Sukina Noor, Simon Armitage & Edson Burton

We are delighted to be a part of Future Arts Centres’ new UK-wide programme 'Our Freedom: Then and Now', reflecting on what ‘Our Freedom’ means to local people and their communities, following the 80th anniversary of VE/VJ Day.

Trinity is one of 60 venues around the UK taking part to create an exciting programme of events, artworks and more. Supported by the DCMS, Arts Council England and Libraries Connected, Future Arts Centres will lead the programme, working with 60 arts centres and libraries, their communities and artists to create special cultural events, exhibitions and performances that are meaningful to people living in these places and across the UK. This is a unique opportunity to reflect on the end of the second World War and to explore what freedom means to us in the present day, as individuals and within our communities.

Last week, we travelled to Contact Theatre in Manchester to launch the programme, and share our plans with all the other partner venues. We also listened to Chief Executive of Arts Council England, Darren Henley and the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, who has been commissioned by Future Arts Centres to write a new poem for the project. The poem, Freedom Road, will act as a centrepiece and a starting point to explore what freedom has meant across generations and how it is felt and understood today. Click here to read the poem.

Edson Burton, Trinity’s Heritage Curator, and Sukina Noor, Bristol’s City poet, joined us up in Manchester, representing Trinity on a small panel speaking about early plans for interpretation of the project. Trinity will begin with poetry, using spoken word to explore and connect World War Two with contemporary Britain. As Edson says “World War Two doesn’t belong to a bygone Britain. It accelerated the End of Empire, forged a New Deal for the average citizen, was a catalyst in the campaign for the decimalisation of homosexuality and challenged gender roles in the work place. World War Two is a shared story, for better or ill, that connects our diverse and sometimes disharmonious nation”.

Take a look at the map showing all of the 60 venues participating in the project, with Trinity as https://ourfreedom.org.uk/venues/

At Trinity

From our home in the heart of East/Central Bristol, Trinity will bring together different members of our wide-reaching communities to understand how war has impacted and shaped modern Bristol, sharing and celebrating the diversity of the city that exists today.

Guided by Edson and Sukina, participants will be supported to share thoughts and stories, listen to differing perspectives on the themes of freedom and community and build a response through spoken word and poetry. From there, we’ll springboard into commissioning an artist to develop a bold, large-scale creative response to these words, to be showcased at, and around, Trinity towards the end of the year.

Interested?

We’ll run a series of workshops over the summer months with a different focus at each session.

Contact jen@trinitybristol.org.uk to find out more and register interest or stay tuned to our social media channels as we share behind the scenes of our work, and for announcements on our upcoming events and workshops as part of the programme.

Follow us on:

Facebook - @trinitybristol

Instagram - @bristoltrinity

Podcast: How to Save a Community Building – Insights from Trinity’s CEO Emma Harvey

How do you bring a historic community building back into public hands? In this insightful podcast episode, Emma Harvey, CEO of Trinity in Bristol, shares a step-by-step account of what it really takes to save a civic asset; drawing on her leadership in the campaign to revive Jacobs Wells Baths.

From launching capital campaigns to navigating complex asset transfers, Emma breaks down the practical, political, and emotional aspects of community ownership. The conversation explores:

• Why community buildings matter — and what we lose when they're gone

• How to build grassroots support and conduct meaningful local consultation

• The value of phased fundraising and realistic feasibility studies

• The role of local authorities, funders, and national policy in supporting asset transfer

• Lessons learned and advice for others facing similar battles

Whether you're a community organiser, policymaker, or curious citizen, this episode is packed with knowledge, encouragement, and a clear-eyed look at what it takes to protect the spaces that matter.

🕒 Runtime: ~50 minutes
📍 Featuring: Emma Harvey, CEO of Trinity, Bristol and Priyanka Raval, Editor, Bristol Cable

If you liked this you can also listed to our BBC interview here.

We Out Here Festival 2022, credit - Rob Jones

Trinity are proud to be invited for a take over at the Rhythm Corner this year at We Out Here Festival, hosting a huge Bristol takeover.

WOH have invited some of their favourite parties and projects from across the country to give them a helping hand across the stages. Alongside familiar faces they welcome Pineapple records, Trinity, WET LDN and Distant Planet Vs Future Retro to the WOH family.

Sat 16 Aug, Rhythm Stage line up:

• Roni Size
• DJ Krust
• DJ Die
• Om Unit
• k means & i-sha
• Neffa-T
• Kahn & Pinch
• Phaeleh
• Rose Holland
• amaia

‘This is my Church. This is my Church’ this famous line from the late Great Maxi Jazz is a mantra to many for Bristol’s Trinity Centre.

Although deconsecrated in 1976 Trinity remains a Church for many, its DJ’s priests reinventing new religions from the embers of past sounds, and from the rewiring of old and new technologies.

Trinity’s life as a temple of Bass began in 1976 when the Church sold the building to members of the African Caribbean community who were keen to find a community building that could serve a variety of community needs.

The centre was envisaged as a multipurpose community hub providing vocational training and a cultural space for the Windrush generation and their descendants. Things did not quiet go to plan. the crumbling lichen covered gravestones outside the Church proved off putting for Caribbean elders raised on duppy stories.

