Eleri is one of Trinity’s part-time music tutors, working closely with young people to help them explore, experiment, and grow through music. Her one-to-one sessions cover a wide range of skills, from singing and music production to learning instruments like drums, always with a focus on building confidence, creativity, and technical ability in a supportive, nurturing environment.

Alongside her individual tuition, Eleri co-runs Move On Music in partnership with Bristol Drugs Project. This weekly group is a progression from BDP’s Beginners Music programme and offers a space for participants to build on existing skills, connect with others with shared experiences, and enjoy making music in a relaxed, judgment-free setting.

And there’s more to come. Beginning in March 2026, Eleri will lead brand new after-school music sessions with Year 6 children at Easton CE Primary School. This marks an exciting next step in strengthening our partnerships with local schools and expanding opportunities for children and young people to get creative through music.

Earlier this month, we caught up with Eleri. Here's what she had to say:

Hey Eleri, what do you enjoy most about teaching music in our community?

I love connecting with people of all ages from all walks of life through the universal language of music. Everyone has something to say, and providing my community with the means to express themselves in their own way, as well as the chance to be heard, is the best part of my job.

What projects are you involved with at Trinity Community Arts?

I have fingers in many pies here at Trinity! I run a weekly session in partnership with BDP's Creative Communities called Move on Music, aimed at anyone with a lived experience of drug and alcohol who would like to build on skills already learnt at BDP's beginner music groups. I also regularly help out with Next Gen, our open-access music group for 14-25 year olds, where young people can do anything from taking part in live instrumental jams to DJing and recording beats. When I'm not taking part in these groups, then I'm facilitating 1:1 music sessions in our studios or working live gigs and events as a sound engineer.

What things are you involved with coming up in 2026 that we can look out for?

Trinity will now be putting on after-school music clubs for primary and secondary schools in the area, taking in some equipment such as our new Ableton Push and teaching children how to make music in a fun and interactive way. We also plan on hosting a school holiday club over the summer, which would be building on the same skills. I will also be involved in various BDP Creative Communities Concerts that will be happening throughout the year at Trinity Centre, as well as a couple more projects that we're still developing. It's looking like an exciting year for our music department

Trinity launches Seedling Sessions 2026 with International Women’s Day showcase celebrating women shaping Bristol’s music scene

Trinity will mark International Women’s Day 2026 by launching a new chapter of Seedling Sessions, spotlighting women shaping Bristol’s grassroots music scene both on and off stage.

Taking place on Sunday 8 March 2026 in Trinity’s Fyfe Hall, Seedling Sessions: Celebrating Women in Music continues the Trinity Presents 2026 programme with a bold, women-led showcase as part of Trinity’s 50th year of community arts.

Founded in 2016 by Bristol artist MĀDŁY, Seedling Sessions was created to address the lack of accessible platforms for emerging artists and creatives, particularly women and people from underrepresented backgrounds. This celebration builds on that legacy with a renewed focus on off-stage pathways, alongside live performance for women and non-binary local talent.

This iteration of Seedling Sessions launches at a time when gender inequality remains deeply embedded across the UK music industry.

Despite women making up over half of the music workforce, they hold just “27% of CEO roles” within the UK live music sector (LIVE & Women in CTRL, 2025). On stage, representation remains similarly uneven, “63% of acts were male, compared to around 21% female or female‑fronted acts,” equating to roughly one woman for every three men booked (A2D2, 2024). Behind the scenes, the imbalance is most extreme, with women making up just “5–7% of audio engineers and producers” (Birmingham City University / UK music technology sector estimate).

This edition of Seedling Sessions showcases local independent artists working across hip hop, pop, dance, punk and alternative music, while recognising the technical, creative and organisational roles that make grassroots music possible, reflecting the depth and diversity of women driving the city’s grassroots music scene today.

Line-up announced:

Badliana

A Bristol-based artist known for her dark and alternative sound, blending grime, rap, and alternative R&B with haunting vocals. A fearless performer, she has gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 1XTRA, and BBC Introducing. Currently part of Big Team's Next Level program, she is gearing up for 2026 with new releases, including the single "Bright Lights."

