Hot off the press we are happy to confirm that The Mark Lanegan Band will be here at Trinity this November, following a full European summer tour of his new album Gargoyle and his first ever Glastonbury appearance on the Park Stage last week.

Also announced this week, Moulettes set to visit Trinity in December. The Brighton based collective Moulettes, continue their journey into the alt.pop/rock/folk universe with the release of their most accomplished album to date - ‘Preternatural’ an eclectic but cohesive 11 track collection, which marries the mind-expanding concept with elements of prog, pop, alt-folk and rock.

Coming up in August, we have the honour of hosting Lambchop fronted by Kurt Wagner as part of his pre-festival tour. Already confirmed for Autumn we have The Black Angels, psychedelic rock band all the way from Austin, Texas (27 Sep). Local favourites Lamb, celebrating 20yrs since their eponymous debut LP - one of the "genuinely genre-bending dance albums of the mid-90s"(17 Oct).

Hurray for the Riff Raff, return to Bristol following a packed show at Colston Hall's Lantern in January, expect an irresistible blend of stories and sounds from a band that “reclaims folk’s protest roots and marries them to the sounds of the Caribbean” (23 Oct). Local artist  Gabrielle Aplin back at Trinity (24 Oct) following a sell out show in 2013.

Finally, in November, British folk artist Will Varley and one of country music’s most promising duos Dan and Shay will be gracing the stage. As will be the godfather of DnB; LTJ Bukem, joined on the night, by other legends of the scene & we don't use that term 'Legend' loosely! (10 Nov).

Oh, and while you are here.

We have a fresh and super new mailing list which means we can keep you updated on things you want to hear about at Trinity Centre.  For you musos out there this means you'll be the first to hear about upcoming gigs just by selecting live music in your preferences. All you need to do is sign up here.

We're super happy to be hosting the launch for this year's Mayfest festival...as well as three fantastic shows.

To celebrate their return (having taken the decision to become a biannual festival), Mayfest have invited "Ghanaian DJ and producer Katapila to kick off the festival with one of his marathon, euphoria-drenched DJ sets. Splicing the neo-traditional dance music styles of his youth in Accra with the up-tempo, bass-heavy, Roland 808 sounds of Detroit techno, Chicago acid and house, Katapila’s relentlessly joyful sets have become a thing of legend" in Trinity's Main Hall. Come on down (10 May) and expect killer selections adorned with splashes of digital synths, electronic percussion and vocal interjections that galvanise waves of full-blown euphoria wherever he plays.

So, for those who haven't been - what is Mayfest? Mayfest is Bristol’s unique international festival of contemporary theatre, "dedicated to presenting a broad range of unusual, playful and ambitious work from leading theatre makers from Bristol, the UK and beyond". They will be taking over theatre (and non theatre) spaces across the city bringing 10 days of back to back performances, workshops and talks from Thur 10th - to Sun 20th May.

This year we are excited to be hosting How (not) to live in Surburbia (14-15 May) a new show from Annie Siddons "a hilarious, brutal and poignant attempt" to describe what happened next when "in the middle of a shitstorm of life events, single mother, artist and proud Londoner Annie Siddons found herself living in suburbia by accident".

Meanwhile, Scottish Dance Theatre bring Velvet Petal (16-18 May) to Fyfe Hall where they present their latest show about"tough girls and pretty boys living life in the margins, dreaming about being at the centre". They explore "the transformative power of beauty, created out of whatever is on the bedroom floor" in this "truly compelling piece, exquisitely performed” (The Stage).

Finally it feels very fitting to be hosting acclaimed Australian artist Joseph O’Farrell (JOF) and Sam Halmarack who combine theatre with the fist-pumping euphoria and power ballads of a stadium gig, in WE ARE LIGHTNING! (15-18 May) "a darkly comical work that reflects on the importance of communal spaces where people can come together and express themselves".

For more info on the rest of their programming visit Mayfest's website here.

"The Castle Builder tells the true story of an inmate in a Norwegian psychiatric institute who over five years built a castle on a remote headland". Welcoming back Kid Carpet (who previously headlined the Trinity Garden Party back in 2010) and his collaborator Vic Llewellyn who "re-imagine these stories, telling them with live music, projection and heartfelt storytelling".