The young pioneers of Bristol’s sound system culture had no such qualms nor too the punk kids. Musically and culturally punk and reggae were persona non gratis for Bristol’s central venues still caught in the bright lights of late disco. Black youth faced the added problem of racial discrimination at the club door.

Pangea, credit Elliot Hingston

Trinity became an incubation and cross pollination space between artists and audiences. On its dance floor people from across were exposed to the booming reggae bass and punks' raw aggression. The classic Bristol Sound, as typified by collaborators such as Smith & Mighty, Roni Size, DJ Krust and DJ Die were born out of these encounters. Trinity was also one of the few spaces where audiences could see, then, underground acts The Specials, The Clash, Linton Kwesi Johnson and Benjamin Zephaniah.

Trinity closed in 1984 and after extensive refurbishment reopened under new management six years later. The new Trinity flourished with the growth of the dance music scene. Nights such as Tokyo Sex Whale, and Sundissential were broad umbrellas where clubbers could enjoy Techno, House, Trance and Jungle. Over time these genres splintered becoming singular promotions. The fusion between reggae, dancehall electronica led to jungle and Drum and Bass derivatives and became a mainstay of Bristol’s pioneering musical calendar.

Mala & Joey Armon Jones, credit Khali Ackford

Today Trinity remains a social conscious space, which heavily nods to its heritage and a space for community activities. As Bristol changes, so too does Trinity, but its heartbeat remains the same. More than bricks, basslines, and stained glass, it stands as a living monument to resilience, reinvention, and radical joy. From punk to jungle, protest to celebration, it has always been a space where the margins move to the centre.

Today, whether you're stepping into a community workshop, a club night, or a poetry reading, you're entering a continuum, a place where past and future harmonise in sound. Trinity isn’t just a venue for many; it’s still a sanctuary.'

Deep Medi, credit Khali Ackford

2025 marks the second year since the death of one of the country’s most loved poets. At the end of April, Bristol’s Lyra Festival will be hosting a celebration of his life, work and his unique connection to Bristol.

As a child growing up in Handsworth, Benjamin was inspired by Jamaica’s poet laureate Louise Bennet, or as she is most affectionately known Ms Lou. Folklorist, scholar and nationalist, Ms Lou brought a dignity and playfulness to Jamaican English which was hitherto described as broken English - this being one of the many legacies of colonialism.

His decision to become a poet came after a period of disruption. Benjamin was a bright, energetic child but struggled to read. Growing up in 1970s Britain dyslexia was often missed especially among children of African Caribbean heritage who were already racially othered by the British education system.

Frustrated, he became involved in petty criminality culminating in a spell in Brixton prison for burglary. Benjamin’s transformation began in earnest from this point. A popular performer, his journey into print began with rejections by major publishers unsure that an audience existed for his work. Reflecting on this period he noted that they "they didn't understand it because it was supposed to be performed."

Indeed, Benjamin was part of the new wave of second generation Black British poets. Along with Jean Binta Breeze and Linton Kwesi Johnson, he pioneered dub poetry – a form of spoken word inspired by the Caribbean orality syncopated to the sound of the drum. Venues such as the Trinity Centre were part of a receptive circuit welcoming new forms of poetry and music arising from Britain’s new youth cultures.

He published his first poetry collection Pen Rhythm by One Books in 1980. Since then, he has been one of Britain’s most prolific writers. As well as writing poetry for children and adults, he has written novels, and memoir. He has been an actor, activist, scholar and musician. It was this in vain that he is best known to Trinity’s audiences. Benjamin’s 2017 performance at the Centre was one of the standout gigs of the year. His lyricism and energy were enthralling; his combination of charisma and generosity truly unique, and his humour heartwarming. The iconic image of Benjamin skanking freely locks flowing will live in the memories and digital files of all those who attendance.

But, away from the stage, to Trinity’s staff he was the star who came to earth. During his second visit Benjamin met with young people taking part in Trinity’s flagship initiative Making Tracks. He spent far more time than was originally agreed speaking candidly about his life, art, and the challenges of dyslexia. The memory of this encounter still lingers among the young people who came that day.

Generations have been disarmed by his accessible verse, and amiability disarmed because belying his wide toothed smile and Midland's patter was an intense passionate commitment to humanity. He was a spiritual giant and a man of the people.

By Dr Edson Burton

Images © Khali Ackford, KoLAB Studios

Image Credit: Alastair Brookes

On the first day of the Easter Holidays Trinity partnered with The Scrapstore  to produce a day of crafting and fun in the sunshine for families from the local community.

This was a free event was generously funded by Scrapstore, giving families the opportunity to come and get creative in a beautiful setting with free recycled and recyclable arts and crafts.

More than 200 people came and enjoyed the activities in the garden that included a ‘cardboard city’ and ‘scrap-hat making’. Children had total free-rein to make weird and wonderful things out of cardboard with their siblings and peers, and some amazing creations were made including a go-kart and even a polaroid camera!

Trinity’s Nature Team were also on hand helping children make ‘fairy doors’ and ‘bunny ears’ from natural materials foraged from the Trinity garden.

There was a great atmosphere in the air and a real sense of togetherness as children of all ages played on the grass and made the most of the safe space and great weather.

The Scrapstore Team were fully immersed in facilitating the activities and making everyone feel welcomed into the space.

The session, that ran from 11am-3pm is something that we would like to bring back as a regular slot, so watch this space for updates and hopefully some more outdoor collaboration!

