• Connection: Meet changemakers, grassroots groups, and organisations shaping Bristol’s future.
• Collaboration: The Bristol Commons and Trinity will be working in partnership to hold a people’s assembly. This is an opportunity to share your power and wisdom to help shape Bristol’s communities and futures.
• Celebration: Share in music, collaborative performances, Incredible food from The Community Kitchen and powerful stories by the fire.
• Evening Magic: There will be stories, songs, fireside conversations and feasting. The Commons will be hosting an open-mic as well as a dance powered by 1Relation Soundsystem, a local crew playing the best of roots dub & reggae. Tickets will be released separately for the evening event soon.

Themes of the Day
The heart of the festival will be built around three pillar themes that will shape the day’s conversations, workshops, and activities. Focusing on:

• Music and Arts: Explore how we can protect and nurture Bristol’s creative culture and celebrate creativity as a medium for connection and systemic change.
• Health and Care: Dive into community-driven solutions for well-being and mutual care.
• Housing: Discuss how we can protect and empower fair, sustainable, and shared living spaces for all.

Whilst being the main focus, the day is not limited to these themes and there will be workshops on a variety of other topics.

Theme of the Night

Following on from the day event join us for an evening of fresh dub sounds with 1Relation soundsystem.

About The Bristol Commons
The Bristol Commons is a growing movement rooted in Community Power, Land Justice & Systemic Change.
With a focus on joy and creativity, our aim is to nurture a culture of collaboration and cultivate a network of reciprocity between communities and organisations across Bristol. By rebuilding the commons, we can reclaim our collective power and strengthen resilience in the face of unfurling crises.

Visit their website here for more info

Understory, credit: Alastair Brookes

We are working in collaboration with Bristol School of Art to offer adult learning courses for adults living within Trinity's locality. The courses are an opportunity for adults to learn and build upon creative, employment and job related skills.

The first of these course focusses on Arts & Crafts and life skills will take place over 15-weeks and will lead to a competency-based qualification - all designed to promote progression into education and employability. This will be through by exploring core transferable skills including speaking and listening, ESOL and digital skills.

"We're looking forward to working with Trinity to bring creative educational opportunities to the local community where we hope to inspire and support learners in our friendly, inclusive environment". Lynette Evans, Bristol School of Art, Art Lecturer

The idea for the courses were first developed during the Spring of 2024 where we collaborated with Bristol School of Art to deliver a ten-week Creativity in Nature for Wellbeing course in our community garden. We shared the opportunity with local groups, partners and through out Community Connectors.  People who took part in the sessions fed back that they built confidence, met new people and felt at ease in exploring creativity in a familiar environment.

Following the success of this  Bristol School of Art offered a 10-week art course, providing taster sessions in a range of art forms, for participants to build confidence and understanding in different approaches, and the opportunities to develop and follow their interests as the course progresses.

Through this research and development we have now created a regular programme of adult learning and education to meet local need and addresses health, wellbeing and educational inequalities. Working with cross-sector partners we will strengthen recruitment and progression opportunities and co-design a new employability framework - identifying key competencies to further progression.

Find out more about our community programme and explore upcoming events here.

Photo credit: Khali Ackford, Art of Resistance

As part of our interviews exploring the future of culture in the West of England, we spoke with Cleo Lake, an artist, producer, and community leader with nearly 20 years’ experience in curating performances, cultural events, and engagement activities.

In this interview, Cleo highlights the importance of equitable funding, accessible spaces, and fresh, inclusive cultural experiences.

“We will all need to be prepared to be open to whatever is presented if we are truly to have something democratic.”

Tell us a bit about your work in the cultural sector and what drew you to this field.

I didn’t consciously enter the cultural sector, but went from an underground dance artist to doing a dance degree and then curating performances for myself and other artists. Over the last almost 20 years I have produced a number of cultural events spanning music, theatre, dance. I have also led community engagement activities and most of my work tends to relate to my African descent heritage.

