
Holy Trinity Church
Horfield, Bristol
Creating connections through the inclusive Catholic tradition in worship, welcome and service

Open Afternoon
Saturday 30th May 2026
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Everyone is welcome to our open afternoon on Saturday 30th May
The Open Afternoon runs between 1pm and 5pm and starts with a peel of church bells rung by the Horfield Bellringers.
With free opportunities to try activities in the Church, churchyard and church halls including:
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Bell ringing
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Tai Chi
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Organ playing
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Dance
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Learning to draw
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Wildlife walks
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Kung Fu for kids (and parents!)
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Finding out about the church and churchyard history​
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and much more...
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Refreshments (tea, coffee and cake) will be served throughout the afternoon in the church. Donations are requested to the work of the Holy Trinity Welcome Project.
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Open Afternoon events include:
Churchyard History Tour
A guided tour around the churchyard hearing the stories of some of the interesting people buried here. Led by local historian Andy Buchan. Times: 2pm and 3.30pm leaving from the church porch. The tour lasts 30 minutes. The ground can be uneven and there are some trip hazards. Please wear sturdy footwear. This activity is open to all ages. A responsible adult must accompany children. A maximum of 15 people can go on each tour - please sign up on the sheets in the church from 1pm.
Wildlife survey
In our churchyard meadow, spend some time looking at a m2 of ground and record everything you can find, you’ll be surprised how much there is: plants, flowers, lichen, creepy crawlies. Times: This activity is going on through the afternoon. We will be using the iNaturalist app to record what we find - if you have smartphone please download h app and bring it along (not necessary to take part). The ground can be uneven and there are some trip hazards. Please wear sturdy footwear. This activity is open to all ages. A responsible adult must accompany children.
Tai Chi and Qigong
A Tai Chi demonstration and Qigong taster session. Church Hall 2-2.45pm. No booking needed. Open to all ages.
Bellringing experience
Have a go at ringing the church bells with the Horfield Bellringers. This experience lasts 15 minutes and up to 3 people can take part at any time. Meet in the church from 1pm - with 4 sessions each hour. Sessions will run throughout the afternoon - booking on the day will be available for specific time slots in the church. Please note the Ringing Chamber can only be access by a steep and narrow wooden stair case with open treads. Under 18's must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No drinks or food are allowed in the Ringng Chamber.
Strictly Ballroom
A Strictly Ballroom and Latin dance taster session. Church Hall 1-1.30pm No booking needed. Open to all ages Please wear low heeled shoes.
Learn to draw in an hour
Free 1 hour drawing lesson with Art for Beginners. Learn to draw an object and shade it in. Think you are no good at art? Let me prove you wrong! All materials included. Helliwell Room (Church Hall) 2-3pm. Please email willstevens@artforbeginners.co.uk to let him know you're coming. Sorry, over 18s only.
Equality Dance Taster session
Sample some of the partner dances and popular line dances we teach. Anyone can lead or follow and you don’t need to bring a partner. No booking needed. Church Hall 3- 3.45pm. Open to all ages. Bristol Equality Dance offers dance classes and socials for LGBTQ+ dancers and their friends. As well as regular classes we host a dance weekend twice a year that is attended by dancers from all over the UK and beyond. Our next weekend is 6/7 June and includes a social dance workshop and charity fundraiser at Horfield Hall on Saturday 6th June, 2pm - 4.15pm. bristolequalitydance.co.uk
Vestments and Treasures
A chance to see a display of some of the church's clerical vestments, including historical chasubles and copes, and exceptional ecclesiatical embroidery. We'll also have a selection of treasured items on display, including liturgical prayer books and photos of the church from times gone by. The vestments and treasures will be available to view throughout the afternoon
Dress like a priest
Have you ever wondered why priests wear the vestments they do? In this interactive session find out about the history and significance of each item of traditional Anglo-Catholic priest's vestments, including the order and prayers which accompany each item. In the Church. Time to be confirmed.
Enjoy singing?
If you enjoy singing and want to know more about your voice, what part you sing, and choral singing opportunities here at Holy Trinity, our choral director can help you out! All afternoon in the church
Churchyard Wildlife trail
Follow a trail around the churchyard; find out how we are trying to maintain the churchyard and increase our biodiversity too. Times: this activity is running throughout the afternoon - and a trail map can be collected from the church porch. The ground can be uneven and there are some trip hazards. Please wear sturdy footwear. This activity is open to all ages. A responsible adult must accompany children.
Play the church organ
Have a go at playing our organ with the support of one of our team of organists. The organ, built in 1885 by Palmer of Kings Square, Bristol, was originally situated in the north chancel aisle. In 1927, it was moved to a purpose-built chamber above the new Sacristy with a detached console in the choir. It remained in this state until 1973, when Percy Daniel of Clevedon electrified the action and carried out numerous tonal modifications. At some stage, a fine tuba stop was removed. By 1994, the organ was in desperate need of a major overhaul and, following the receipt of a generous legacy, this work was very ably carried out by E. A. Cawston; weaknesses in the action were addressed and several new stops added, including a number of mutations and a Great Trumpet. In 2015, a new solid-state action was installed by Nicholson’s of Worcester, and the opportunity was taken to revoice the Trumpet (now playable on both the Swell and Great), to add a sub-octave coupler on the Swell and to stabilise the winding system. The result is a fine and versatile instrument, ideally suited to the needs of the church.
Try ringing handbells
The Decibells is a team of ringers playing handbells which were donated to the church by Betty Topham in memory of her husband, Derek, in the 1990’s. Some of the original players have retired and others joined over the years. We get together once a week in church to practise and sometimes go into the community to play in retirement homes etc. as well as occasionally in church during services. You are welcome to come and meet members of the team during the Open Afternoon, to have a look at the bells and see what it’s like to ring one or to have a go at playing them in a taster session if you would like to. During the afternoon the team will play a couple of pieces for you to listen to as well. No booking necessary.
City Gongfu KIDS (Kung Fu taster)
A taster session of Gongfu (Kung Fu) for children (and their families). Provided by City Gongfu KIDS www.citygongfu.com No booking needed. Church Hall 4-4.30pm. Open to all ages.
Family crafts
An afternoon of crafts for children and their families. Drop in any time after 1pm in the church.
The mysteries of the Thurible
Have a go at swinging a Thurible – the smoking incense burner that is used during services. All afternoon in the church.
​You are very welcome to take part in our free events, for most you can turn up on the day and join in, however you may need to book for some events (information is in the event description) to find out more, please e mail us at hpc.sec@horfieldparishchurch.org.uk ​​​
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We will keep updating this page with more information as more events and timings are confirmed​