"Can I start Again Please investigates the power and failings of language – language that tells and hide truths – sparring across the heard and the unheard, the spoken and the unspoken.

The script is poetic and full of humour and is performed by Sue MacLaine and Nadia Nadarajah with a bright, coursing and relaxed reciprocity".

Both shows are taking place in the Trinity Centre's Fyfe Hall.

The wider programme includes some of Bristol's finest as well as national and international performers, including a few companies we have had the pleasure to work with over the last year such as Greg Wohead, (Come Back Special) Massive Owl (Castle Rock) and Still House's Of Rider and Running Horses. Plenty more great stuff in there - check the full programme here

The crowd was made up of a lot of serious fans of Lanegan and his various collaborations from Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age to his folkier-toned music with Isobel Campbell. This led to a warm welcome for another collaborator of Lanegan’s, Duke Garwood, who is supporting on this tour.

Gardwood, a talented multi-instrumentalist whose music is the British answer to Lanegan’s distinct brand of Americana. Launching into some newer material made for a slow but steady start to Lanegan’s set, with a mellow but appreciative audience but once he hit Nocturne and Bleeding Muddy Water, things started to pick up with some more animated reactions - slow head-banging, sincere fist-bumping and heartfelt sing-a-longs.

Starting off in his signature sunglasses, Lanegan removed this during the set to reveal his wise, lived-in face; There were times when the impact of his wilder early days was visible, from his limp around the stage and his supping of water - not whisky. That unmistakable baritone voice proved the focal point for most songs, with girlfriend Shelley Brien joining him mid set for a few dynamic numbers.

The chemistry between the pair emanated from the stage and she parted with a loving and lingering kiss for Mr Lanegan. By the time the encore ensued, Lanegan demonstrated his staying power and brilliance as a musician - nailing One Way Street, Bombed and I Am The Wolf.

Words: Laura Williams

Pics: Andy Marsh

Coming up, we are pleased to host The Global Playground Fundraiser on Thursday 24th March, who have secured The Carnyvillains. Zen Hussies & The Undercover Hippyalongside a great host of acts to get you dancing, raising awareness and money for Felix Road Adventure Playground in Easton and school projects in Dunkirk & Calais Refugee Camps. Join us beforehand for FREE pre-event: 'The Refugee Crisis: What Can We Do?' an evening of live music and talks about the refugee crisis at 6pm.

Spring is here and we have the next installment of Teachings In Dub, held on Friday 22nd April, with an exciting line up includingthe legendary Levi Roots, Stryda and Nick Manasseh. Set to be a very special night, join us in celebrating 20 years of Stryda's Sufferah's Choice Show.

Also, coming up is our very own annual Garden Party, Sunday 8^th May, proudly celebrating 40 years of music at The Trinity. We have secured, Rattle, The EvilUsses, Lionpulse and much more...check out our ever expanding line up as the day draws closer. We are still welcoming volunteers and ideasfor workshops, activities and stalls, so please get in contact if you'd like to contribute.

With summer not so far away, Mayfest 2016 has announced its program. The Trinity will behosting "The Castle Builder", welcoming back Kid Carpet from our 2010 Garden Party and his collaborator VicLlewellyn. Also being performed is "Can I start Again Please", a riveting and humorous investigation into the power and failings oflanguage. Plenty more great stuff in there - check the full programme here.

Check out our what's on pages for more info as there just isn't enough space to fit it allhere!

Would you like to join the team? We are currently recruiting for a Caretaker. Find out more info here.

Sunkern Circus perform to crowds to open up our Festival of Light photo @ Khali Ackford

Young people from our Making Tracks project performed at our Annual Festival of Light and, they were great.

Making Tracks is our collaborative music making project with ACE and Basement– giving young people the opportunity to learn new skills in music creation. Trinity offers 121 and small group music sessions alongside industry workshops and opportunities to perform at Trinity events.

Xyzelle, Sealvia and Chantaleaze - students from project partners ACE performed first to a packed room. Photo Khali Ackford

Xyzelle, Sealvia and Chantaleaze from project partners ACE (Aspiration, Creation, Elevation) performed two songs, followed by Trinity student Louis Stone who performed his original songs using both his acoustic and electric guitars.

