Could you give a brief history of the venue?

The Trinity Centre is a much-loved historic landmark and has been hosting live-music events since it ceased to be a church in 1976. The venue was pivotal in the 80s Punk, Reggae and Ska scenes, with performances from New Order, Eek-A-Mouse and post-punk stalwarts The Stingrays performing alongside newcomers U2. A predominant Bristol music venue in the 90s, the venue quickly established a reputation as the birthplace of 'the Bristol Sound', for its role in early performances from Massive Attack, Portishead, to international artists Public Enemy.

Today the venue is host to performances from both of home-grown and international talent and, with performances from the likes of Damon Albarn and Duran Duran, is fast becoming a space for larger touring artists to reach their fan-base in an intimate setting.

What is Trinity's USP?

As a former converted church the space offers a unique setting with great acoustics. Alongside our main hall, Fyfe Hall - our newly renovated upstairs hall-space - provides a great alternative for acoustic performances. The venue has a great reputation as one of Bristol's best venues, helping to attract audiences from Bristol and beyond.

Who is Trinity owned/operated by?

Trinity Community Arts is a registered charity with a trading subsidiary running the centre on a long-term lease. As a community asset the building itself is owned by Bristol City Council. The team running the venue have many years experience in the delivery of live-music events and are well linked with other venues, groups and artists across the city.

What recent music events have you held and what's been your biggest music show to date?

Notable performances this year have been from American singer-songwriter Banks, indie-rockers British Sea Power, electronic-rock from Awolnation, choral-symphonic-pop The Polyphonic Spree, an epically loud performance from noise rock band Swans and international drum and bass musician LTJ Bukem.

Any particular promoters/companies you work with?

Promoters include DHP, Metropolis and Live Nation – we also work a lot with the team at Fleece Bristol who have promoted some great acts at Trinity, such as tUnE-yArDs. There are a number of local promoters we work with including newcomers Goldtopp and the fantastic Teachings in Dub crew, who pull together the best Sound System nights in the South West. Most recently they brought Mungos Hi-Fi - a bunch of Scottish guys who turn up in their kilts and tweed and bring sounds from the original Jamaican sound system tradition - performing alongside Classic Wonder Vetrans, who made their name during the 90s at the peak of the dancehall scene.

How many live music events, on average, do you hold a year?

We hold around 50 events every year and this number is growing year-on-year. With the addition of our new upstairs hall space, we anticipate this number increasing.

How has live music been for you over the past year? Where are we heading - do you anticipate an increase in live music at Trinity?

Audiences are spoilt for choice where live-music is concerned. It's not enough to just like the artist's music - they have to put on a great performance. One of the most charismatic performers we've had was Lianne La Havas - she really reached out to the audience and everyone really felt part of that energy. People want to feel part of something – a shared experience that goes beyond the tracks themselves. With millions of tracks being readily downloadable, it's what makes the live-music scene so special.

Are you seeing any particular trends of musical genres at Trinity, or what works best with your audiences?

With a venue our size we tend to see artists 'on their way up' so to speak. You always get the sense that, once you've seen them at Trinity once, you'll be lucky to catch them again in such an up-close-and-personal setting. That's what makes the fan-club nights so epic! Reggae, electronic and Americana feature quite heavily – music that stems for the DIY scene, coming up through independent channels.

How would you describe your 'typical' audience?

Trinity has such a range of acts that it's hard to say what our typical audience is. I think there is an audience base that has a love of the venue. They're probably 30s-40s with a couple of kids that can still remember the time they came to Tribe of Frog late 90s when 2000+ people were packed into the venue and sweat was pouring off the ceiling! Lots of people have a lot of love for the space from that era in particular. Others will come along for a sound-system clash, or to see Seth Lakeman, and have a very different perspective. When you have a gigs in one week with artists such as Therapy? and Morgan Heritage in one week and then a Cameroon National Day with live music and traditional dance you think, wow these are very different audiences!

Do you ever have large well-known musical names wanting to play a warm-up or more intimate show?