What do you feel are some of the current challenges within the cultural sector and how would you suggest these could be addressed?

The challenge will almost always be funding and also spaces to create and deliver at free or low cost. Also, I think the distribution of funding is unequal because organisations with more staff and capacity will likely do better than those who don’t. I like the redistro model of funding.

How do you think the regional cultural sector could benefit from a Citizens’ Assembly model or other democratic decision-making tools?

It will open things up and get the views of ordinary people - not just middle class in-the-know artsy types. So we will all need to be prepared to be open to whatever is presented if we are truly to have something democratic! On the whole I also see it as an opportunity to lobby and/or put forward a collective view.

What are your hopes for the future of Arts and Culture in the West of England?

I hope we’ll have more opportunities for different people to be excited, moved, challenged and energised by totally new and fresh ideas and experiences. I also hope for high streets to be reignited with art, and funding to be more fairly distributed.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming Citizens' Assembly for Culture in the West of England?

It will be interesting and I hope that there will be a broad mix of people from all backgrounds. The ballet go-ers to the ravers!

Anything else you would like to add?

Arts and culture can bring people together and keep people well. I hope this platform will further champion the necessity of arts and culture.

Interested in finding out more?

• Follow Cleo on Instagram
• Read Maca Gomez-Gutierrez’s interview on leadership, inclusion, and the potential of a Citizens Assembly for Culture
• Read our six month look back at Citizens for Culture
• Read the recap of our Citizens for Culture online information sessions

About Citizens for Culture

Citizens for Culture is an initiative from St Paul Carnival CIC, Trinity Community Arts, Citizens in Power and West of England Combined Authority and is supported through funding by Arts Council England, Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch).

Following a hugely successful debut Australian tour in 2024, The Saints ’73-’78 will make their UK debut this November.

Featuring founding Saints members, guitarist Ed Kuepper and drummer Ivor Hay alongside honorary Saints; singer Mark Arm of Seattle rockers Mudhoney, former The Birthday Party / Bad Seeds guitarist Mick Harvey and bassist Peter Oxley of Australia’s legendary Sunnyboys, The Saints ’73 -’78 carry on where the original band left off in 1978 performing the material from their three incendiary albums (I’m) Stranded (1977), Eternally Yours (1978) and Prehistoric Sounds (1978).

+ Support; Chimers

Please note this is a standing event, accessible seating is available. To reserve a limited seating spot and/or arrange a companion ticket, please contact info@trinitybristol.org.uk

Last entry: 2 hours before curfew

Venue levy: Trinity has introduced £1 restoration levy on every ticket sold. This income will be used to create a dedicated fund for critical building works, that will protect and maintain the Trinity Centre building and grounds.

Honouring the art of assembly, choreographer Dam Van Huynh explores alternative methods of dissent, drawing on noise to embody defiance and celebrating the power of coming together.

Sounds of protest against inequalities take centre stage, creating a unique sensory experience through music, lights and movement.

This is a dance between disruption and communion, an invitation to wake up our collective spirit in an act of solidarity and care.

“This is a performance which pushes at the boundaries of what dance can be (…)” **** To Do List, Re:birth, 2023

"A highly captivating, emotional and explicit work that challenges how we situate ourselves within(out) our society." Dance Art Journal, In Realness, 2022

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England with further support from The Arts Centre at Edge Hill University, Pavilion Dance South West and Centre 151

This performance is part of Trinity Presents

Free-spirited Milly is drawn to the parties and festivals of the new travelling community. She dances, talks and explores – looking for a different kind of life for herself. Does she want to live a life on the road, like the people she meets beside the fire and by their vans?

What is living on the road really like and can Milly find a place for herself there?

Roadside is a chaotic and tender exploration of what creating a home for yourself can mean.