Great to welcome Trinity student Louis Stone who played tracks he is working on as part of Making Tracks. Photo Khali Ackford

Playing to an energetic and supportive crowd the students performed cracking sets and roused the crowds ready for local dub DJ Dutchie and the ever fantastic Bristol Reggae Orchestra – well done to them.

Dub DJ Dutchie gets the crowd ready for Bristol Reggae Orchestra photo @Khali Ackford

Bit of a squeeze for Bristol Reggae Orchestra on the stage in the main hall! @Khali Ackford

Onj's firework display was a treat for all the family. Photo @ Khali Ackford

This year we welcome over 800 people through the gates who came to watch the aerial performances, the fantastic firework display from Onj, a very warm bonfire from Woodsy, and the live music in our main hall.

Thanks to everyone that makes the event happen, from staff; to volunteers; to artists; to traders and of course all of you who attended.

The Festival of Light is a free event supported in part by public donations. This year we raised over £1100 in donations meaning that we can continue to run events like The Festival of Light so everyone can enjoy.

Come the Revolution and Trinity Community Arts bring together a weekend of classic films, live music and food.

Saturday  2nd September….Moonlight

Moonlight chronicles of the childhood, adolescence and burgeoning adulthood of a young, African-American, gay man growing up in a deprived neighbourhood of Miami. Directed by Barry Jenkins, Moonlight is a modern classic winning an Academy Award Winner for Best Picture.

Screening includes a pre show soul set by DJ and broadcaster DJ Kid Sis.

Sunday 3rd September….In the Mood for Love

Described as one of the greatest films of the 2000’s In the Mood for Love, set in the early 1960s, is the story of two neighbours, a woman and a man, who form a strong bond after both suspect their spouses of extramarital activities. While they find themselves increasingly attracted to each other, they refuse to give in to their feelings so as not to commit similar wrongs... but the passion is so tempting. With its exquisite colour costume, poise and tone Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love will linger in the memory like a perfect kiss.

Michael Galasso’s incredible score will be preceded by live music from Hokkett: A trio of flute, violin and baritone sax. Skronky / wonky riffs, snippets of melodies and hints of harmonies, woven together through improvisation. Hokkett take the space between them, using it as an extra member - stretching the silence out before crushing it flat with kneejerk riffs and torn rhythms.

More info:

Both evenings will be accompanied by food and an outside bar

We are very excited to announce that Jimmy Cauty’s critically-acclaimed The Aftermath Dislocation Principle (ADP), previously seen at Banksy's Dismaland last summer, will be coming to the Trinity Centre, Friday 29^th April – Sunday 8^th May.

The fine city of Bristol has never witnessed such devastating scenes of destruction and chaos. So it will come as great comfort to citizens to learn that it is on an incredibly small scale---1:87 to be precise---and safely contained within a 40ft shipping container, as part of a surreal model village experience visiting the city.

The Aftermath Dislocation Principle (ADP) is a post-riot landscape created in miniature by acclaimed artist Jimmy Cauty -- co-creator of chart-topping band The KLF and its subsequent, million pound-burning arts incarnation The K Foundation.

Following The ADP's critically-acclaimed appearance at Banksy's Dismaland last summer, the installation has taken to the road, re-housed in a specially converted shipping container, which will open its doors to visitors across the country, at the sites of historic riots.

The ADP Riot Tour's visit to Bristol, from 29th April, will see it take up residence at The Trinity Centre, opposite the Trinity Road Police Station, instrumental in The St Pauls Riot of 1980, which saw black and white youth stand up to police harassment.

Far from inciting another riot, the event's organisers hope the experience will be a peaceful and thought-provoking one, with the only real disturbance being the constant chatter of miniature police radios, dotted all over the exhibit.

Set the vibe for your weekend at The Den Socials in our outdoor venue

Nestled in the grounds of the historic Trinity Centre, uncover The Den; a place for food, friends and some of the best music from the underground scene right now.

From March 03 head down to the The Den Socials on Thursday and Friday evenings and enjoy food from local vendors, drinks and music from resident DJs and collectives.

The Den will be hosting local independent food traders and resident DJs each month. In March, local vendors Ceylon and Beyond and Small Fire Pizza will offering an array of Sri Lankan Street Food and handmade stonebaked pizza.

