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Culture secretary hails Ipswich as model for UK grassroots music scene

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

The Culture Secretary has praised Ipswich's music ecosystem as a potential blueprint for towns across the UK. Lisa Nandy told MPs the success of homegrown talent like Ed Sheeran shows how local venues can nurture future stars.

The big picture: Culture ministers are exploring ways to support small music venues across the country, with Ipswich's approach to developing musical talent – led in the most part by Brighten the Corners – being highlighted as an exemplar.

Lisa Nandy, MP for Wigan and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Lisa Nandy has praised Ipswich's music ecosystem as a potential blueprint for towns across the UKAlamy

What they're saying: "Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not, and we're determined that that is going to change," Nandy told the Commons.

She described Ipswich as having "an entire ecosystem through from equipping young people with those skills and that love of music at school, all the way through to being able to perform at smaller live music venues, larger live music venues and get the skills that they need to work in the music industry."

Local reaction: Joe Bailey , chief executive of Brighten The Corners, which runs three permanent music venues in Ipswich, welcomed the recognition but urged caution:

There's still a long way to go for support to our industry, especially with venues like The Moon in Cardiff shutting last month. However, having the grassroots scene discussed and understood at the top level is encouraging.

What's next: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is drafting a 10-point plan for the music industry, which Nandy said would "probably be about 100 points" once finished.

Ministers are considering requiring large arenas to financially support smaller venues. Sir Chris Bryant warned his department is prepared to "go statutory" and set up a mandatory levy if larger venues don't volunteer support.

The bottom line: While Ipswich's music scene is being celebrated as a success story, the government is considering stronger measures to ensure smaller venues across the country receive the support they need to survive and nurture the next generation of British musical talent.

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Double victory for St Joseph's as young debaters shine

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St Joseph's College students demonstrated exceptional public speaking prowess, claiming victory in both intermediate and senior categories at a prestigious local debate competition.

Why it matters: The double win at the Ipswich East Rotary Club 'Youth Speaks' competition secures both teams places in the Norwich debating chamber finals next month, showcasing local talent on a regional stage.

The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant
The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevantSt Joseph's College

The details:

  • The college hosted the competition on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

  • The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society.

  • The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant.

What they're saying: "Working with these students and developing their oracy and public speaking skills through debating is such a joy!" said Dr Briege Rice, Stretch and Challenge Coordinator and History and Politics teacher at St Joseph's College.

"These skills are vital in every field, fostering confidence, clear communication and critical thinking. The standard of debating was very high, and we are very proud of this extraordinary achievement of our students," she added.

The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society
The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human societySt Joseph's College

The bottom line: The competition, supported by the Rotary Club, continues to foster key communication skills amongst young people through its Youth Speaks initiative, with St Joseph's teams now preparing to showcase their talents in February's finals.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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