Show Times

Friday 28th March 7pm - 8pm - Buy Tickets

Sunday 30th March 3pm - 4pm - Buy Tickets

Lead Artist/Performer/Writer - Maddie Wakeling

Direction & Dramaturgy - Dominika Ucar

Movement Direction - Laila Diallo

Sound Design - Lisa Meech

Lighting Design - Joe Price

Set & Costume Design - Kiera Saunders

Sound Associate & Technician - Hattie North

Set Design Assistant - Callum Govan

Producer - Emma Hill

With thanks to - Dora Darling, Esme White, Benjamin Teletext, Captain Greenbones and Mole Boy.

Initially developed as part of Starting Blocks 2023 at Camden People's Theatre. Supported by Arts Council England, Trinity Centre and The Cockpit.

Focused on banging tunes, fashion, rave, DIY, crafting and up-cycling this event is the place to be on Saturday the 22nd of February (before your weekend adventure to the club or across the country).

Come along! Bring that knitting project you gave up on last year, bring your mate who wears the coolest garms, come with paints, your needles and thread or just a jumper you don't wear anymore.

Kraft-tek is a space for anyone to explore their creativity through music, up-cycling, creating, fashion and decor with a sober bar. If you like sick DJs, cool clothes, or just want to get out the house and try something new then we have your Saturday covered!

Psy Dub - Techno - Tekno - Acid - Tek

DIY or DIE

There is a potential for flash photography at this event - please drop us a message on Instagram if this may be an issue for you @graceful.sounds

Entry requirements: 18+

Featuring Headliners from Bristol and beyond.

Music | Food | Dancers | Bouncy Castle | Face painting | African Cultural Showcase | Games | Kids Entertainment

The following age group below can pay at the gate on event day.

£5 for 6-13 years *must be accompany by an adult*

Under 5 years old are FREE

Please note this is a standing event, accessible seating is available. To reserve a limited seating spot and/or arrange a companion ticket, please contact info@trinitybristol.org.uk

Join Voscur and friends for Unlocking Social Enterprise Opportunities 2025. This free event will inspire and equip you with the tools and knowledge to take your charity or CIC to the next level on your social enterprise journey.

You will be joined by expert speakers from local community organisations, who will be hosting workshops on a range of topics, as well as stalls from local agencies, time for networking and information on social investment opportunities.

Schedule
9.15 – 9.30 Arrival & refreshments
9:30 – 9:45 Welcome
9.45 – 10.30 Workshop 1 & 2
10.30 – 11.00 Networking & refreshments
11.00 – 11:30 Presentation
11.30 – 12.15 Workshop 3 & 4
12.15 – 13.00 Reflections, networking & close
13.00 – 14.00 Optional lunch (see below)

The band released their debut studio album, Script of the Bridge in 1983.

Support: The Veldt

Please note this is a standing event, accessible seating is available. To reserve a limited seating spot and/or arrange a companion ticket, please contact info@trinitybristol.org.uk

Last entry: 2 hours before curfew

Venue levy: Trinity has introduced a £1 Restoration Levy on every event ticket sold. This income will be used to create a dedicated fund for critical building works that will protect and maintain the Trinity Centre building and grounds.

Free Entry and Seeds.

We want as many people as possible to grow food and to get into gardening generally. Money should be no barrier to doing so.

Donations for entry and for seeds are welcome if you can afford it - it is entirely at your discretion, no one is going to ask you about it.

Bristol Seed Swap Events are self-funding and run entirely by volunteers. Next year's event depends on this year's breaking even.

I don't have seeds to swap, can I still join in? Absolutely yes.

Everyone has to start somewhere, and we want to get everyone growing - whether you have a window box, a small Bristol front garden or are on the waiting list for an allotment.

more info: https://www.bristolseedswap.com/

Komposa has been gracing us with his beats, gritty flows and lyricism for some years with his music aired and supported by various local and national radio outlets. Expect hard hitting flows and content, combined with Soulful Melodic sounds, whether accompanied by live instrumentation or set heavy beats, Komposa is on a mission to make you sit up and listen.