Damon Albarn appears to be a fan of the venue which is great! He's performed here as The Good, The Good, The Bad And The Queen and, in 2010 as part of a Gorillaz fan-club tour and most recently to coincide with the release of Everyday Robots. This in particular was special as they needed someone locally to MC for the Clint Eastwood track. So a Bristol based MC, K*Ners, turns up in his work uniform, does the rehearsals and then bam! A few hours later he's performing live on stage with Damon. That was something special.

What threats/risks are out there for live music at arts centres?

Money, lack of money, venues competing for acts, audiences - the cost of putting nights on increases, but there's only so far you can push a gig-goer in terms of ticket price. But people still want the live experience so I think venues will be ok as long as they have a good sound and a good reputation. Even if you like the artist, a bad experience at a venue can put you off going back there.

Does the music industry need to do more to support live music at arts centres? If not the music industry, who else should be supporting arts centres?

We could see more involvement from the music industry in terms of supporting young talent. There are mechanisms there such as BBC Introducing, but it's getting that live-music presence that can be challenging for a new artist. Businesses in the creative industries and businesses more widely could support arts centres. It's where people have a lot of memorable experiences and a place where businesses could reach new markets. Last year we had a great gig with Aar Maanta's as part of his UK tour, brought to us by a local promoter. Bristol has a large Somalian community and it was the first time a musician from Somalia was touring the country. We were rammed! It was a great night and there's an audience there that certainly wants more, it's just finding and programming the right acts and having the resources to put behind something of this scale.

Do you think it's the role of the arts centre to support up and coming musical talent?

Absolutely. But it's finding out the best way to do this. We get calls all the time from people wanting to perform at the venue, but they don't have a track record. We're a 600 capacity venue so if someone's only going to pull 50 or 100 people then that's not the best way to support them in their development. I think it's about venues linking up a lot more and promoters being willing to use local support either in place or alongside their current support.

What marketing methods do you use to attract audiences to live music events?

We place ads in local publications such as Crack, Bristol Live Magazine and Metro. We also push online quite heavily on multiple listings sites and our own website, which is currently undergoing a facelift. Promoters will do their own marketing and we'll flyer and poster in other venues. Our Twitter and Facebook followers have grown rapidly and this seems to be a great way of letting people know what's happening.

Do you live stream your music events, or any plans to?

Not yet but we have talked about it. There are some Bristol based people who are keen to make this something Trinity could offer – a sort of 'Late Night With...' as a regular broadcast, but I think it's a way off – plus you need the buy-in from the artists and their team. It's not always something people are going to want to do, but it is a great way of reaching new audiences.

If you could make one prediction for innovation in live music at arts centres, what do you think will become popular/will we see more of soon?

More collaborative works where live-music takes place alongside other performing arts – dance, circus, theatre. More live-music happening in unique settings and larger artists performing in intimate venues to reach out to their core audience and test new material.

How have ticket sales been for your live music events over the past year? Have you seen an increase?

Ticket sales have been very good. That's thanks to working with established promoters who know what they're doing and can help to ensure a night's success. Sometimes they've been too good – we've lost a couple of nights where they've sold out early and moved the gig to a larger venue in Bristol. It's a bit disappointing - but then I guess that's business!

Are there any bands or artists that you'd love to have play a show at Trinity?

Well, Prince has been doing a spate of fan-club nights in smaller London venues, so it would be amazing if the South West could get a taste of the action! Failing that, I'd love to see a Bristol Sound revival night with Tricky, Massive Attack and Portishead. K'naan performing Wavin' Flag live for our local audience would be brilliant. Requests from the Trinity Team include Di Antwood, Beck, Pixies, Arcade Fire, These New Puritans, Kraftwerk, Indigo Girls, David Byrne – in fact, anyone from Talking Heads. So, if anyone's reading and would like to make it happen, please give us a shout!

What changes have there been to your venue over the last year? Are there any plans for significant developments over the next year?

The biggie has really been the renovation of our upstairs hall – Fyfe Hall – we've taken essentially a rather large, cold, echoy box and turned it into a beautiful hall with stained glass windows, underfloor heating and sprung wooden floor. The addition of full-height drapes have resolved acoustic issues making it a stunning setting for live-music sets.

