best cider and perry on offer, plus cider-fuelled music, a cider-themed BBQ, and lots of cider prizes to be won.
Plus, this year, we’re holding a competition to find the best sausage in Bristol!
The two events are split into afternoon (12-6) and evening (7-12) sessions. The afternoons are more relaxed whereas the evenings are all about dancing!
More details to follow plus all the bands etc but don’t hang about getting your tickets because they always sell out!
Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd May
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DIASPORA! Festival Flag Making Workshop
DIASPORA! Festival is a vibrant celebration of people, arts, culture, film, and more, taking place at host venues across the city on Early May Bank Holiday weekend 03 - 06 May. Brought to the South West by Diverse Artists Network, the festival aims to reflect the rich variety of talent within the south west’s global communities, with an emphasis on the creative arts that reside within these communities. Trinity is very proud to be partnering with Diverse Artist Network to bring Diaspora to Trinity, through a programme of workshops, music events and arts.
“Brilliant people, really welcoming and great level of diversity and lovely to talk to people from different backgrounds” - Diaspora! Flag Making Workshop Participant
As part of Diaspora’s engagement fringe programme in the lead up to their festival weekend, Trinity partnered up with them to deliver their programme of free creative workshops named ‘Flag Up Your Identity’. These workshops were open to all and served to unleash the creativity of the workshop participants to make a unique flag that embodied their identity and heritage. Participants were encouraged to create unique flags influenced by their cultural roots and their personal journey. Over the Easter period, Trinity welcomed over 30 participants who made wonderful flags which will be showcased at Trinity and other locations around the city.
DIASPORA! Festival continues throughout the May bank holiday weekend, kicking off with the official opening ceremony for the festival taking place on Friday 03 May 4pm – 7pm. Expect an evening of dance, music, poetry, food, and folklore, showcasing the extraordinary talents of our local community while fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections. Tickets are free, find out more here.
After the opening ceremony on 03 May, we will be hosting Pangea at Trinity. Pangea is a club night which celebrates sound system music from around the globe, bringing together a diverse range of genres including Samba, Bhangra, highlife, gospel, dancehall and much more. Click here to get tickets.
Closing out proceedings, on Sunday 05 May we have Alkebulan, African Storytelling Village, a day of African arts and culture featuring captivating storytelling to vibrant dance performances. Featuring local artists from the likes of Kabbo Hue Ferdinand, MoYah, Ian Solomon-Kawall, Penny Avery, and Mohammed Errebba, this event promises an unforgettable cultural showcase. Find out more here.
We are very proud to be partnering with Diverse Artists Network for DIASPORA! Festival, highlighting our commitment to providing accessible cultural events for the community, and a space to learn arts and crafts as well as opportunities for participants to skill share.
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Photo Credit: Sam Howard
For the last 15 years, Teachings in Dub has been a staple of the Bristol dub scene and has become one of the longest running club nights in Bristol. Formed by Stryda (Dubkasm) and Pinch at Clockwork Nightclub on Stokes Croft until 2008 when Teachings found its new home here at Trinity.
Dub and soundystem cultures have been an integral part of Bristol’s music scene. During the 1970s and 1980's a DIY culture of soundsystems sprung up, particularly around East Bristol, allowing young people in Bristol to participate in the city’s music scene from the ground up.
Teachings in Dub has allowed for a new generation to participate in Bristol’s history of dub music. Teachings co-founder Stryda writes that the event has “always been about bridging the gap between the older generation and the new and ensuring the culture is maintained and respected but the vibes are passed on”.
"We aim to give elders a space to enjoy the music and vibes they grew up on as well as a window for newcomers to enter a music scene they may have otherwise not even known existed” - Stryda, Teachings in Dub co-founder
Stryda attributes Teachings’ long-standing popularity to providing “an authentic space to experience real undiluted soundsystem vibrations. The Bristol music scene is respected worldwide but is built on Reggae and soundsystem. We aim to give elders a space to enjoy the music and vibes they grew up on as well as a window for newcomers to enter a music scene they may have otherwise not even known existed”.
Teachings has hosted some of the biggest names in dub and roots reggae, including Jah Shakka, Iration Steppas, Channel One Soundystem and Aba Shanti-I, and will host celebrations for 50 Years of Jah Tubby this month on 17 Sep, before celebrating 15 Years of Teachings in Dub on 25 Nov.
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