Speak Out is our arts and activism creative programme that empowers young people  to use creativity to take action about the issues they care about.

Running throughout 2024 Speak Out was created in consultation with over 150 Bristol based young people who helped shape the delivery and themes explored throughout the programme.

In the first series of workshops students from City of Bristol College joined textile designer Carene Leslie in exploring the theme of ‘Future Proofing’. This included collectively exploring what a shared sustainable future looks like through designing and 'upcycling' sustainable clothes.

Young people then joined Kabbo Ferdinand – an African Indigenous storyteller and Natasha Gatward - Eco designer to explore their personal experiences of Neurodiversity through freeform movement, performance and storytelling

"My son has had a renewed interest in leaving the house. Whereas before he was always late for school, he was often arriving early to sessions showing eagerness to take part in project activities.” Feedback, Parent

The final series of workshops were hosted by hip-hop artist MoYah and Bristol City Poet Sukina Noor who supported young people to use writing and music-making skills to explore the theme of ‘Home’.

Many of the 22 young people who took part in Speak Out attended the end-of project celebration at Trinity – bringing along friends and family to enjoy a show of upcycled textiles, music and spoken word performances.

Get involved

We are inviting 16yr-18yr olds to take part in a consultation to help shape the future of Speak Out on 30/31 Oct 2024. Click here to find out more

About Speak Out

Speak Out is supported by the We Move Fund: Youth Social Action aims to empower Black children and young people through Youth Social Action. Speak Out was developed following an indepth consultation with over 150 young people that took place across in person events; performances and within education settings.

Soundsystem vibration will be heavier than ever with the first outing of the updated full Loose Sound stack across the room from the full Felt stack. Round 2. 
If you made it to the last one you know the vibe... If you didn't, this most certainly isn't one to miss, come and find out for yoursel. 
As usual, sounds from all around coming from all corners of the hall in a Sound Clash style. Spanning from Breakbeat & Bhangra to, Rockin' Roll & Roots to, Dancehall & Drums and more..

They employ you to share a dancefloor and be who you want to be in a room full of friends, family and wonderful randomers. T

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

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.

In 2015, the project became a duo, with Stephenson recruiting percussionist Sean Kelly to play live drums. They make high energy yet surreal breakcore, digital hardcore, and footwork from the future apocalypse.

+ support: Mun sing // Silverwing Killer

19:00: Doors

19:30: Silverwingkiller

20:15: Mun Sing

21:15: Machine Girl

23:00: Curfew

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

Last entry 2hours 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.

Young people are invited to come along to the two-day consultation to share insights and experience of accessing culture and creativity and explore questions such as ‘what does creativity and art mean'.

On hand will be Speak Out facilitators Moyah and Natasha Gatward alongside Bristol City Poet Sukina Noor who will be present to help shape ideas, host creative games and lead sessions.

Plus - snacks and lunch will be provided and young people are able to claim vouchers for attending the sessions.

What you need to know:

When: Sessions are on 30/31 October 2024, 11am – 2pm

Where: The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS5 0NW

How to sign up: We are sorry but the event is now full. If you would like to join the waiting list please email sarahf@trinitybristol.org.uk

About Speak Out

Speak Out is supported by the We Move Fund: Youth Social Action aims to empower Black children and young people through Youth Social Action. Speak Out was developed following an Indepth consultation with over 150 young people that took place across in person events; performances and within education settings.

Credit: Alison Ray Dance Company

The Unknown Soldier is a performance piece revealing the hidden histories of black British servicemen and women who fought for Britain during the First and Second World Wars. Created by Alison Ray Dance Company, the show explores the personal stories of the brave men and women of Black British heritage and the part they played in Britain’s successful war effort.

Ahead of show at Trinity on 19 October 2024 we caught up with company director, Alison Ray MA, to find out more about the making of the show.