Next steps will be to invest in our sound-system and in some much needed ventilation – now we're getting busier and with good weather it can all feel a bit clammy at a sell-out performance. With a big old converted church it's all about 'that's great, now what's next?'.

Anything else you'd like to mention?

We're working on projects that give more opportunities for upcoming artists to perform and build their audience and their links with other artists, promoters and organisations.

I think artists understand that when they visit Trinity, they are playing somewhere a bit different, somewhere where art forms cross over with community activities all under one roof – and we want to find more ways of making this happen and in a more meaningful way.

Our next stage is to support opportunities for the creation of new music from Trinity - Some of this comes through new initiatives such as partnerships with Tomorrows Warriors and their new Connexions workshops, as well as proposed residency and performance programme for 2015.

Watch this space.

Review from Theatre Bristol Writers in Residence: Bella Fortune

Stand is the product of conversations. The conversations continued long after leaving the Trinity centre, but in silence; an inner-monologue set to my footsteps, set to snippets of strangers passing conversations. Stand made me consider myself, my actions.

It made me proud of that time I stood up to the racist man in the restaurant in Edinburgh and made me see my Mother’s pleasure in witnessing this in a new, brighter light. Stand made me hope that in the future I will be braver in making positive choices and not stop myself due to fear of an unsuccessful ending. Stand made me miss my younger self- the one who could be so riled up about the wrongs of the world.

Stand made my friend sad when she realised later that these were actors, not the activists, performing the verbatim transcript. Stand impressed me that the quality of performance made her think this.

Stand meant I was sure to find a bin to put my cigarette butt in and to feel guilty for all of the discarded ones that came before it and every dropped one that is sure to come. Stand reminded me that I am only human. Stand made me plump-up with pride for people. It made me deflate with despair in humanity.

Stand made me think of my friend who spends weeks, months living in protest sites; of the arrests, beatings, losses and wins. It made me question why I have been so hesitant to join him.

Stand made me wish I’d ordered the vegetarian quiche instead of this open-top ham sandwich but feel a little more at ease that at least the meat is locally sourced. Stand reassured me that standing-up can come in many forms. Stand is simple. It is sensitively, sometimes joyously performed. Stand made me want to know more, to do more. Stand made me want to be better.

Review from Theatre Bristol Writers in Residence: Bella Fortune

Dear Dance Marathon,

Thank you. I know we only spent a few hours together but I wanted to let you know how wonderful you are. Despite my aching calves and mysterious bruise, I miss you. You were a joy to be with. The friends I made through you might not last a lifetime but, for that one, lovely night, they meant so much. You made a team of two from strangers; we laughed, we tried and held on to each other.

At first I thought you were too good to be true and in a way I was right. Your trickery at first was subtle but once I realised the kindness in your lies I knew I had to forgive you. For some you made them feel inadequate; for others you gave them the courage to shine. And even though we floundered and fell, after knowing you for such a short time we all became champions. Even when our number was up we spurred each other on. Even when you stripped me of my purpose; an indignity which led me to the regrettable act of betraying my sister, still then, I fought on.

I saw so much through you. I witnessed amateurs evolve into experts. I saw kindness morph into competitiveness. I sensed strangers becoming friends and family turn into temporary enemies. You made me race to the finish line, flail in an attempt to regain my status, squish my sweaty body against an unknown other. And even though you may have turned me into a loser, well, I forgive you. You showed me humility; the sigh of relief in letting go of hopes of a trophy and cheering for our new, winning, friends.

So thank you Dance Marathon. Thank you for the fun, thank you for the music. Thank you for the artistry, thank you for the effort; I'm sure you must be tired so please go a take long and well deserved rest.

But know that - If we meet again - I'm on to you. And as I have already proved, I'm not above doing whatever it takes to leave our next night together as your dancing queen.

Love and very, very sweaty hugs,
Your not-so-bitter Loser.

