Trinity launches celebrations marking half-century of music

Trinity Centre‘s infamous garden party signals the start of summer in the city for many.

And this year the day-long music event in the grounds of the historic church-come-venue also marks the start of events celebrating a significant milestone in Trinity’s history.

The former Holy Trinity Church, at the top of Old Market, was built nearly 200 years ago in 1829 and deconsecrated in 1976 before being purchased by the Bristol Caribbean Community Enterprise which launched its second career as a live music venue.

“Trinity’s Garden Party is a huge moment in Bristol’s calendar, often marking the start of the summer,” said director of culture Jamell Ackford. “This year feels especially significant as we celebrate 50 years of music at our iconic venue, honouring Trinity’s legacy and other key milestones across the city’s music community. The garden party is a thankyou to the city, and an invitation to help shape what the next 50 years look like.”

Trinity’s garden party is always buzzing, but this year’s event marks a special occasion for the longstanding community arts and music venue – photo: Elliot Hingston

Ackford notes the venue’s roots in punk and soundsystem culture, and this year’s lineup reflects the past, present and future of Bristol’s thriving music scene in homage to the venue’s established role as a platform for independent music and supporter of local artists.

At one end of the spectrum, ‘Bristol Sound’ pioneers Smith & Mighty top the bill, bringing their influential trip hop flavours to the outdoor undercover stage.

At the other, the next generation of selectors are represented by youth peformers Riddim Queen and Azania.

Riddim Queen is just one of the next gen performers that are part of this year’s lineup – photo: Rider Shafique

A dynamic day of music spanning the city’s scenes sees hip hop collective JAMU, queer femme punks Hissy Fist and roots reggae band the Golden Guild also performing alongside rising vocalist SOULBEE and DJ/broadcaster Stormy J bringing their newly-forged high‑energy jab‑house genre.

Ackford will also DJ as a duo with his mother Marcey, and there will be family friendly activities including flag making, drumming and DJ workshops.

Jamell and Marcey Ackford are a mother-son DJ duo – photo: Elliot Hingston

“We’re reflecting on Trinity’s impact on Bristol’s cultural life, while also highlighting how the venue continues to evolve, responding to the needs of its communities, nurturing new voices and making space for the future of the city’s music scene,” said comms coordinator Parys Gardener.

At a conference earlier this year, Ackford questioned the implications on the venue of the development of the former police station on Trinity Road into 104 new affordable homes and a new police station.

As Bristol council has sanctioned use of the Agent of Change principle in the city, the onus will be on the developers to ensure the homes are sufficiently soundproofed so the venue can continue to operate without disrupting its new neighbours.

The garden party is a fun day out for all the family that also features a lineup of cutting edge sounds – photo: Elliot Hingston

Trinity Garden Party takes place on May 10 from 12-9pm. Find all details at trinitybristol.org.uk/whats-on/2026/garden-party-celebrating-50-years-of-music

Main image: Ania Shrimpton

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