RED

RED is an exciting new voice in pop and dance music. Based in Bristol, this singer, songwriter, and producer blends infectious beats with emotionally charged songwriting and self-created 3D visuals. Her unapologetically queer, genre-defying music fuses glossy pop, underground club energy, and personal storytelling.

Moxie Dolls

An all girl alt/indie rock band from Bristol, advocating for feminist change in the music industry. Known for their catchy riffs and heavy sound, they have sold out venues like The Louisiana and Café Kino while building a strong presence in the local scene.

Speaking about Seedling Sessions, founder Cassie MĀDŁY commented:

“Seedling Sessions started 10 years ago as a response to seeing how many talented people were being overlooked or excluded from opportunities in music, especially women and people from underrepresented backgrounds. This International Women’s Day show isn’t about box-ticking – it’s about recognising the women who are already shaping our scene, on stage and behind the scenes, and creating space for them to thrive.”

One previous sound technician, Eleri Hewitt commented:

"Breaking into live sound can feel really closed-off, especially if you don’t already have connections. Seedling Sessions opened a door for me, it wasn’t just about helping out, it was about being supported and taken seriously."

This show forms part of Trinity Presents, Trinity’s in-house programme bringing outstanding performers and exciting new voices to communities at the heart of the city. The announcement follows previously revealed Trinity Presents shows, including Grove (sold out), and Mia Kodan & Friends.

As Trinity celebrates 50 years of music, community and empowerment, Seedling Sessions 2026 reinforces its ongoing commitment to nurturing talent, amplifying underrepresented voices, and supporting the future of grassroots music in Bristol.

Event listing details

Seedling Sessions: Celebrating Women in Music 
Date: Sunday 8 March 2026 
Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm 
Venue: Trinity Centre, Fyfe Hall 
Tickets: Available via Headfirst
Age: 14+ (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult) 
Last entry: 2 hours before curfew

We’re reflecting on the energy and creativity shared at last week’s launch of Freedom 25: Poetic Placards & Billboards, Trinity’s contribution to the national Our Freedom: Then & Now programme led by Future Arts Centres. The project brings together 60 arts centres and libraries across the UK to mark 80 years since VE/VJ Day and explore what freedom means today.

Over the past four months, participants from across Bristol, including local residents, refugee and asylum-seeking communities, and Caribbean Elders, have taken part in creative writing sessions with Bristol City Poet, Sukina Noor, and Heritage Curator, Dr Edson Burton. These conversations and workshops uncovered personal reflections, memories and hopes, forming the foundation for a series of autumn printmaking sessions led by visual artist Sonja Burniston.

Their incredible work is on display in Trinity’s Graffiti Room November 2025 as part of a new exhibition of poetic placards and prints. Alongside this, a large-scale Billboard Art installation was unveiled last week in Old Market Community Garden, created in partnership with Build Hollywood and inspired directly by the words and ideas shared throughout the project.

Speaking after the celebration event, Jen, Trinity’s Arts Engagement Manager, said:

“Seeing participants find their voices reflected publicly was incredibly moving. This project has shown how creativity can build confidence, connection and a genuine sense of belonging.”

The launch brought together participants, artists, partners and supporters to mark the culmination of this collaborative journey and to celebrate Bristol’s rich tapestry of voices exploring what freedom means to our communities.

Artist Sonja reflected on her experience working with participants, saying:

"I think this project is really exciting and so important right now! It’s happening in art centres and libraries, places where people can come together to share and tell their stories. These gatherings help us feel connected and remind us that we’re not just shouting into the void or quietly holding onto our thoughts in a world that often seems a bit chaotic due to global politics."

Sonja continues:

"It’s comforting to realise there are others out there who share our beliefs and values. Without these spaces and moments to talk about what really matters, it can feel pretty lonely. I’ve found it really special to be with others who get it. We’re all allies in wanting freedom for each other, and it’s wonderful to advocate for that together!"