Image Credit: Alastair Brookes

VACANCY: Walking Tour Performer

📍 Location: Old Market

💰 Rate of Pay: £340

📝Contract Type: Freelance

Dates & Rehearsal Schedule:

10th May – 2 hours – meet and greet – script walk through

W/b 19th May – 6 hours – blocking script

Thursday 29th May – 12pm – 8pm - Rehearsals

Saturday 31st – Call time 9:30am

Role Overview:

Freelance performers are invited to take part in the second edition of Destination Old Market – A Medieval Promenade and Fayre which will take place on 31 May.

We are seeking talented and versatile Walking Tour Performers to bring our street-specific tour to life.

As part of this immersive experience, you will perform live in various outdoor locations, engaging with audiences as they journey through the tour. Performers will deliver scripted lines, interact with participants, and help create an unforgettable atmosphere in Old Market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform scripted scenes or interactive segments at specific stops along the walking tour route.

• Engage with audience members, creating an immersive and memorable experience.

• Adapt performances to various outdoor/business environments and respond to real-time audience interaction.

• Collaborate with the creative team to maintain the artistic vision and ensure smooth integration with the tour.

• The role will involve guiding audiences through urban spaces, assisting with crowd management, and ensuring the smooth operation of the walking tour experience.

Requirements:

• Experience in live performance, site-specific theatre, or street performance.

• Strong improvisation and audience interaction skills.

• Ability to perform outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Flexibility to work irregular hours

To Apply:

Download the application pack here.

Closing Date

This advertisement will remain active till Wednesday 7 May 2025 6pm. If you encounter any accessibility challenges that hinder your ability to apply within the stipulated timeframe, please contact us at info@trinitybristol.org.uk. We are committed to understanding your circumstances and providing the necessary support to facilitate your application process.

Trinity Recruitment Policy

Equal Opportunities

Trinity Community Arts is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, socio-economic class. A commitment to equality of opportunity is a necessary qualification for any job within the organisation.

Safeguarding

A Basic or Enhanced DBS (formerly CRB) check may be required for some posts, in line with our Safeguarding Policy.

Ex-Offenders

Trinity supports the rehabilitation of ex-offenders and is committed to ensuring that suitable skilled employees are not excluded from this post, where this does not conflict with our Safeguarding Policy.

Destination Old Market is produced by Trinity Community Arts and is part of the City Centre and High Streets Culture and Events Programme, funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority. The initiative aims to attract more visitors to the City Centre, boosting local businesses and the economy.

VACANCY: Walkabout Performer

📍 Location: Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd, Bristol

💰 Rate of Pay: £100 day rate (12:30pm-5pm)

📝Contract Type: Freelance

Reports To: Creative Producer/Writer

Dates & Rehearsal Schedule:

31st May – Call time 11:30am

Freelance performers are invited to take part in the second edition of Destination Old Market – A Medieval Promenade and Fayre which will take place on 31 May.

We are seeking talented and versatile walkabout performers to bring our medieval fayre to life.

As part of this immersive experience, you will engage the audience within Trinity Gardens and delight audiences as part of a medieval reenactment day. Performers are to improvise and engage with audiences as they enjoy the market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform improvised scenes to audience

• Engage with audience members, creating an immersive and memorable experience

• Interact with children/young people

• Collaborate with the creative team to maintain the artistic vision and ensure smooth integration with the event

Experience Requirements:

• Experience in live performance, site-specific theatre, or street performance.

• Strong improvisation and audience interaction skills.

• Ability to perform outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Flexibility to work irregular hours and travel as required.

• A lover of all things medieval

To Apply:

Download the application pack here.

Closing Date

This advertisement will remain active till Monday 5 May 2025 6pm. If you encounter any accessibility challenges that hinder your ability to apply within the stipulated timeframe, please contact us at info@trinitybristol.org.uk. We are committed to understanding your circumstances and providing the necessary support to facilitate your application process.

Trinity Recruitment Policy

Equal Opportunities

Trinity Community Arts is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, socio-economic class,

A commitment to equality of opportunity is a necessary qualification for any job within the organisation.

Safeguarding

A Basic or Enhanced DBS (formerly CRB) check may be required for some posts, in line with our Safeguarding Policy.

Ex-Offenders

Trinity supports the rehabilitation of ex-offenders and is committed to ensuring that suitable skilled employees are not excluded from this post, where this does not conflict with our Safeguarding Policy.

Destination Old Market is produced by Trinity Community Arts and is part of the City Centre and High Streets Culture and Events Programme, funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority. The initiative aims to attract more visitors to the City Centre, boosting local businesses and the economy.

Photo Credit: Alastair Brookes

Step into history once again as Trinity's celebrated Destination Old Market experience makes its return on 31 May!

Back by popular demand, this isn't just a historical tour, it's a journey to Old Market's fascinating past.

As part of our exciting programme, Trinity invites you to experience two unforgettable activities that bring history to life right in the heart of Old Market.

A Medieval Promenade

Venture into the streets of Old Market as characters from the height of the renaissance appear before your eyes—plucked from the past and dropped into the present! This extraordinary theatrical tour won’t just tell you about Old Market's history—it brings you face-to-face with the very people that lived it.

Rub shoulders with bewildered characters from centuries ago as they navigate their once-familiar streets now transformed by time. Listen to their tales of bustling market days where fortunes were made and lost through clever bartering and sharp wit.

