Steve Rice and Paul Solution:

With over 50 years in the industry, Steve Rice and Paul Solution are true staples of the scene. Alongside their unique, vintage sound system, Downbeat Melody, expect a top selection of the rarest cuts of classic reggae, roots and rub a dub tunes.

Ras Digby:

Ras Digby, also known as Sir Jesus Sound, is a Jamaican selector and MC who has been active in London since the mid-70s. He is a true legend in his field, with a microphone in hand, he skillfully
brings together the forgotten gems of ska, rocksteady, early reggae, and even rub a dub, captivating listeners with infectious delight.

Access - if you have access requirements please let one of our team know how we can help.

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.

RepresentAsian is the podcast and event series championing South Asian DJs across the UK. Founded by siblings Safiya Haneen and Yusuf Suave, RepresentAsian is here to challenge stereotypes and celebrate South Asian culture and contributions to the music industry. Expect Bollywood and Bhangra mixed in with your favourite Baile Funk, Garage and UK Funky.

Line up:

• NGAIO (Booty Bass)
• Yusuf Suave (Representsian)
• Bungzo (Booty Bass)
• SAFIYA (RepresentAsian)
• Ayy Den (Booty Bass)
• Tehmeena (RepresentAsian)

Access - if you have access requirements please let one of our team know how we can help.

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.

Who is this for?  
You might be an expert play-er in need of some inspiration (i.e. a performer), or perhaps your body is aching for some silliness after a long day at a desk. Or maybe you haven’t played since you were 6 and are now taking your first steps in your ‘serious person’ recovery journey... Any experience is welcome. Come as you are and let’s play.

What do I bring? 
The sessions involve movement and group games. Wear something you can move in and bring a water bottle. Take it at your own pace. Resting when needed is encouraged.

About Spilt Ink Theatre
Spilt Ink Theatre is a company formed by three female theatre-makers who met in Paris whilst training at Lecoq and Gaulier. They use play, physical theatre, puppetry and clown to create accessible theatre that inspires and moves a wide range of audiences; from young to old, where English may not be a first language and to those who might be new to participating in theatre. Their core intention is to make playful and visual work that is engaging and relevant, inspired by the voices of local people, and our own identities as artists.

Hosted by Brick Project CIC the session will run on 02 August from 5:00pm - 7:00pm - the meeting point is located just across the Clarence Road, which is next to the Trinity Centre. Please follow Google Maps, or use What3Words - and type the reference '///living.unity.homes' to find the location.

No booking is required to attend these sessions, just come along and say hello if you do not wish to paint. All ages are welcome, but parents must be responsible for their children. You do not need to bring anything to take part in these sessions as all equipment will be provided.

These workshops are part of the Newtown Brick Project, a collaborative community art activity in Newtown.

Bringing the space back for the warmer months, The Den Socials give you a free space to enjoy great food and drinks and let our resident background DJs set the vibe for your weekend ahead.

In March we will welcome food from excellent Bristol based companies Small Fire Pizza (10/03 & 24/03), Ceylon and Beyond (17/03 & 31/03) and Grate Somerset (03/03).

March residency we welcome the amazing Booty Bass collective, hot off the heels of their sell out NYE event at Trinity:

• 03/03: Bungzo
• 10/03: postponed
• 17/03: GAROËSS
• 24/03: Hannza
• 31/03: Devolicious

No booking required, just rock up and enjoy - click here to find out about Thursdays at The Den

Please note there are tables available and room for dancing. Accessible seating is available.

About Trinity Presents:

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

Bringing the space back for the warmer months, The Den Socials give you a free space to enjoy great food and drinks and let our resident background DJs set the vibe for your weekend ahead.

In March we will welcome food from excellent Bristol based companies Small Fire Pizza (09/03 & 23/03)  and Ceylon and Beyond (16/03 & 30/03).

March resident DJ's:

• 16/03: Kreed
• 23/03: Discobobulator

No booking required, just rock up and enjoy - click here to find out about Fridays at The Den

Please note there are tables available and room for dancing. Accessible seating is available.

About Trinity Presents:

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

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.

With a list of collaborators that includes Giggs, Idris Elba, Sarkodie, Fredo and Ghetts, Donae'O is the artist holding down London's underground. The producer, songwriter, rapper, and vocalist has been an early adopter of almost all crucial urban movements coming out of the capital; From garage, to grime, to the UK funky-inspired house, that continues to influence today's charts. With his new album which dropped in 2022, the time has come for this polymath to slide back into the spotlight.