"At the heart of The Unknown Soldier lies a captivating blend of dance styles, from the spirited rhythms of African and Caribbean movements to the fast, energetic Lindy hop dance to the poignant grace of contemporary dance"

Hey Alison, tell us a bit about the inspiration for this show

From a child, I learnt about Black servicemen in World War I and World War II following a trip to Barbados. The Prime Minister of Barbados at the time was the right honourable Errol Barrow who I also discovered was a RAF navigator in World War II. Upon our return to the UK, I was often surprised to see on television, that there were no black servicemen at the time in the Remembrance Services. Then, in 2014, during my master’s studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, I had the opportunity to see the Sea of Poppies installation at the Tower of London. This installation inspired me to create this work, and I realised then that I could create The Unknown Solider, it’s a piece very close to my heart, something I’ve always wanted to choreograph.

The show uses different dance forms - can you tell us a little about the significance of these within the show?

At the heart of The Unknown Soldier lies a captivating blend of dance styles, from the spirited rhythms of African and Caribbean movements to the fast, energetic Lindy hop dance to the poignant grace of contemporary dance. Lindy hop was a dance form that supported the heart during the war years. Through this energetic and joyful dance style, soldiers, family, and friends, could let go and find the strength to carry on… The choreography serves as a vessel, carrying the audience through the tumultuous journey of these brave servicemen and women as they navigate the perils of war and the complexities of identity.

The cast of three dancers weaves together episodes that are sometimes explorations of theme and place (a duet between two men portrays the choreography of soldier hood with forceful lines and balances of support) and sometimes historical narrative integrated with movement. All this is accompanied through live music, including violin and drums, to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and ambiguity, of embarking on this journey to the unknown.

Tickets for The Unknown Soldier start at £9

About Lady Nade
Lady Nade, a Bristol-based, award-winning vocalist takes time out to come and deliver this exciting workshop on vocal technique which will feature a short performance and then useful insights into how best to use your voice to sing. There will be a chance to sing with others in the process and try out what you're learning in a safe supportive space, and finally sit down and make some notes on what you've learnt and how you can best use this on your own creative path.

Gus Fairbairn, aka Alabaster DePlume, is an English jazz musician, saxophonist, spoken word poet, composer, and activist.

He has a pocketful of phrases that he uses all the time whether he’s walking down the street or holding court with musicians and an audience. For a long time the Mancunian would tell anyone who’d listen that they were doing very well. More recently, it’s another phrase which has a similar effect and which belies his unwavering commitment to personal vulnerability and collective politics: “Don’t forget you’re precious.”

A process that is people-first not product-first ensures that the music is unique; often gem-like. Alabaster DePlume’s songs are built on sonorous circular melodies and luminous tones that transmit calmness and generosity in warm waves – unless they’re raging against complacency and the everyday inhumanity of end times capitalism. Most importantly, he brings a valuable transparency to his work. “This is what I’m really doing,” he says. “I want to talk about why I’m doing this, and how I’m doing this.

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

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.

Festus Celebrations 2023 - Image Credit: Francisco Vicaria

This December we are hosting Festus - a fun packed festive themed all-day market celebrating African  Caribbean and Black British culture.

Taking place on Sunday 14 December, Festus market will host stalls from local traders selling African Caribbean and Black British goods. There will also be family-friendly craft activities, storytelling, games and a great soundtrack throughout the day.

"I had wicked fun. When are you doing it again?" Feedback, Festus

Stalls included traditional textiles, artisans and craft stalls and information stands from community organisations.

We’re keen to provide a wide range of stalls with original gifts, ethical products and information stands from community organisations. Please contact info@trinitybristol.org.uk with any questions.

Sign up to be a stall holder

• Fill in our online form here to request a stall
• The deadline to apply is 9am Monday 17 Nov 2025

Coexist Community Kitchen Sessions - Image Credit: Francisco Vicaria

During the summer we offered a series of gardening and cooking sessions in our Community Garden. These sessions are delivered in partnership with Coexist Community Kitchen and are designed to combine Coexist’s culinary skills with Trinity’s gardening knowledge, drawing on the rich variety of produce available in our garden.

“Some people don’t really know anyone in Bristol, and I think that gentleness that gardening and cooking offers of socialising but whilst having your hands busy allows you to connect through more than just words, through a shared activity. I feel like there is more of a sense of community with some people who come along” - Fleur Handley, Trinity Garden Project Facilitator

The sessions area space for people to connect with nature, develop cooking and gardening skills and meet new people. Many participants have lived experience of the asylum-system and live in temporary accommodation with little access to cooking facilities or green spaces.