Tour Times: 12pm – 12:30pm, 1:30pm – 2pm, 2:30pm – 3pm, 3:30pm – 4pm, 4:30pm – 5pm

Buy tickets here.

A Medieval Fayre

Journey to a bygone era as Trinity Gardens transforms itself into a medieval playground.

Challenge friends to a spirited game of blind man's buff, test your strength in tug of war, or laugh at the antics of a comic, we welcome one and all to this market day celebration!

Feast like nobility or dine as a humble peasant - the choice is yours. From succulent spit-roasted pig to delicate mushroom tarts, our period-inspired fare satisfies every palate.

All while our town's finest jester keeps spirits high whilst Bristol's most talented musicians fill the air with melodies that transport you to days of old.

Buy tickets here.

Further Info

A £5 deposit is required when booking. This deposit can either be refunded or exchanged for a voucher that can be spent in Old Market business taking part in the Destination Old Market after the event.

Destination Old Market is produced by Trinity Community Arts and is part of the City Centre and High Streets Culture and Events Programme, funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority. The initiative aims to attract more visitors to the City Centre, boosting local businesses and the economy.

Image credit - Alastair Brookes

"The Trinity Centre Stay and Play includes a truly diverse mix of family members from all walks of life that is the most representative of Bristol itself that I’ve ever experienced ! The city centre location makes it convenient for so many people. As a person of colour with mixed heritage children, it’s a place I feel we all truly belong, and that isn’t the case for many places"

Every Friday for as long as we can remember Trinity has welcomed families to enjoy our beautiful space and play with friends at our Stay and Play which has been co-delivered by Central Bristol Childrens Centre alongside Lawrence Hill Health Visiting team.

The partnership made the very difficult decision recently to cease delivery of the group with our final session last week.

Trinity Community Arts was grateful to the generous donation of toys from CBCC which will enhance all future delivery here, we are also looking into applying for further funding to continue to offer a regular opportunity for young families to connect here at Trinity.

Conversations are continuing both with CBCC and other partners to provide this service and we will keep you informed on our socials.

In the meantime, we wish CBCC and LHHV continued support and acknowledge all the hard work they do in supporting families in their local communities.

The Grip, March 2025, image by AlastairBrookes - KoLABStudios

"Well done to all at Trinity Centre for hosting The Grip. It was truly wonderful to walk into that crowded, warm, diverse room. The 'show' itself was sobering, raw, beautiful. I will be pondering its messages for quite a while." Audience Member

In March, Trinity played host to The Grip; a poignant, multi-layered live production from Strike A Light.

Blending live radio show elements with film, interviews, and powerful testimonies, The Grip delved into the deeply personal stories of families divided by the Windrush generation experience.

Told through real interviews and evocative film by filmmaker Daniel Folley and producer Philippa Smith, this reimagined performance (first staged at Gloucester’s Guildhall in 2023) was given new life with the inclusion of Bristol voices.

In partnership with Strike A Light, Trinity sought out and supported local contributors to weave their own lived experiences into the narrative: stories of those who were left behind, of parents forced to make impossible choices, and of siblings growing up across oceans.

BBC presenter Kevin Philemon hosted the evening with warmth and gravity, joined by an impressive lineup including Bristol’s first Poet Laureate Miles Chambers, psychotherapist Audrey James, and soulful local singer Celestine.

The result was an emotional tapestry of storytelling, performance, and reflection, shared with a full house of over 100 people. What unfolded was a communal experience. A space of healing, remembrance, and connection. Stories unheard were spoken aloud, grief and resilience given equal weight. It reminded us how vital it is to listen, to speak, and to hold space for stories that shaped generations.

Science Fair, 2025; image by Alistair Brookes

After years of consultation, experimentation and refinement, we’re now seeing the impact of our work come together; strengthening our ambition to be a nationally celebrated hub for socially engaged arts. By joining the dots across multiple projects, partners and communities, we’re reaching more people than ever and embedding creativity into everyday life.

At the heart of this transformation is our for, by, with methodology, which ensures that everything we do is created for communities, shaped by those with lived experience, and developed with the people and partners who help bring it to life. Through this approach, we’ve secured major multi-year funding, providing the stability needed to invest in long-term change and build deeper relationships that ensure our work is truly relevant and impactful.

Partnerships with Bristol Drugs Project and Bristol School of Art are creating new pathways for adults to engage with creativity as a tool for health, wellbeing and personal development. Through targeted workshops by expert facilitators and with individuals who may not otherwise access creative spaces, we are providing opportunities to build confidence, express identity, and develop new skills - whether in music or performance.

Our Cultural Alliance and after-school programmes are ensuring that creative opportunities exist for local children - many of whom are engaging with the arts for the first time. By embedding arts provision within schools and community settings, we’re developing work by and with young people that helps them discover their creative potential, make new connections, and gain valuable life skills.

Trinity's combined arts programme continues to flourish, bringing an exciting mix of dance, theatre and live performance from emerging artists both local and touring to allow new audiences to access this exciting work at Trinity and beyond. Alongside this, our Seeding Sessions are platforming some of the most exciting new sounds offering an enchanting and experimental evenings for true music enthusiasts.