Please check out the Our Freedom film to experience these powerful reflections on freedom, identity and community.

Trinity Garden Party, May 2024 - Image by Alistair Brookes

As I conclude my second year as Chair of Trustees, I remain deeply inspired by the continued passion and resilience of our community, team, and partners. Thank you to everyone who has stood alongside us — your support continues to be the foundation of our success.

This year’s Annual Report offers a powerful reflection on how far we’ve come. Building on the foundations laid in 2023/24, we’ve not only sustained a vibrant, inclusive cultural programme but also deepened our roots across the city - reaching new audiences, developing stronger partnerships, and affirming our role as a civic hub.

Over the year, we welcomed 70,998 visitors through our doors - taking part in everything from grassroots gigs to family-friendly festivals. The successful delivery of our Children & Young People’s Programme, including the launch of a two-year Cultural Alliance strategic partnership with three local primary schools.

We delivered an expanded offer of free and low-cost community activities reaching communities and neighbourhoods in our immediate catchment area. The successful embedding of a targeted place-based neighbourhood programme led to the co-design of a new adult provision in partnership with Bristol Drugs Project and Bristol College of Art.

Many will be familar with Trinity as a live venue and our audiences of over 40,000 attendees took part in a diverse cultural offer of over 1,400 events featuring 326 artists across multiple artforms and disciplines.

Beyond our walls, we also strengthened commitment to equity by playing a strategic role in the West of England Combined Authority's first Citizens’ Assembly, to shape a citizen-led cultural delivery plan for the region.

Notably we also progressed in our efforts to restore Jacobs Wells Baths - undertaking the first steps to transform it into a much-needed civic arts space for Bristol and the wider region.

I’m especially proud of how the Trinity team has continued to lead with integrity and creativity. Their willingness to adapt, experiment, and work collaboratively has ensured our work remains relevant, responsive, and impactful.

As we look ahead, we do so with renewed focus. We know the challenges our communities face, but we also recognise the role creativity plays in shaping a more hopeful, connected future. Together, we remain committed to our mission: Creative Expression for All.

Thank you once again for being part of this journey.

With appreciation and sincerest thanks to all who took part, worked with and supported us throughout the year.

Chris Luffingham, Chair of Trustees

The Observer recently asked whether we are “raising a culturally illiterate generation,” highlighting the impact of reduced arts provision in schools. At Trinity, our 2024 community consultation and targeted work with local schools confirmed the challenge but also showed that creativity has the power to meaningfully engage pupils with learning, can transform classrooms, build confidence, and strengthen inclusion.

Through our Cultural Alliance programme, a two-year initiative supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, we’ve partnered with three Bristol primary schools to bring weekly creative learning to every Key Stage 2 pupil. Working with community partners acta (theatre) and Movema (dance), we have co-designed an arts-based curriculum that links art into their everyday school learning themes and introduces children to new skills while supporting their wellbeing and engagement with learning.

Even after just one year, the impact is positive and clear. Pupils are gaining confidence and teamwork skills, teachers are discovering fresh tools to engage their classes, and schools are starting to see creativity as a catalyst for stronger connection. Parents, too, are recognising Trinity as a trusted partner in their child’s education, and are reporting that their children are sharing their learning more at home due to the creative ways in which they are learning.

One year 4 pupil from Evergreen Primary said: “Being active helps our learning. Our dance sessions are a different way of learning and give us good energy.”

Our evaluation, led by Dr Harriet Hand (University of Bristol), asks deeper questions about arts in schools: How can it reduce absenteeism, challenge assumptions about behaviour, and support inclusion? As Furaha Asani, Associate Researcher at Paul Hamlyn Foundation, notes: “Through a more relaxed, embodied, and playful environment, young people can access different ways of engaging - socialising into a new kind of contract with the learning environment, one built on trust.”

This is our antidote to cultural illiteracy: creativity that nurtures resilience, builds connection, and equips children not just to succeed at school, but to thrive in life.