Peachin' are a female events and DJ collective known for keeping the dance-floor on their toes. Bouncing between 90's/00's hip hop and R&B, dancehall, afrobeats’, Amapiano, UK garage, global club and more. They create a space for people to enjoy a dance floor that is fun, respectful and open to let loose!

Line up:

- Donae'o

- LEXXI

- See no Evil

- Tfne (Club Siren)

- Ella-Sian (Peachin')

- Yusuf Suave (RepresentAsian)

About Trinity Presents:

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

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

Last entry: 2 hours before curfew

Dundundun combines African and Latin rhythms with jazz & electronics to create uplifting soundscapes and deep hypnotic grooves. Packed with a wealth of experience, their respective members have spent the past decade touring the world and darkening studios with The Heavy, Alice Russell, Pete Josef, DJ Die and Dele Sosimi, bringing a rich heritage of sound straight out of Bristol’s thriving music scene. Expect beat-heavy sonics with soaring-horns, subterranean bass and keyboard wizardry, arpeggiating multi-layered vibrations born from a mutual respect of past musical idioms and future musical legacies.

+ support from Ngaio

• Gates open: 6pm
• Ngaio: 6:30pm
• Dundundun: 8:30pm

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

About Trinity Presents:

This show is part of Trinity Presents - our in-house programme of music, bringing world-class artists and emerging talent to inner-city audiences, in our brand new outdoor venue The Den.

Last entry: 2 hours before curfew

A key pillar of the Reggae Revival movement, Kabaka Pyramid carved his way into the Jamaican reggae scene with Rebel Music in 2011. His hip hop roots were evident in the lyrical style and hard-hitting beats, laying the foundation for an ever-ascending career highlighted by the Grammy winning album “The Kalling” produced by role model Damian “Jr Gong” Marley.

Kabaka is well known for delivering an electrifying and entertaining live performance.

with support from Sasha Steppa

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

About Trinity Presents

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

Last entry: 2 hours before curfew

Discussions

We’ll be holding important conversations through a panel discussion led by MoYah.

This will also include information on your legal rights when dealing with the police.

Panellists include:

• Chris Kaba’s cousin Jefferson Bosela
• Community member and councillor Amirah Cole
• Founding member of Bristol Copwatch John Pegram
• Rakin Fetuga from Save Our Boys.

Performances

The evening will include a range of exciting live performances from some of Bristol's most inspirational Black artists. This includes performances from:

• MĀDŁY
• MoYah
• Shakara
• Sukina Noor
• Wiz DxM
• DJ Gbemi
• Asher

Comedy

The night will begin with comedy MC’d by Omari Douglas and sets from comedians Jasi and Troy Orchard. Omari hosts shows around Bristol that create more space for Black comedians.

Auction prizes:

A silent auction will take place throughout the night, with the opportunity for attendees to bid on the artwork or item of their choice. Highest price wins. Winners will be announced at 10.15pm

• 1x turntable
• Family ticket to Wake the Tiger
• 2x tickets to a gig of your choice at Trinity
• 4x tickets to Nutcracker at Bristol Old Vic
• Meal for 2 with Smoke Glaze at the Pipe and Slippers
• 2x tickets to Wordz spoken word event at Fresh Dance & Arts Centre
• Free party hire, with entertainment, for up to 50 people at The Cloak and Dagger

A variety of art has been generously donated by Black Artists, which will be auctioned off during the evening.

Food

We are delighted to have the notorious Bristol BBQ Family with us. Unkle Mike and Chef Eli prepare food to lift the soul. They have a strong presence in the Bristol community, making traditional Caribbean dishes with East-African flavours. They will be selling food throughout the evening and donating all profits to Chris’ family.

Additional donations can be made at our Go Fund Me page

Ishmael Ensemble - Credit: Khali Ackford

We spoke to Pete Cunningham of Ishmael Ensemble ahead of their headline show at Trinity on 10 Nov as part of our in-house music programme Trinity Presents, to chat about the benefits of collaboration, Bristol's music scene, and what's next for Ishmael Ensemble.

Can you tell us a little about how Ishmael Ensemble formed?

I started the project in 2017 having spent years making more traditional sample based electronic music & feeling uninspired by the process so I started recording & sampling the wealth of musicians & vocalists around me in the Bristol scene. It was so refreshing to take things back to the source as well as push myself as a musician. It soon became a live band & the rest is history…

What have been your highlights of 2022?

Without doubt playing the West Holts stage at Glastonbury, I’ve been going since I was a kid & although I’ve played there before this felt like a real bucket list moment. Everyone brought their A-game & I couldn’t be happier with how the show went.