Well we have been super busy this month, three amazing shows from Mayfest, a super line up for Dot to Dot and our biggest Garden Party yet which saw over 6000 people through the gate in one day...plus a Cider Festival and the usual live gigs, classes rehearsals and workshops.

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.

The need for Solar PV has been identified as an essential measure in a recent 'Green Audit' carried out by UWE graduates, to improve our long-term sustainability.

Installation of Solar PV will compliment other recently funded improvement works - including roof insulation, improved heating controls and new LED lighting - leading to significant improvements to the energy performance of the building, enabling us to ensure the building's future.

The installation will form part of a wider capital project, for which we are seeking support from Heritage Lottery Fund, to repair our windows, roofing, stonework and towers.

The proposed installation will help us to:

• reduce our carbon footprint, conserve energy and improve our efficiency
• reduce financial costs of energy, with electricity generated at the point of use
• enable us to continue to provide free and subsidised hall space to community groups
• invest in ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the Grade II* Listed building through the feed-in tariff generated

Solar PV is one of the most expensive options available to TCA for energy and carbon reduction, but is one of the most effective options - providing an effective technology for reducing carbon output and improving the level of renewable energy available. After installation there is very little effort required to support and maintain the system, making it a perfect carbon and cost saving measure.

Support from the Naturesave Trust to deliver this project will enable us to achieve sustainability through reducing our overheads and developing our revenue streams to ensure future core funding is not required to cover increasing centre running costs.

During his visit last year, Andrew Vines, Planning and Conservation Director, English Heritage, South West commented: “The Trinity Centre is a case in point of how old historic buildings can be given a new lease of life and once again become a key part of the community.”

So we are really looking forward to Sunday's special event.  The line up is full of amazing acts to keep you going throughout the day. Plus plenty of workshops for the little ones, stalls, food & our bar. We have something for everyone.

Set Times:

MC: Mistri (Ujima)

12:00 –1:00 Blindbat
1:00 – 1:30 Babylon Samurai
1:30 – 2:00 Elea Calvet  (Access to Music)
2:00 – 2:30 Blindbat
2:30 – 3:00 Chloe
3:00 – 3:30 Chuman
3:30 – 4:30 Screaming Miss Jackson & The Slap Ya Mama Big Band
4:30 – 4:45 Blindbat
4:45 - 5:30 Mankala
5:30 – 6:00 Bamalam
6:00 – 7:00 Manushka
7:00 – 7:45 Freshly Baked + Snoopy
7:45 – 8:45 Ishan Sound & Ossia (Live Dub Mix)

Pixel Whipped (retro video games, décor and music for events and parties): starts at 12

Workshop times:

Seed planting drop in: 12:00 - 3:00

Puppet Workshop with Tessa Bide 1:30 - 2:30

Drumming Workshop with Bristol Drumming: 2:30 - 3:30

Story Telling with Edson Burton: 3:30 - 4:30

Circus Performance from Invisible  Youth: balloon modelling & clown walk about - 6pm-7pm / fire  show at 8pm

Food: Fi Real / Sausage Fest / Kalabash Catering / Rana's Dhaba Junction / Maison Crepe / Mr Tea's Tea / Old Market Cakes / Lucille's Ice Cream

Produce stalls: Paradiso / Knots & Shots / Sanbra / Ethno Botanics / Twining Time / Palestinian Museum, Zaytoum / May Queen Wild Crafts / Face Maker Uk / Goosander Pintail / Love In The Breath / Bintage, Vintage / For Frock's Sake! / Gypsy Sunsets

Trinity has been delivering 1:2:1 music session for several students. This has been going since last term, beginning of Feb 2015. So far we have had positive feedback from the students who attend the sessions.

We have a number of students who showed an interest in music, both playing, singing, rapping and writing. We have not had the capacity on-site to facilitate sessions or to accommodate and further such interests, and so had to outsource teaching sessions.

Trinity seemed ideal as they were able to tailor the sessions to meet the individual interests and needs of the student, as well as having a sound understanding about the types of young people we work with. Often our young people require a different approach than is provided at more mainstream provisions, and being able to tailor sessions to their specific interests has been ideal when considering the level of engagement.