By expanding our work for audiences in schools, community spaces, and public spaces, we are ensuring culture is more accessible than ever. Whether through powerful theatre performances by local artists, high-energy dance workshops with community groups, or participatory projects that put people at the centre of the creative process, we are bringing communities together in meaningful ways.

This progress has been made possible by an ambitious, empowered, and dedicated team whose passion for socially engaged arts is driving change. With strong foundations in place and an exciting future ahead, we’re ready to take our work even further - expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and ensuring that culture and creativity remain at the heart of community life for, by, and with the people who need it most.

By Adam Gallacher, Deputy CEO

Image Credit: Sophia Stefelle

Report highlights contribution of Bristol’s treasured community spaces, as network of organisations calls for Council reform to ensure their survival

A new report has revealed the significant economic contribution of Bristol’s community spaces, reinforcing the need for urgent policy action called for as part of the Roots of Resilience campaign, launched in the city last summer. The report, commissioned by a coalition of sixteen community organisations across the city, shows that collectively these spaces generate an annual turnover of £16 million, supporting 480 jobs and delivering more than £33 million in economic impact.

The findings have been published as an updated policy framework for Community Asset Transfers is presented to Bristol City Council by the network, marking a crucial next step following last year’s manifesto launch.

The report, and the updated framework, come as a result of ‘Roots of Resilience: Saving Community Spaces’ a city-wide campaign calling for urgent action to protect and enhance Bristol’s shared spaces.

Since the release of the ‘Roots of Resilience’ manifesto last year, tangible progress has been made on several key objectives:

• The Chair of the Health and Communities Committee now leads on community assets, reflecting their importance for the city.

• A community-focused council officer is now involved in Community Asset Transfer decisions. This is a welcome step, though further work is needed to ensure representation from communities most affected by asset poverty and underinvestment.

• Progress made to review key elements of community asset management and Council strategy to support the sustainability of our spaces and the organisations which maintain them.

At a time when local councils continue to face intense financial pressures, the report underscores the essential role of community spaces in Bristol’s economic and social infrastructure. The campaign’s key demand remains: that the decision-making process around council-owned buildings reflects their irreplaceable community value rather than focusing solely on financial considerations.

While significant progress has been made, there are several key areas which could be strengthened in the updated framework, such as representation in decision-making and transparency around the availability of properties for CAT.

Emma Harvey, CEO of Trinity Community Arts, said: “With the publication of this report and our suggested updated policy framework, we are calling on the Council to act decisively to protect Bristol’s community spaces.

As our research shows, our community infrastructure contributes to better health, social and environmental outcomes for all our residents, reducing public spend and enriching our communities. By strengthening the policy approach further, Bristol can lead the nation in safeguarding its community infrastructure.

We are calling on residents to reach out to their councillors and show their support for community spaces, to ensure these spaces remain viable for generations to come.”

Sado Jirde, Director at Black South West Network, said: “We wholeheartedly support the recommendations in this report. Our work at Black South West Network has shown time and again that racialised and marginalised communities face some of the greatest barriers to accessing and sustaining community assets.

The current system is structurally inequitable, many communities are locked out from opportunities to own, shape and maintain the spaces they need. By reforming Community Asset Transfer policies and prioritising long-term investment, we can start to rebalance power and resources in our city. This is about more than buildings, it’s about enabling communities to thrive on their own terms.”

Community organisations and the public are being urged to support the campaign by contacting local MPs and councillors to show support. Find out more here: https://www.trinitybristol.org.uk/about/news/latest-news/becoming-legends-in-our-own-time-fighting-for-community-ownership

Links

Read the Roots of Resilience report here: Roots of Resilience: A report on the value of Bristol’s community spaces

Read the Roots of Resilience manifesto here: Roots of Resilience: Saving Community Spaces

The sixteen Community Anchor organisations includedinvolved in the campaign are:

• Eastside Community Trust, Easton Community Centre and Felix Road Adventure Playground

• Trinity Community Arts, Trinity Centre and Jacobs Wells Baths

• Windmill Hill City Farm

• Black South West Network, The Coach House

• Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust

• Knowle West Health Park

• Knowle West Alliance

• Southmead Development Trust

• Redcatch Community Garden Limited

• Ambition Lawrence Weston

• Bricks, St Anne’s House

• Artspace Lifespace

• St Werburghs Community Centre

• Filwood Community Centre

• Voscur

• Learning Partnership West

John Parish & Adrian Utley supporting Trinity's #Notes4Notes campaign, 2013

The battle over who gets a say about the land under our feet is a tale as age-old as Robin Hood.

As the housing crisis shows no sign of letting up, this can mask the much wider picture of what it truly means to build sustainable, thriving neighbourhoods where people want to carve out lives. Despite the government’s stated commitment to community empowerment, the closure of the Community Ownership Fund (COF) marks a significant setback leaving the future of community-led asset ownership uncertain.

Even with schemes like COF, the task of taking on a building is one with many obstacles. In England’s fight for community spaces, the Asset of Community Value (ACV) system, while noble in its intention, offers little protection against the weight of market forces. Unlike Scotland’s Community Right to Buy, which grants legal power to force a sale to qualifying community interest groups, England’s system merely offers a temporary pause on commercial disposal, with no obligation placed on asset owners to prioritise community buyers.