Aside from Glastonbury, we’ve been playing main stages at other festivals as well, it feels like we can finally present the project as I’ve always imagined it. I’ve definitely found a hunger to really hone the live show and dial everything in performance wise. I can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to since then.

It’s also been great to get back in the studio & work on new music.

Collaboration is clearly an important part of Ishmael Ensemble's musical identity - what benefits do you think collaborating with a range of artists provides?

It’s just a great way of staying inspired, it’s amazing to witness how different everyone’s approach to music making is. I’ve learnt so much & made some great friends through the process.

The Trinity show is going to be special as we’re able to invite pretty much all the vocalists & musicians I’ve worked with over the years. A real celebration of the project as a whole.

In your opinion, what makes the music scene in Bristol so special?

I think it’s big enough to attract a large amount of creative people but small enough for everyone to get to know each other. You can go to the pub & the rooms full of people doing interesting stuff & chances are you know most of them (& if you don’t yet, you will soon). It’s also a super-supportive community. Everyone goes to each other’s gigs & sings each other’s praises - there’s no room for inflated egos here.

What should the audience expect from your performance at Trinity?

It’s going to be a one off that’s for sure - it’s our largest headline show so we’ll be playing a super special extended set with loads of special guests joining us on stage as well as the amazing Jelly Cleaver on support.

I also feel we’re playing the best we ever have. It’s been great to really focus on the live show this year, upping the production & just getting the overall live sound & visual aesthetic right.

What's next for Ishmael Ensemble?

There’s lots of new music in the pipeline, some of which we’ll be debuting at Trinity. There’s lots of other exciting stuff but you’ll just have to wait and see for now!

Ishmael Ensemble will play Trinity on 10 Nov as part of Trinity Presents, our in-house programme of music and arts. Click here to get your tickets.

As part of our in house programme, Trinity Presents we welcome Gardna (Fr 14 Oct) who will be joining forces legendary reggae and punk veteran Don Letts.

Trinity's history has long been part of the cultural crossover of punk and reggae scenes which emerged in the late 1970s. Letts was instrumental in introducing reggae and dub sounds to the punk scene at the time. Given this rich history that we both share, we wanted to reflect on some of the key moments in Don Letts career.

• Don Letts was deeply inspired by the roots reggae from his parents' homeland in Jamaica, in particular the anti-establishment message of Bob Marley. After seeing Marley play the Odeon in Hammersmith in 1976, Letts snuck into Marley's hotel room and spent the night talking and befriending him.

"By 1977, the white teenage youths in London were looking for a new soundtrack and punk rock exploded on the scene. Problem was, this was so early in the scene, there were no punk records to play. So I'm spinning what I like, heavy dub reggae, and the punks were loving it. They dug the whole anti-establishment rebel vibe" - Don Letts

• During the 1970s, Don Letts rose to prominence as a resident DJ of The Roxy, a nightclub in London's Covent Garden. While The Roxy was known for being a hub for the punk scene that was growing in popularity at the time, Letts' sets at the venue featured mostly dub and reggae records.

• Letts recognised the natural similarities between punk and reggae, particularly in their shared, anti-establishment message, creating a crossover between the two cultures. Bands like The Clash were one of the first groups to incorporate elements of reggae music into their sound, seen most clearly through their cover of Junior Murvin's 1976 classic 'Police and Thieves'.

• Developing close relationships with punk bands such as Sex Pistols and The Clash led Letts onto creating films based around the punk scene at the time. Letts became the unofficial documenter of the scene, creating 'The Punk Rock Movie', mostly compiled from Super 8mm footage shot of live performances at The Roxy.

• Since then, Letts has gone on to direct over 300 music videos for a range of artists including Bob Marley, The Psychedelic Furs, Elvis Costello and long-time collaborators The Clash.

• Don Letts' life story was recently told in a documentary 'Rebel Dread', released earlier in 2022, featuring extensive footage from Lett's personal archive of videos.

Letts has continued to DJ throughout his career, and has been a regular feature on lineups across Bristol and the West. Don Letts will join Gardna at Trinity on 14 Oct for Trinity Presents: Gardna + Friends. Make sure to head down to catch this legend of the UK music scene (and his extensive vinyl collection) in action. Click here to get your tickets.

About Trinity Presents:

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

Gardna - Image Credit: Khali Ackford

Ahead of Gardna's headline show at Trinity on the 14 Oct, we sat down with the man himself to chat humble beginnings, highlights from 2022, and what makes Bristol such a special city to perform in.

Trinity are collaborating with Gardna as part of Trinity Presents, our in-house programme celebrating our diverse city and platforming emerging talent.