So far all of our student who have attended the sessions have given positive feedback about the work they are carrying out, as well as showing clear progression, even in this short amount of time. Often it is the engagement with the session that these young people find difficult; however we have seen little evidence of this being the case with these sessions. Having a positive educational experience is crucial for this type of young person, who often has found difficulties with previous provisions.

Trinity has been extremely accommodating of our timetables and the young people we work with. Having not had great experiences with the education system previously, the positive sessions that are held on a 1:2:1 basis not only strengthen their musical ability and interest, but also goes towards creating a more optimistic attitude to new situations and experiences available to them. Our students all seem to be really enjoy the opportunity to learn new skills and express themselves in a different way, using techniques that have been specifically tailored to meet their interests.

Imogen Hopkins, Project Worker for Include Bristol CfBT

At Trinity, we value your feedback.

We want to hear your feedback so that we can improve our Centre and provide the activities you want to see.

Over the past few years we have been working to improve the centre and deliver activities that people want to see happening in their local area. Below are some suggestions we've acted on previously.

We'd like to hear from you about your experiences of Trinity and if there's anything we can improve on.

Click here to complete this short survey and you could win one of the following:

• two free tickets to an upcoming gig of your choice
• £50 off your next hire
• a limited edition Trinity T-shirt

Offer ends 1st May 2015.

You said...we did!

“bike racks” We fitted lots of new bike racks and a bike shelter.

“children's play area” We installed an exciting new green play-scape, inspired by nature and built to promote creative and interactive play.

“The entrance is so confusing I nearly walked out…” We redeveloped the Centre to improve layout for visitors, including a new daytime entrance and Reception.

“heating” We fitted a new boiler and underfloor heating for the upstairs hall spaces.

“Upstairs has limited facilities” We redeveloped the upstairs hall to create a large hall for theatre, dance and performance, weddings and parties.

“Doesn't really serve the community...there's no real community centric activities” We've worked to secure project funding for a range of free community activities, including an exciting Bristol 2015 programme of gardening workshops, as part of the Grow it, Cook it, Eat it! project.

"Kitchen to prepare food" We revamped our kitchen so that it can now provide suitable space for food preparation.

"Dedicated accessible parking" We resurfaced our grounds and created four dedicated accessible parking bays.

And some things we're still working on...

"Would use the garden more if the seating was improved and there was a gazebo" - we're looking into funding to fit a new covered seating area

"Better ventilation" We're looking to install a new ventilation system this year, to improve people's experiences during busy events.

"Art based workshops" We're looking at developing a summer arts workshop project for young people.

We value your suggestions and they do make a difference so please take the time to feed back to us.

Our sessions run every Tuesday-Thursday 10am-3:30pm.

Young people can learn about music composition, lyric-writing, sequencing, production, instrumental study and live performance, whilst also developing their confidence, social and personal skills.

We offer six-week structured learning programmes, with rolling start-dates and provide a travel and lunch allowance as well as accreditations in key skills and subject areas.

We are also running sessions each Friday for young offenders or young people who may have been previously excluded from other courses and activities due to anti-social behaviour.

We also run sessions each Monday and Friday for young offenders and young people who may have been previously excluded from other courses and activities due to anti-social behaviour.

We aim to assist young people to find the right route into further education, voluntary work, or employment whilst developing practical creative skills, building confidence and allowing access to new experiences.

If you are a young person interested in getting involved, or know someone who would like to take part, please contact training@3ca.org.uk or call 0117 935 1200.

“I have really enjoyed my time at Trinity. The support and guidance I received has allowed me to follow my musical passion and express myself in my own unique way." Jake, Music Student

"I first made contact with Trinity at the end of 2014.

ATM have a Level 1 course which is a great referral for young people attending Trinity education services. We have had three Trinity students through this referral process and one who is a friend of a young person originally from Trinity, two of them are looking to complete the Level 1 course with flying colours and are both looking to progress on to our Level 2 course in either Music Performance or Music Production.

