50 Years, Thousands of Stories

Trinity50 invites people to share photographs, recordings, videos, flyers and memories from the last 50 years. As part of Trinity50, a year-long celebration marking 50 years of Trinity Community Arts, people across Bristol are being invited to share photographs, recordings, flyers and memories that tell the story of one of the city's most significant community and cultural spaces. The public call-out forms part of Your Trinity, Trinity50's storytelling campaign exploring Trinity's past, present and future through the voices and experiences of the people who have shaped it. Trinity is inviting audiences, artists, volunteers, community groups, staff, partners and residents to submit photographs, videos, voice notes, recordings, flyers, posters and personal memories from the last fifty years. Alongside memories of the past, people are also being encouraged to share their hopes, ideas and ambitions for Bristol, Trinity and community life over the next fifty years. A selection of contributions will feature in a public exhibition at Trinity's Garden Party in May 2027, bringing together memories of the past, reflections on the present and ambitions for the future. Since the Holy Trinity Church last recorded service in 1976 and the buildings purchase by the Bristol Caribbean Community Enterprise Limited the following year, local people secured its future as a community space, playing a vital role in Bristol's cultural and community life. From sound system culture and grassroots organising to youth programmes, artist development, creative health projects and live music, the organisation has evolved alongside the communities it serves. The campaign aims to celebrate what Trinity believes is a hidden archive of stories scattered across Bristol. Found in family photo albums, old flyers, personal collections and shared memories, these stories capture the people, communities and cultural movements that have helped shape the city. As Trinity looks towards the restoration and reopening of Jacobs Wells Baths in 2029, Your Trinity draws a line between past and future. Fifty years ago, community action helped secure Holy Trinity Church for public use. Today, Trinity is applying that same commitment to the stewardship of another important Bristol landmark.