This leaves communities having to balance professionalism needed to lever required funds whilst simultaneously growing noisy public campaigns to put of other buyers. If they’re in no rush to sell, the owner will simply wait for the six-month moratorium to lapse before proceeding with sale to the highest bidder, as with Coexist’s campaign to save Hamilton House. Even where groups manage to raise substantial funds and deliver successful public campaign, efforts can be swept aside in a heartbeat by a developer with deeper pockets.

There is marginally greater hope when a building is owned by a Local Authority, where campaigners can cite continued social value. However, securing a community asset transfer can be challenging in the current context with councils under pressure to balance deficit budgets. The temptation of commercial disposal can be hard to resist.

Keeping buildings in public ownership is one of the biggest challenges. Many councils are eager for a quick exit from liabilities such as their expensive portfolio of rapidly dilapidating buildings. By the time an asset reaches a state of severe disrepair, disposal becomes the only logical option; a short-term fix that plugs a budget gap at the expense of long-term social, economic, and health benefits.

People think of the legend of Robin Hood as a story of outlaws robbing the rich, but at its core, it is a tale of defiance against this type of land-based power. The struggle to protect or reclaim what belongs to the people – whether it’s indigenous land reclamation struggles against tech giants mining for precious minerals, tenant unions resisting evictions and rent hikes, community land trusts securing affordable housing, local campaigns fighting to save a building on their doorstep, or even Greenland telling Trump “no means no” – is a narrative deeply rooted in our human condition, local to global.

In this latest telling of the story, we’re not just saving buildings. We’re saving ourselves. Every step we take to save a space is an act of political defiance, challenging the systems that concentrate land and wealth in fewer hands. Community management of buildings unlocks external funding, supports local well-being, and keeps spaces in public hands. It is in these everyday battles to save our spaces that the greatest transformations are forged, proving that resilience, solidarity, and vision to reshape a future in which communities work together to solve some of our shared problems.

Like Robin Hood’s battle against feudal land grabs, the movement for community ownership is about more than individual buildings, it’s about reshaping an entire system. If we only defend one asset at a time, we won’t keep up with the pace of change and we’ll fail to address the structural inequality that means some the odds are stacked against some more than others. Instead, we must challenge the structures that keep land and power concentrated among the few.

Rather than accepting when our decision-makers tell us the cupboards are bare, we need to all be asking more questions of our elected representatives to demand greater transparency around how we’re making best us of the resources we do have. The question isn’t just: How can we save this building? It’s: How can we reclaim control over the places that shape our lives, for the good of all of us?

Opinion piece written by Emma Harvey, CEO

How to help

Register a building as an Asset of Community Value (ACV); this gives your community the right to bid for it if it's put up for sale, helping to protect important local spaces from unwanted development or loss.

Read about our Roots of Resilience campaign; show your support by contacting your Local Councillor to tell them about the importance of civic and cultural spaces in your neighbourhood.

Nominate a building to be listed as a heritage asset; care about the future of a historic place you know and love? Anyone can recommend a building, site, monument, designed landscape, battlefield or wreck site for inclusion on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE).

Write to your MP to call for a UK-wide "Community Right to Buy" to enable communities to take ownership of local assets, along with other measures like a new flexible Community Ownership Fund and support for community businesses to help combat structural inequity in asset management.

...and don't forget to VOTE 1st May! The West of England Mayor has the power to shape investment in civic and cultural infrastructure across the region. This election is a crucial chance to ensure decisions are made that benefit all of us. Don't forget to use your power to vote and make sure you ask your candidates what will they do to ensure investment reaches local communities so they can take on and develop vital community assets.

Resources

Ask your local Councillor:

1. How is the council prioritizsng and funding investment in community assets, and what opportunities exist for community partnerships or asset transfers?
2. Are there underused or surplus council properties that could be repurposed for community benefit, and what funding mechanisms (e.g., CIL, Section 106) can be utlised to better support this model?

Ask your local MP:

1. Will the government introduce stronger legal protections, such as a Right to Buy or compulsory purchase powers for communities, to prevent vital spaces from being lost to private development?
2. Will the government commit to establishing a dedicated, long-term funding programme like Scotland’s Land Fund, to better enable communities to protect the assets that matter to them?

Links:

Locality - Provides expert guidance and resources for community-led organizations to establish and sustain community assets.

My Community - Provides tools and advice for communities to take ownership of local assets and influence local decision-making.

Platform Places - Assists communities in repurposing vacant or underused buildings into vibrant community spaces.

Shared Assets - Offers support for managing land and buildings as sustainable community resources.

Stir to Action - Delivers training and workshops focused on social enterprise and community-led development.

The Plunkett Foundation - Supports rural communities in setting up and running community-owned businesses, including buildings.

Voscur - Offers support services for voluntary and community groups in Bristol, including guidance on managing community buildings.

#WECA #WestOfEngland #MyVoteMyVoice #UseYourVote

#CommunityPower #SaveOurSpaces #SoldFromUnderYou

“A hugely entertaining take on the Robinson Crusoe story. Friday is an upper-class castaway outraged by Crusoe’s entitled behaviour. But we suspect there’s more to Friday than the arrogant posho we first encounter – and sure enough there is. A slow burn brilliantly achieved, this play skilfully uses the inspiration of a classic tale to reframe assumptions about race and class in a witty and engaging way. Long narrations are often the radio writer’s lazy option, but Edson Burton’s are exquisite. This is a terrific writer with a deep love of language and a thorough understanding of structure.” Judging panel

We're all super excited and proud to announce Edson Burton as the winner of the 2025 Tinniswood Award, which is organised by The Writers' Guild of Great Britain and the Society of Authors.