I made contact due to Trinity's work with NEET individuals and saw it could be a good referral service. Also made contact to see if there was any youth work experience for ATM students. Trinity is also used to refer young people to, if not suitable for an ATM course or those that are too young.

At Trinity, students have more opportunity to continue with their education and opportunities for ATM students to explore youth work. Young people that have been referred to us have settled in well due to Trinity being a good base for them to start.

The Trinity Music Education Programme is a great opportunity for young people who are NEET to be able to express themselves through music whilst learning some valuable skills. They have been beyond helpful and supportive of Access To Music and their young people, looking for opportunities for both Trinity students and ATM students. They seem very supported and there seems to be a great team helping the young people."

Would you be interested in getting onto an ATM course, but don't have the right qualifications? Come along to one of Trinity's introduction to music courses and we can give you the basics you need in order to move on in your musical ambitions.

"The Princes Trust recommended the Trinity music course to me at the end of last year. It sounded good so went along to check it out. I decided to join the course because I wanted to learn how to record, mix and edit.

I was impressed with the facilities, especially the recording studio and live band room. The Trinity training team also knew and understood about the heavy metal music I love so much which was another factor in my decision to join up.

It is a great course for helping to build up your own interests and personal confidence. The training team are really supportive and take a genuine interest in you as a person, which has helped to make me feel relaxed during my time on the course.

I am a lot more confident about using the studio equipment now and hope to continue recording my own music and eventually gain work within the industry.

I have really enjoyed my time at Trinity. The support and guidance I received has allowed me to follow my musical passion and express myself in my own unique way."

Trinity runs music courses and activities for a range of ages and abilities. If you would like to find out more, get in touch.

We catch up with Luna, who attended the first community gardening drop-in day of the year - a monthly  opportunity for members of the local community to do some gardening activities in our beautiful garden, enjoy the urban outdoors, meet new people and enjoy a tasty healthy meal together!

"I attended the drop-in day at Trinity Garden because I really enjoy spending time outside and gardening, also I really like to meet new people and talk. I love the idea of working in the garden where the vegetables are growing for food from that garden in return. It feels really natural and helps meet connect to a very primal part of me.

The meal is very wholesome coming straight out of the earth in my local area. It is great to learn new gardening skills. My 3 year old daughter loves to run around and play with other children who come to the garden. It is a really great communal space.

I found the day greatly beneficial to my mental health as I find it really meditative to help a garden grow, it feels such a positive thing to be doing as I am passionate about growing food locally and organic, it is a great way forward to help us people and our planet stay healthy.

I feel like I am part of something important as if people could grow more food locally there would be far less dependency on supermarkets which creates lots of unnecessary packaging and transportation costs to the environment. I also feel the community day benefited me physically, being active outside and eating healthy food.

My daughter also enjoys the space and climbing frame and I love that she gets to learn where her food really comes from and that we can grow our own.

I love the Trinity Garden space and all great people working there who are knowledgeable, friendly and supportive. I go to the garden on other days with my daughter to help out in the garden and really enjoy getting back in touch with nature. I feel it is really important to teach my daughter where food comes from and that we can grow it ourselves.

I have met lots of people at the garden who share an interest in gardening and sustainability. It is great to feel in touch with my local community, nurture the local earth and grow things together. It is so lovely to share a healthy organic nutritious meal made from the gardens produce and have a chance to chat and share ideas.

I think projects like this at Trinity are very important to educate people about growing and to keep the people of our city connected."

Luna took part in a monthly community gardening drop-in day as part of our Bristol 2015 'Grow It, Cook It, Eat It!' Project. Read more about project activities here.

We have now added the final piece of the puzzle of what is going to be a megga night on Friday 10th April, an epic visual feast featuring the stunning bespoke visuals of VJ metaLuna, complete with home-made light show and special FX, re-creating all of this in Fyfe Hall as Kassia Zermon aka 'Bunty' performs her album Multimos.

Support will come from the ever incredible Bellatrix; beatboxer and collaborator with Dizraeli, and vocal improviser Maggie Nichols who has worked with improvisers from all over the world - this is going to be a night of incredible collaboration with even a chance to get involved in an audience choir!