Lyandra is a UK born Nigerian rapper, performer, and recording artist who hails from bayelsa state, southern Nigeria. She was raised in port harcourt (rivers state) and spent most of her youth in Los Angeles, California, where she developed her music and performing arts, She now resides in Lagos where she’s rebuilding her brand. Lyandra has penchant for Afro hip-hop, drill and witty rap, delivering prolific lyrics, stage presence, and high energy performances.

CON is the moniker of Constance Bowes combining the best of modern jazz and popular Funk, to produce a distinct sound that highlights the juxtaposition of her colourful melodies and compassionate lyrics.

Please note this is a half seated, half standing event. First come, first served, unless reserved prior for people with accessible needs.

17:00: Doors

18:30: Last entry

20:00: Curfew

About Trinity Presents:

This is part of Trinity Presents - our in-house programme of music and performance, bringing world-class artists and emerging talent to inner-city audiences.

Venue levy: Trinity has introduced a £1 Restoration Levy on every event ticket sold. This income will be used to create a dedicated fund for critical building works that will protect and maintain the Trinity Centre building and grounds.

Wedding songs & wicked bass,

Our skin to our soul,

Our soul to yours.

We present to you a deep exploration of what being South Asian was, is and could be, recontextualising songs of the heritage in the setting we hope you feel most comfortable.

• Arabesque
• Rea
• Brown Excellence ft Vishnu (live tabla)

Powered by Sinai Soundsystem

If you want to hear:

• Bhangra & bollywood bangers on a rig
• Arabic funk run loud through a system
• Fresh UK Bass interpretations of South Asian rhythm and melodies

Then get involved x

Please note this is a standing event, accessible seating is available.

Last entry: 2 hours before curfew

About Trinity Presents

This is part of Trinity Presents - our in-house programme of music and performance, bringing world-class artists and emerging talent to inner-city audiences.

As we prepare for the upcoming Citizens’ Assembly for Culture, we’re speaking to leading voices in cultural engagement and democratic decision-making to inform and inspire the process. The Assembly will bring together citizens - people living, working or staying in the West of England - to shape a regional cultural offer that is inclusive and accessible.

In this interview, we hear from Maca Gomez-Gutierrez, an engagement professional and creative research producer. Maca has a decade of experience connecting research, culture, and community. From co-producing public engagement programs at We The Curious to supporting grassroots organizations in Colombia, her work highlights the transformative power of arts and culture.

Maca shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in the cultural sector, the importance of diverse leadership, and how a Citizens’ Assembly can help amplify underrepresented voices.

“The Assembly will provide a level of public participation with regional impact that could reframe the way we think about culture”

Hi Maca! Tell us a bit about your work in the cultural sector and what drew you to this field.

As an engagement professional and creative research producer, I am interested in bringing research (in its broadest sense) into the cultural landscape, out of confinement into a space where everyone can be part of the conversation, and everyone’s experience, knowledge and expertise is recognised, welcomed and valued.

I have c. 10 years’ experience in both the UK and global south, most recently (2018-2023) producing We The Curious' public engagement with research programme of activities, workshops and participatory experiences, co-produced with research and community partners. Besides that, a personal favourite of mine (and close to my heart as I’m Colombian!) has been to produce Bringing Memories in from the Margins where I worked with grassroots organisations in Colombia and supported them to bring their creative projects to Bristol. Part of the MEMPAZ Project on inclusive transitional justice and creative memory processes for reconciliation in Colombia, Bringing Memories in from the Margins was a public programme of events including food, theatre, music and photography that took place over a week in March 2023 across multiple venues.

Personally, I like to mull over things, question, get angry, celebrate, explore alternatives; and I enjoy creating collective experiences and spaces where others might do so as well. There are so many important conversations and developments happening in the research world and we should all be participating in these. I think arts and culture have the potential to bring together all sorts of topics, practices, and experiences in ways that are innovative, surprising, engaging and that talk to and challenge our humanity; that’s what’s drawn me into this field.

What do you feel are some of the current challenges within the cultural sector and how would you suggest these could be addressed?

