Why it matters: The decision to pause comes at the height of the festival's success, with organisers choosing strategic growth over maintaining annual momentum, signalling confidence in the festival's long-term future and Ipswich's growing reputation as a music destination.
The details: Brighten The Corners Festival 2025 marked one of its most successful events to date, with thousands filling the town to enjoy more than 70 live performances across seven venues. The line-up showcased regional acts including Eve's Delight, Sam Milne, AFTERDRIVE and Jaded Teeth, alongside nationally acclaimed artists such as DEADLETTER, Dry Cleaning, Bob Vylan and Westside Cowboy.
The festival will now take a one-year break in 2026 before returning on Friday, 11 June and Saturday, 12 June 2027. "Super early bird" tickets are now available through advance sign-up.
What they're saying: Festival programmer Marcus Neal said: "We have made the difficult decision that the festival should take a break in 2026 and return in 2027. As you can understand, this wasn't an easy choice, particularly after riding the post-festival high and with such positive feedback from audiences, artists and the wider industry. This pause will allow us to focus on some really exciting things across 2026 but we're excited to be bringing the festival back in 2027."
The bigger picture: The pause will allow the team to channel their energy and resources into continuing to deliver an ongoing programme of live music and education opportunities across their three venues – The Baths, The Church and The Smokehouse – as well as new large-scale initiatives.
Organisers say planning is already underway for a number of exciting new projects in 2026 that will further enhance the town's reputation as a hub for music, culture and the arts.
For context: Since 2016, the Brighten The Corners team have been delivering live music and education, with the festival growing into one of the region's foremost celebrations of live music and culture. The organisation also provides volunteering, education and training opportunities in creative industry roles.
The bottom line: Brighten The Corners is taking a short hiatus to develop ambitious new projects and ensure the festival returns in 2027 with greater scope and impact, building on the momentum of its most successful year to date.