DJ collective Booty Bass - fresh off their sell-out New Year's Eve event at Trinity - will help set the tone for the weekend with their Friday evening residency (6pm-9pm). On Thursdays the Trinity team have connected with some of Bristol’s best producers and DJs to bring you an eclectic mix of artists including Mr Fitz, Kreed and Discobobulator.

Launching on 03 Mar the Den Socials will run Thursday/Friday evenings throughout the spring.

There is no booking required and entry is free – just bring good vibes and good friends.

Find out more about The Den Socials on trinitybristol.org.uk

March lineup:

Thursdays: Mr Fitz/Kreed/Discobobulator + more TBA

Fridays: Booty Bass DJ's

This series is part of Trinity Presents - our in-house programme in our brand new outdoor venue The Den.

Ahead of their day party takeover at Trinity on 27 Aug, we sat down with Club Djembe co-founder Ryan Foster (DJ Stolen) to chat about the label's beginnings, thoughts on the Bristol music scene and what's next for Club Djembe.

Trinity are collaborating with Club Djembe as part of Trinity Presents, our in-house programme celebrating our diverse city and platforming emerging talent, to host a day party in The Den, our new seasonal outdoor venue situated in the historic grounds of Trinity.

How did Club Djembe start?

Ryan: Club Djembe started all through a lack of events within Bristol that were pushing & promoting our music. We were playing UK Funky, Afro House & a lot of percussion led music on radio but never heard/saw of anything happening within the clubs in Bristol, so myself (DJ Stolen) & Jake decided to launch Club Djembe. Luckily for us at the time Josie was working behind the bar at The Love Inn so we managed to throw our first party and it all kicked off from there back in 2017.

What do you think Club Djembe offers to the Bristol music scene?

We know for ourselves and hear from our community that it is hard to find these genres of music in the events scene. Consistency (which is always key), as we guarantee that no night will stray from the vibe and atmosphere that we like to create - we have an open the door attitude and welcome a variety of people/cultures We also want ticket prices and venues to be affordable and accessible for everyone. And mostly, which we are most proud of, is that we love to support and put on new artists, that's something that excites us the most.

What kinds of events do you think are missing from the Bristol club scene?

Bristol has pretty much been the epicentre for Drum & Bass in the UK for as long as I can remember. It’s really refreshing to see a few more nights popping up that are pushing and promoting the same kind of music as us, Amapiano, UK Funky, Afro House like Lockmars for example. However it would be good to see more of these across Bristol, I think a lot of would be promoters get afraid by the prospect of an event not going well, however the best events from our experience are the ones you put on through a love & passion for the music rather than focusing on the monetary side of events.

What's next for Club Djembe?

The remainder of 2022 is looking RAMMED for us can’t lie. We’re throwing our first proper London event in September which is going to be massive, it’s falling inline with the release of our next compilation, Club Djembe Vol. 3 which is also huge! We then have one more release to go for the year which is from one of our favourite Bristol producers and we also have three more Bristol events in the pipeline including a big Christmas knees up with another sick London/Bristol based promoter so keep your eyes firmly planted on Club Djembe socials over the next few months as we have a lot going on.

Club Djembe will be playing at Trinity's outdoor venue The Den on Sat Aug 27. Click here to grab your tickets.

Keisha Thompson's Afrofuturistic Man on the Moon

Trinity’s new season of Theatre and Dance is all about celebrating change and features a strong cast of female led  performances - launching with Keisha Thompson’s Afro futuristic journey of displacement and family relationships, Man on the Moon (March 23) and Ella Mesma’s emotionally charged fusion of hip hop and latin dance, Ladylike (24 March).

Thompson’s Man on the Moon is a bruk down journey, through space and time, fuelled by love and fear. Using poetry, looped sounds and story-telling, Keisha’s intimate performance explores the Black British experience of mental health and how that can impact the family dynamic. While Ella’s Ladylike fuses Afro Cuban, Breaking, Rocking and Contemporary dance theatre to fight & undress preconceptions of what it is to be ‘Ladylike’.