Beyond the obvious (lack of funding!), I feel there is a lack of diversity at leadership level. Specifically, a lack of diversity of ideas which of course arise from a lack of diversity of life experiences. I believe that a step towards solving this challenge is to recognise that leadership exists in different ways, and that many leaders sit outside the hierarchical structures of cultural organisations; implementing a collective approach to leadership can only be beneficial for the sector.

An additional challenge for me is how can we, as a sector, provide a cultural offer that reflects the ever evolving and changing nature of culture; particularly when we often experience a version of it that is static and monolithic. For me, once we recognise that culture is not only what has been labelled as so in museums, galleries etc. but an essential part of our everyday life- what we eat, how we eat, how we dress, the music we listen to, the very expression of our selves- then the cultural offer will increasingly reflect this and inhabit an ever growing diversity of spaces and experiences.

How do you think the regional cultural sector could benefit from a Citizens’ Assembly model or other democratic decision-making tools?

A Citizen’s Assembly model has the potential to bring into the conversation voices that are not usually present, have very low representation or might be completely excluded. For people participating in them, there can be a sense of ownership, of being able to have a say in what cultural offer their community and beyond might be able to engage with in the future.

This can only benefit the regional cultural sector since a sense of collective ownership and belonging can lead to more engagement with existing and future cultural offer. What’s more, the Assembly provides an opportunity for cultural organisations in the region to better understand people’s wants and needs, especially of those who are not regularly, if at all, coming through the doors.

What are your hopes for the future of Arts and Culture in the West of England?

I would like the arts and culture sector in the West of England (and everywhere else as a matter of fact!) to be a viable career option for young people of all backgrounds and not just for the ones who can afford it; and I would like the required infrastructure to support this to be in place e.g., strong arts programmes at schools, access to culture, paid training opportunities etc.

I would also like arts and culture to be truly recognised and valued as an important vehicle for civic engagement. Arts and culture permeate everything, it is the soil where an infinite number of wonderful things can grow on. We need a well-kept and healthy soil, one from where conversations, interactions, partnerships, friendships and action can sprout.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming Citizens' Assembly for Culture in the West of England?

It’s very exciting! The Assembly will provide a level of public participation with regional impact that could reframe the way we think about culture- what is culture and who gets to decide it? what do people want to consume and where? etc.- as well as potentially catalyse a truly innovative cultural offer.

I also believe that it could be the beginning of a stronger relationship of trust and partnership between audiences and the cultural sector, rooted in that very sense of ownership and belonging, which makes the uptake of the Assembly recommendations even more crucial as there will be an expectation to see at least some of the outputs from the Assembly materialise in a future cultural offer.

Anything else you would like to add?

As I was typing these answers, a thought came to me: a Citizen’s Assembly model could allow the ones of us who cannot vote in any elections (not British, not Commonwealth, not European) an opportunity to participate in democratic processes; and this can only be a good thing.

Interested in finding out more?

About Citizens for Culture

Citizens for Culture is an initiative from St Paul Carnival CIC, Trinity Community Arts, Citizens in Power and West of England Combined Authority and is supported through funding by Arts Council England, Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch).

We thought as the clock strikes 12 it would be nice to spend time dancing, hugging and enjoying each other. We’re putting on a party to celebrate love in all it’s forms. Platonic love, friendship love, family love, romantic love, the love of dancing, just love.

We’ve invited some friends down to play music that means the word ‘love’ to them.
Soup will be available.

It’s going to be really cute and heartwarming.

Expect: Soul music, lovers rock, old n lovely ska & all kinds of other lovely bits and bobs.

Powered by our lovely friends at Dharma Hifi.

Tickets start at £5 and are done on a what you can afford on honesty scheme.

Come out of hibernation and beat the winter blues with us.

About Trinity Presents

This is part of Trinity Presents - our in-house programme of music and performance, bringing world-class artists and emerging talent to inner-city audiences.