Coming up we can also announce two new shows to complete the line up for this year's Mayfest here at Trinity, introducing  The Secret Slowness of Movement and Stand which along side Dance Marathon create a week of innovative performances.

For those keen to get political we have plenty going on from the Anarchist Bookfair, bringing you stalls from local campaigns and groups to national anarchist distros and publishers; workshops and meetings to discuss and debate the key issues and much more. For a chance to ask your questions to local candidates check out Whyvotebristol and Thirst for Knowlegde.

If you want to get outdoors get involved with our project Grow it Cook it Eat it which kicks off this month with a Holiday Lunch Club and Seasonal Foraging Walk.

Check out lots more new events including Ariel Pink and Teachings in Dub.

Not long until we reach British Summer time and we have plenty going on to fill those longer evenings...

First up tonight we have a brand new project kicking off for budding young drummers, BrisArts introduce their new group, Bristol Youth Samba who are working up to a performance at this year's St Pauls Carnival. For young people looking for a career in dance check out the Youth Dance Road Show this Saturday, find out more about work and education in the industry and check out five awesome performances.

Thursday and Friday we welcome SOLO showcase presenting 4 premieres of new contemporary performance from Bristol-based artists: Summon the ancestors with Alice Human; spot a rabbit in the headlights with Ale Marzotto; challenge your audience etiquette with Bella Fortune and relish in an angry outburst as Hannah Sullivan explodes. Jo Hellier completes the bill with her flood inspired sound installation.

Dunkelbunt ; said to merge the diverse sounds of Europes “Wild East” with Bluegrass and Hillbilly from the American pioneers of the old “Wild West”. Sounds of the world mixed with electronic, modern club music and bass heavy beats - playing alongside Manushka, Mr Tea and the Minions this Sunday.

Also just announced Earl Sweatshirt will be gracing the Trinity stage this coming June, "with impeccable wordplay, dense rhythms and effortless melodies layered in humbling texture, it's crazy to think Earl Sweatshirt has just turned 21". Described as showing "grade-A lyricism in brilliantly dark fashion that you'd only associate with hip-hop's elite", this gig is not to be missed.

The new Bristol Youth Samba project is being run by Bris Arts, a collective of experienced arts and music practitioners. With support from Trinity, they have successfully been granted funding from Arts Council England to set up a group of 50 drummers and dancers aged 11-16 yrs old, from schools across the city. This will be the first and only group in Bristol providing free tuition for young people to take part in their own Samba group, attending weekly rehearsals leading up to a performance at St Pauls Carnival in July 2015.

Drummers (percussion) rehearsals, led by Jackson Lapes and Jordan Packham will take place at The Trinity Centre, every Wednesday, 6pm-8pm, from 18th March to 1st July.

Dance rehearsals will be held at City Academy. There will also be one rehearsal per month on a Sunday (dates tbc) and in June both the dancers and drummers will rehearse together at one of the venues.

As part of this project, Bris Arts is also looking to recruit a group of 16-18 years old to join the group as Young Music Leaders, to both perform with the group and attend training sessions specifically in leading music workshops and ensembles, run by Alex Lupo.This will be a great opportunity for young leaders to put their skills into practice by running Brazilian percussion workshops with the general public.  

The ideal candidates for Young Music Leaders should be willing and able to commit to the project, attend 3 training sessions (dates TBC) as well as the regular weekly rehearsals, and have a keen interest in developing their skills as a music leader or pursuing a career in music education. No previous experience as leader is required, just commitment and enthusiasm.

If you are interested in being a Young Music Leader, please contact Becky Stothart before the 13th March 2015: becky@brisarts.co.uk

For more information about the project and weekly rehearsals, contact Bris Arts directly: 07791505434

Born in Bristol, Gordon has lived in Fishponds all of his life. He has had a varied career, working as a burglar-alarm engineer and electrician on Concorde. He spent some time looking after his father, who passed at 91, then he joined Remploy where he worked for 13 years until retirement.