Uchenna Dance’s The Head Wrap Dairies (13 April) is “ an amazing piece that I know that a lot of people have been dying to see” says Natasha Benjamin who runs the award winning weekly urban dance group Hype at Trinity.

“I think Head Wrap Diaries really embraces the struggle that the Afro Caribbean community is going through at the moment, especially young girls and women, for many years of growing up not knowing when or where the natural form of their hair will be accepted, so I think seeing this piece will be an eye opener to those that may not be aware or may not understand the struggle of this issue.”

Natasha, sits on Trinity’s programming forum – who share their thoughts on possible shows for our in-house programme. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, so asking communities to help us shape our programme means the work we bring here is relevant to our audiences.

IGNiTE Launches with Man on the Moon, March 23. 7.30pm at The Trinity Centre. For tickets and more, head to IGNiTE's what's on.

About IGNiTE

Trinity's in house programme of world-class, innovative theatre and dance about issues that matter to people now, starting conversations and sparking debate. IGNiTE is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

We’re looking for three exciting artists and / or companies with strong links to Bristol and its communities to take part in the Summer 2017 round of our flagship IGNiTE artist residencies.

In our next round of residencies we’re keen to work with artists or companies who:

• are working in the performing arts – theatre, dance, live art, or spoken word
• have strong links with Bristol and its communities
• put participation and engagement at the heart of their practice
• can demonstrate a willingness to engage people already using Trinity through workshops, open rehearsals, talk-backs or shadowing (or whatever feels appropriate to your work and the communities you want to engage)
• are at any stage of their career, but can make a strong case that this residency will have a big impact on their arts practice

For more information please click here.

The deadline for applications is 18 April 2017 at 5 PM.

If you have any questions please contact Fergus on 0117 935 1200 or fergus@3ca.org.uk

Interested in applying for a residency but want to find out more about what you'll get and how to make a great application? Come to one of our free information sessions led by Trinity's Producer Fergus Evans and Engagement Officer Edson Burton. 3 April 18:30 to 19:30 and 6 April 14:00 to 15:00

We aim to use resuable cups at all events to reduce waste and the impact plastic waste has on the environment

Having trialled our brand new reusable Trinity Cups at this year's Garden Party we're now rolling these out across all events. We want to make sure that Trinity does its bit to be green and what better way than introducing a system or reusable cups. We've already seen a reduction of of our waste by 80% after just one event.

In order to make sure that people don't take our cups home (they are pretty lovely so you might be tempted) we will be asking you for a £1 deposit when you place your first order at the bar. We will then return this at the end of the night when you bring your cup back.

If you decide you want one of our lovely cups for your own home (who wouldn't, perfect for camping and using for those long summer BBQs in your own Garden) you can choose to not get your deposit back. You can even swap your used cup on your way out at bar for a lovely fresh one. All proceeds from this are then fed back in to our fundraising efforts so it is a win win all round.

Last year's event will be a hard one to top – as we were blessed with glorious sunshine all day and a lovely crowd that joined us from dawn to dusk. However, you’ll be happy to hear that this year it is going to be even better [sadly we cannot guarantee the weather though, just the experience]. This year we’ve a delightful line up ranging from soul to- jaz to hip-hop to dub.

Headlining this year is Dubkasm (aka DJ Stryda & Digistep), who we have worked closely with over the years so it’s pretty special to be programming them to play on the Garden Party stage. This is a headline slot filled with live instrumentation and lo-tech dubwise textures, underpinned by a strong roots vibe. It is going to be smashing.

Across the rest of the day we’ll be filling the line up with a mix of artists from Bristol. We are starting the day with young people from our in house music course, everything from solo singer-song-writer to hip hop and beyond.

Sounds Of Harlowe bring live hip-hop/ soul to the line up this year and Sepia, will grace the Trinity stage for the first time with his forward thinking beats and rattling bass. Run Logan Run bring a sax and drums jazz outfit with added noise and expect jazzy wonky-pop from Toddler, fronted by Stevie-Jo Dooley. There’s afrobeat, soundscapes and improvisation from instrumental group Tezeta or for those of you who like something a little different we’ve got minimal / hypnotist-un-rock from Motes.

We have a couple more acts to announce (exciting stuff) plus workshops and family activities to add to the bill. Full info coming soon.