The award, in recognition of the best audio drama script of the year, was for Man Friday, a BBC Radio 4 drama broadcast re-imagining Daniel Defoe's classic story Robinson Crusoe from the perspective of Man Friday.

Edson Burton received the prize of £3,000, sponsored by the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society, at the BBC Audio Drama Awards on 30 March 2025. He was presented the award by writer and actor Paterson Joseph.

This well-deserved recognition highlights Edson Burton’s exceptional storytelling, cementing Man Friday as a powerful and thought-provoking reimagining of a literary classic. Though, it wasn't the 'Twerking' award that one of our colleagues misheard he'd won!

As Edson put it, it was one of those rare productions where everything just clicked, nothing felt forced, and the cast came together naturally to create something truly special.

A big well done from all the Trinity Team!

Image Credit: Alastair Brookes

Trinity partnered with the University of Bath to deliver an inspiring two-day Science Fair during Science Week, welcoming young learners from local primary and secondary schools to experience hands-on scientific exploration.

To celebrate Science Week – Trinity partnered with Bath University to put on a two-day Art and Science Fair for Primary and Secondary school age children from the local communities.

Communicating Physics students welcomed 60 Year 7 pupils from Oasis Academy Temple Quarter into the Trinity Centre, with a day of exploration and learning though interactive Science activities. Alongside the Communicating Physics students were the very talented Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) team, which includes undergraduate and postgraduate students from different departments. The groups of students were all so impressive and engaging and had clearly worked very hard in preparing their activities.

The young people got to find out some interesting facts about the laws of physics with the help from the Bath Students – delivering Science in a fun and hands-on way. The pupils were so engaged and fascinated by the experiments, and the room was full of positive energy garnered towards fact-finding and immersive learning.

On day two, Rob Olins, resident artist for Bath Uni Science Department, and his amazing team worked with 50 children from Year’s 5 and 6 from St Nicholas of Tolentine Primary School. They explored how light and sound are made and got really stuck in with learning through some giant installations in our Main Hall.

The children, accompanied by their class teachers, were split into small groups and got to explore all 5 elements of the exhibition, completing the session by creating sound waves from different craft materials.

It was great to see all the participating young people getting involved and enjoying science through play and interactive learning. All teams involved were so impressed by how the children expressed such confidence and respect towards the topics and thoroughly enjoyed the Fair.

A big ‘well done’ to the Communicating Physics students as well, who breezed through the activities and interactions with the school children – wishing everyone luck with their exams!

Image Credit: Alastair Brookes

Trinity has successfully distributed 73 boxes of arts and crafts supplies donated by Scrapstore to children across the local community this March.

Each box contained essential crafting materials alongside recycled items, designed to spark creativity and imagination for children and families to enjoy together at home.

The majority of these creative packs reached students from the three schools participating in Trinity's Cultural Alliance Programme.

Children collected their packs during various after-school club sessions funded by Wesport, BBC Children in Need, and Bristol City Council and additional packs were given to attendees of Trinity's International Women's Day Market, which was supported by Fun Palaces.

‘The inclusion of the modelling clay was really well-received and big thank you’s were shared from the families directly, as well as from class teachers and inclusion leads. All children should be given the opportunity to get creative!’ – Sarah Franke – Primary Specialist, Trinity Community Arts

QUOTES:

‘These packs were INCREDIBLE and provided the children and their families with so much opportunity for creativity at home’ – Teacher at Easton CE Academy

‘It was nice to have workbooks in the boxes as I have been able to teach my brother to write some letters’ – School Child aged 9

Women Who Make & Do Craft Market

Trinity is proud to celebrate the creativity and resilience of our communities with these recent highlights...

Women Who Make & Do Craft Market

A really lovely group of women and lots of networking - stall holder

On 9 March, we opened our doors for International Women’s Day to host a vibrant craft market, spotlighting female and non-binary makers and creators. Delivered in partnership with Eastside Community Trust and Somali Kitchen, with support from Fun Palaces, the market supported local traders, makers, and artists, providing opportunities for free workshops, demonstrations, and creative activities.

The event welcomed 500 people thoughout the day, celebrating local talent including potters, authors, illustrators, crocheters, cake-makers, artists, herbalists, gardeners, woodcarvers, and weavers. Bristol-based female music artists provided a steady soundtrack to the afternoon, adding to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.

Hosting events like these in partnership with creative communities is at the heart of what we do. If you have an idea for a partnership event or activity, we’d love to hear from you!

Trinity & Bristol Drugs Project: Creative Communities

We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) launching in April 2025. As part of Trinity’s vision of Creative Expression for All, we will be working with BDP’s Creative Communities programme; a thriving ten-year initiative that delivers weekly creative groups and events within BDP services.

Creative Communities uses arts practice to build positive relationships, break stigma, develop work and social skills, and foster a vital and life-affirming sense of community. Many of its long-running groups, including Bristol Recovery Orchestra and Beginners Music, will now be based at Trinity. Additionally, we are proud to become one of BDP’s Sober Spaces venues, reinforcing our commitment to accessible and inclusive creative opportunities.