''I am a member of Trinity Walking group and have been with them for a few months. I have enjoyed the walks not been on all of them but I do when I can. I was introduced to the walking group while I was in hospital.

I suffer from mental health conditions and wanted to do something to make friends and keep active after I left the hospital. The hospital arranged a meeting here at Trinity and I came after a phone call and have been going ever since.

Due to losing friends after leaving work and neighbours passing away or moving, I have felt lonely for a long while.

Ever since I have joined this group I am developing friendships and have felt a lot better.

Not only do I get the enjoyment of of walking and the exercise that comes with it, I explore new places and visit places that has a strong family history.

It would be nice to have some more female walkers, as we are mainly men, but at the same time it's nice to walk with new people and develop friendships. During the walk we stop of somewhere and have a cup of tea and a chat. Its good for my well being.

Living on my own I sometimes get a bit lonely and this walking group has given me something to look forward to and the confidence to meet new people else where.''

Trinity runs several walking group activities, involving people from a range of ages and abilities. Click here, if you are interested in joining the Trinity Walking Group, or taking part in our other Trinity Community Garden activities.

And we have some great new events up on the website, from ex-Moloko lead-signer, Roisin Murphy, who will be performing one of a handful of warm up shows before her big sell out show at Camden Roundhouse to bluemouth inc.'s immersive site-specific performances Dance Marathon as part of Mayfest 2015.

Before then, join Julia Thorneycroft Dance Company for Get Lucky as they present Frustra, Breath:Taking and Endeavour, three performances in one night - what's not to like? If that's not enough they are even offering a welcome drink on arrival, Friday 13th March.

Don't forget to bag a ticket for this Sunday's  Radical Funnyism; with Sara Pascoe, Shazia Mirza & Kate Smurthwaite celebrating International Women's day and raising money for South West Rape Crisis Centers.

Dot to Dot 2015 have also announced further headline bands including Swim Deep, Best Coast and Fat White Family for their 10th anniversary festival - we're looking forward to finding out who will be performing here at Trinity.

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"During a period of unemployment I felt the need to go out and do something productive, regardless of a wage being involved and so I decided to volunteer at The Trinity Centre.

I initially worked at Arts West Side (Trinity's arts café satellite project) for a few months, helping to finish work on the building for its grand opening.

After completion, I started volunteering several days a week at the Trinity Centre itself, splitting my time between working with the Facilities Team and participating in various activities and training courses put on by the Centre.

I also had the opportunity to help deliver workshops in Trinity's Garden and at Arts West Side during this time.

Volunteering at Trinity has allowed me to pursue many creative projects over the course of four years and has given me new confidence to take on responsibilities at the Centre. This ultimately lead to being offered paid work at the centre after 18 months. Then in 2014, I was given the role of Facilities Coordinator.

I have learned a lot of unique skills pertaining to the everyday operations of a community arts venue, working as both a member of the Facilities Team and a Duty Manager and feel that I have been able to bring some of my own previous skills and experience to the table as well to help shape the role of what a Facilities Coordinator does.

I'm really privileged to work in an organisation that allows me to interact with such a broad spectrum of users on a daily basis and help cater to their individual needs. I think Trinity is all about the personal touch, and I have seen a lot of positive things being achieved at the Centre, through this process of warmth and respect.

In particular, the working relationships with weekly community groups who use the Centre have evolved and blossomed in my four years at the Centre and, in some cases, fundamental change in peoples perception of others - regardless of age, race or gender - has been made.

This kind of personal touch extends to all the various activities that go on at Trinity - from a 500 strong crowd at a rock gig to one-to-one advice and training for a youth music student. This is why I continue to work passionately for Trinity Community Arts and feel that it is an indispensable creative resource for the city of Bristol."

Shane Perry, Facilities Coordinator 2014

Interested in volunteering? Click here to view our latest volunteer opportunities.

On sale today as part of Mayfest 2015 is Dance Marathon by Award-winning Canadian theatre collective bluemouth inc, coming to Trinity from Tue 19-21 May.

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.