Significant progress has been made at Jacobs Wells Baths over the summer months, as Phase 1 restoration works continue to transform this much-loved Grade II Listed building into a vibrant hub for community, creativity, and culture.

A major step forward this summer was the completion of extensive asbestos decontamination, made possible through funding from the Community Ownership Fund and match funders.

This vital work has opened up parts of the building never before accessible to the public – including The Pump Room, whose raw industrial character hints at exciting potential for future arts and cultural use.

Comprehensive condition surveys have also been completed in partnership with Mann Williams and PH3 Design, alongside ecological and specialist heritage assessments with input from an industrial heritage expert.

Mann Willimas commented:

"We are proud to be supporting the restoration project to save Jacobs Wells Baths, embracing its vision for a bold and ambitious future"

Repairs to the South Studio roof, supported by Historic England and other funders, mark the first visible transformation of the building’s fabric, with new glazing now installed.

Carrek Ltd has led specialist conservation works including roof and masonry repairs, and has now been appointed as lead contractor for the main hall roof restoration. Planned works will ensure the building becomes watertight, energy-efficient, and sustainable for the long term, with improvements to drainage, masonry, and rainwater systems.

Carrek Ltd commented:

“Jacobs Wells Baths, a Grade II listed Victorian landmark in Bristol, is undergoing a major restoration after years of vacancy. Thanks to funding from the Community Ownership Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and others, the site is being revived as a vibrant hub for arts, youth, and community activity via Trinity Community Arts.

Specialist conservation work has included: Re-roofing, Glazing, Masonry repairs and the restoration of historic features and original brickwork. Skilled craftsmanship is helping to preserve the building’s unique character for future generations.”

The many roofs of Jacobs Wells Baths – covering the South Studio, Main Studio (former swimming pool), and North Wing – are defining features of this “people’s palace.” Originally designed to flood the interiors with natural light, these structures now present a significant conservation challenge due to their scale and delicate construction.

“The roofs present a real challenge owing to their huge scale and the delicate nature of their construction. These works – which have already commenced with the restoration of the South Studio glazing thanks to support from Historic England is a huge step forward. The next phase will focus on the Main Studio roof – allowing light to once again fill the space and marking a major milestone in the restoration and repair of this historic Victorian bathhouse.

The extensive scaffolding required will be a remarkable sight in itself, wrapping the building so that work can continue whatever the weather.”

– Nicola Dyer, Project Manager

Further enabling works are underway, including the temporary removal of the sprung dance floor to reveal the historic pool basin and erection of a complex scaffolding system to support roof works. This is a big and complex project that could not happen without continued support from our funders and the community.

Whilst access into the building is still limited, alongside construction work, the project team has been busy building connections with the local community. Over the summer, family drop-in sessions at Brandon House and the first “I Danced in Jacobs Wells” reminiscence event brought together former dancers and residents to share memories of the building’s past. These stories will form part of a growing digital archive celebrating stories, heritage and people.

“The sessions brought people together as they went on. More and more attendees joined, and we all had a great time! The activities were planned well, and the organisers did an excellent job. The children enjoyed themselves, and I hope we can have more sessions like this in the future.”

– Fartun Noor, summer community activity participant

This November, the team will host further community consultation sessions, including creative workshops with Hotwells Primary, Willow Park Primary, and Cotham Secondary, led by heritage specialists Local Learning. These sessions will inform Phase 2 restoration and design plans, ensuring that youth and community voices help shape the building’s future.

Get Involved

Stay up to date with restoration progress, events, and opportunities to take part:

Join our mailing list or contact jude@trinitybristol.org.uk for information on upcoming community consultation sessions and community activities.

About Saving Jacobs Wells Baths

Trinity is on a mission to transform a Grade II listed Victorian bathhouse and former dance centre in Hotwells, Bristol - once at risk of being lost - into a vibrant multi-use community, arts and heritage hub.

In 2023, Trinity secured a 35-year lease on the building and launched a public campaign to restore and reopen the iconic heritage site as a multi-purpose community arts hub. Read more here.