Together, we will also explore new bespoke creative programmes that respond directly to local needs and interests, enhancing Trinity’s year-round adult programme to support inclusion, health and wellbeing, and skills development.

Garden Party Origin Story

Looking back to the roots of Trinity and its connection to the free party and festival scene, we are reminded of the importance of spaces where people can come together to create and celebrate. Our annual Free Garden Party is a staple in Bristol's cultural calendar that embodies the city's spirit. Originating as a community-focused event rooted in the legacy of Bristol’s underground free parties and DIY festivals, the Garden Party continues to provide a space for creativity, music, and shared experiences.

Check out the details of this year's event here and get in touch if you're interested in performing, having a stall or volunteering.

From craft makers and community arts to the heritage of free festivals, Trinity remains a place where communities shape the art of what's possible and curate new ways of being each and every day.

We're what you make us, so get involved!

Volunteers at Garden Party 2023 - Image Credit: Alastair Brookes

We're looking for Ground Stewards and Fundraiser to help out with Garden Party on Sun 11 May 2025

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly, reliable and attentive individuals who enjoy communicating with different people and ensuring a great experience for all involved. Whether you are on or off site, you must be alert to health and safety issues.

Fundraisers: Collecting donations at main gates as people enter and leave. Handing out information and sign-positing.

We are asking people to volunteer for one, or more two hour shifts:

• 12pm - 2pm
• 2pm - 4pm
• 4pm - 6pm
• 6pm - 8pm

What’s in it for me?

Volunteering is a great way to make new friends and contacts, develop skills, get experience and increase self-confidence, plus you know you are helping to make Trinity the rich, vibrant place that it is. Lunch will be provided on the day for volunteers and a drinks token at the end of your shift.

Who can apply?

Applicants need to be 18+. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and aim to be as inclusive as possible, working to accommodate access requirements. Trinity is committed to making volunteering accessible to all, regardless of income.

How can I apply?

• If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the volunteer form and select the ‘General Volunteer’ option.
• In the ‘Give a brief description about yourself’ section of the form, let us know that you would like to apply for Garden Party and the times you can do.
• After the application please complete our anonymous online equal opportunities form.
• The closing date for volunteer applications is Fri 02 May 2025, 9am.

Please contact info@trinitybristol.org.uk if you have any questions, or would like more information about volunteering at Garden Party.

Trinity x acs earplugs - credit Khali Ackford

Your hearing is priceless, and at Trinity, we believe in protecting it. That’s why we’ve teamed up with acs, leading specialists in high-fidelity hearing protection, to offer reusable earplugs designed for music lovers who want to experience the full depth of sound without compromising their hearing health.

Live events can expose you to high decibel levels, which over time can lead to permanent hearing damage. By wearing high-quality ear protection, you can reduce this risk without dulling the sound - keeping the music clear, balanced, and immersive.

As proud supporters of the NTIA’s ‘Listen for Life’ Charter, we’re committed to promoting safe listening practices in live music spaces. Hearing health is wealth, and we want to ensure that music lovers, artists, and staff can enjoy the power of live events for years to come.

Our Trinity-branded acs earplugs come with a protective case for easy storage and are now available to purchase at the bar. Get yours today and take a simple but vital step toward long-term hearing care.

🎧 Look after your ears – they’ll thank you later! 🎧

Cultural Alliance Programme - research phase, 2024

The Cultural Alliance Programme is revolutionizing arts education for Key Stage 2 children in Lawrence Hill, offering free weekly dance and drama lessons that foster creativity, learning, and wellbeing

Empowering children through arts

With a mission to bridge gaps in arts access and address educational inequalities, the Cultural Alliance Programme offers students at Easton CE Academy, Hannah More Primary, and St. Nicholas of Tolentine schools the opportunity to engage in creative learning. Each week, every KS2 year group receives an hour-long session led by professional practitioners from Movema and ACTA. These classes are integrated into the school curriculum, aligning with each school’s themes and values, such as Easton CE Academy’s focus on "Belonging".

"I really missed our Cultural Alliance teachers over the holidays, but I’ve been practicing!"

Student comment

Learning from Term 1&2

The first term launched with great enthusiasm, as children eagerly met their new mentors from ACTA and Movema. The sessions quickly became a space for movement, self-expression, and relationship-building. Early takeaways included:

As the project progressed, teachers were encouraged to actively participate in the sessions, moving beyond behaviour management to engaging in creative learning techniques themselves. This collaborative approach helped embed creative strategies throughout the school environment. Highlights of term two included:

"There’s been so much creative expression and joyful connections happening in every session!"

Cultural Alliance Practitioner, Movema

Impact so far...

The Cultural Alliance Programme has already made a tangible difference:

Looking ahead

As the programme moves into Term 3 the focus will shift towards measuring individual progress and ensuring long-term impact. A mid-January planning session will refine methods for tracking measurable change. Term Four will culminate in a student performance, showcasing their creative growth and inspiring future participants.

Additionally, Trinity is collaborating with Professor Helen Manchester and Dr. Harriet Hand to co-design an evaluation framework. This will measure cultural value and assess the programme’s effectiveness in strengthening inclusion, attendance, and students' wider connectivity with learning.

Funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Cultural Alliance Programme continues to pave the way for inclusive, dynamic arts education in local schools.