During the sessions participants explored the outdoor spaces; picked and selected food from the community garden to cook with during the project.  Other activities included outdoor cooking over an open fire, harvesting seasonal produce, tending to the garden, and coming together to share a meal that participants create as a group.

These garden sessions where developed in response to addressing increasing isolation felt by many during the pandemic in 2020/2021 when outdoor activities were still permitted under lockdown restrictions. Since then, we have continued to offer two six-week blocks of these sessions every year. Click here to find out more.

We hope to continue this valuable partnership with Coexist in spring 2025 when our garden comes back into bloom and the first bits of produce start appearing. Click here to find out more about our regular gardening opportunities at Trinity.

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

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.

Explore a variety of art-making techniques to support your heath and wellbeing, using nature for inspiration and the garden plants and natural resources as materials.

To enrol you must be able to commit for the 10 weeks. No previous art experience necessary and all art materials are provided. This is not a drop in course. To enrol onto the course or find out more information see here.

This is a partnership between Trinity Community Arts and Bristol School of Art / South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

Don’t forget to bring items for the monthly kinky clothes swap. 

Stalls by:

• Anita Waz Threads
• Collared by Miles
• Chipper Leather Co
• Tamatha-Ann Lovett

Club Love socials are open to members and non members. Non members will also have the opportunity to be vetted for Club Love Membership in person at the event.

For more info on the event visit the ticket link here. For low income tickets and free PA tickets please email here. 

*NOT A PLAY EVENT

Entry requirements: 18+

Their name aptly deriving from the old Irish for a grand master of skill, marrying stunning instrumental virtuosity, Irish tradition, and Detroit's post-rock psych-sensibility. Finding the listener somwhere between Radiohead and Planxty with the ambient emotionalism of Nick Drake or Explosions in the Sky.

+ support: Sean O'Meara

This is a Ear Trumpet & Bristol Beacon show

19:30: Doors

20:00: Sean O'Meara

21:00: The Ollam

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

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.

Formed in 2019, the band consists of lead vocalist Jem Siow, guitarists Joshua Clayton and Dennis Vichidvongsa, bassist Aaron Siow, and drummer Kane Vardon. The band surpassed what they thought they might do at the start, and has since doubled down, as fast and as hard as possible. Speed are doing what they do for the love of their friends, family and the culture of Australian hardcore. They’re under the global spotlight for now, bright enough that their whole scene’s right there with them.

18:00: Doors

18:30: Life Question

19:10: Day by day

19:50: Demonstration of Power

20:35: End it

21:20: Speed

23:00: Curfew

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

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.

In this event, there will be 2 or 3 large open cyphers where dancers can freely participate (plus any other cyphers you are up for building up). Two of these bigger cyphers will be guided by the hosts, who will help facilitate callouts and battles. Dancers can coordinate callouts by agreeing on an amount of tokens to win, selecting a judge or judges from their cypher for their exchange (not from your own crew), and deciding on the battle format. For example, battle formats could be solo (3 rounds max), crew-based (5 rounds max), focused on specific elements (like power or footwork), records, stacks, or any concept participants agree on. Tokens earned can be cashed out at the end, providing a fun incentive to challenge others and push yourself in battle.

There will be no set judges! Cypher participants will choose and agree from their cyphers someone to judge their rounds. This event is open to dancers of all styles, though the main focus is on Breaking. Everyone is invited to join in on the cyphers.

Schedule:
Doors Open: 16:00 for warm-up
Cyphers Begin: 16:30, with ongoing callouts, no finals. The format includes multiple categories like 7 to smoke-don't trust the judge, Bonnie & Clyde, Records, stacks, 16 counts battles, and more!
End Time: 20:30

Got questions? Drop a message on Instagram at @bristolbreakingsessions.

Entry requirements: no age restrictions (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult over 21yrs, 1:1 ratio). Please be mindful that music will be loud at times and we advice all young children to wear ear protection during the event.