Can you tell us a little about the origins of Gardna?

This question immediately took me back to being a young wild and free G Man aged 13, I'd always be blue toothing grime riddims to my mateys on my flip up Sony Ericson phone outside the local skatepark standardly. Then bars became a hobby then it became something more serious, making tracks regularly so on and so forth, then gigs, hundreds of free gigs, and then yeah I haven't really stopped since.

How's 2022 been for you so far? Any particular highlights?

It's been absolutely crazy to be quite honest. The albums done alright, my tune R.A.V.E.A.S.A.P has had over 100 plays on Radio 1, it's even been getting smashed out on the Breakfast Show, my tune is on the Playstation game FIFA 23, I am currently BBC Radio 1 Future Artist of the month this month? Tore up Glastonbury, opened Boomtown and did 30+ festivals. Toured America with Mungo's Hi Fi. Been on one this year mate.

How has your relationship with Trinity developed over the years?

I've been coming here for a while now. Loads of unreal nights here over the years, the venue and it's love for sound system music is unmatched in this city. Jamell has had my back and put me on for a few things at the venue including their legendary Garden Party. He believed in me to put on my headline show at Trinity, it's a big leap of faith, but its happening.

In your opinion, what makes Bristol such a special city to perform in?

Bristol is Bristol innit. We know what we're doing here in this city. No messing about. There's really no place like home.

The lineup for your event at Trinity is quite something - how did you choose who to include?

First and foremost, I'm just a massive fan of everyone playing at this event. I've booked them to be there because they're flippin great and they know how to really work the dancefloor in true Gardna & Friends style and flavour. Whether I've met them this year, or we've known each other our whole teenage lives - this line up is my musical family and it's a representation of emerging artists, long time collaborators, Radio 1 DJs and absolute foundational legends. Everyone on this line up has in some way single-handedly changed the game for me at some point and I owe them ALL a pint. Or just a good gig in October.

What should the audience expect from your night at Trinity?

A celebration of the spectrum of sound system music. My biggest headline Gardna show to date. Amazing guests. Oh, and tears. There will be tears. And rum.

What's next for Gardna?

We have some banging R.A.V.E.A.S.A.P remixes and we're already deeply in the zone writing my next album right now. Can't stop won't stop. See you in October gang.

Gardna + Friends will play Trinity on 14 Oct as part of Trinity Presents, our in-house programme of music and arts. Click here to get your tickets.

Grove - Image Credit: Sophia Stefelle

Kahn ft. Rider Shafique - Image Credit: Sophia Stefelle

After The Fire - Image Credit: Sophia Stefelle

Rita Lynch - Image Credit: Marley Small

Hip Hop Garden - Image Credit: Sophia Stefelle

Image Credit: Sophia Stefelle

Solomon O.B - Image Credit: Sophia Stefelle

Irish Mellow + Cxption - Image Credit: Marley Small

Garden Party: Revolution Sounds was our second free-community event of the year where we said goodbye to the summer with a mix of live music, workshops, performances and an immersive exhibition: After The Fire.

As always we welcomed some of the best artists in Bristol and the South West all playing on The Den stage. From punk to experimental we had the likes of Rita Lynch, Talisman and Kahn. Kept a secret until they came on, headliner Grove closed out proceedings with an epic mosh pit.

"Inspirational people and artwork" Feedback, Garden Party: Revolution Sounds

In the Fyfe Hall, we hosted an immersive exhibition 'After the Fire', a thought-provoking odyssey through the sounds and sights of Bristol’s protest history in recent years. This exhibition allowed us to present a culmination of artwork made as part of the last two years of Art of Resistance - pieces created by participants including pottery and murals, alongside placards made as part of our Visions of Resistance including a mural made by Tanith Gould which was displayed outside People's Republic of Stokes Croft on Jamaica Street.

We also had a number of workshops running throughout the day, including Movema Dance Workshops and Button-Up Badge Making Workshop in the Main Hall, plus Hip-Hop Workshops in the Trinity Garden.

Big thanks once again to everyone that made this event possible - from the artists that performed, the exhibition curators, the workshop facilitators, the lighting and sound team working behind the scenes, the bar staff and Trinity Team, and of course all of you that came down on the day - over 1,200 of you came along, and we raised over £1,000 in donations so that we can put on more events like Garden Party for the local community.

If you'd like to stay in the loop with everything on at Trinity, head to our What's On page for all our upcoming events, or follow our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and sign up to our mailing list to stay updated.

Art of Resistance is a two-year, National Heritage Lottery Funded project charting 100 years of protest in Bristol.