Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

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

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Five incredible gigs lined up for Independent Venue Week in Ipswich

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

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

Brighten The Corners has announced a diverse lineup of performances across its venues for Independent Venue Week, running from 28 January to 1 February.

The big picture: Brighten The Corners has been participating in Independent Venue Week, an annual celebration of grassroots music and arts venues and the people behind them, since 2018.

Why it matters: Grassroots venues are crucial to the music industry's ecosystem, often providing the first stepping stones for aspiring musicians. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy recently praised Ipswich's music ecosystem as a potential blueprint for towns across the UK – down largely to the work of Brighten the Corners, which runs three indepenent venues in the town.

Crew at The Baths in Ipswich
Crew at The Baths in IpswichKezia TanBrighten the Corners

The lineup:

What they're saying:

  • The Line of Best Fit praised Home Counties, writing: "From boisterous highs to relentless lows, Home Counties' ability to capture the tumultuousness of the every day through bouncy, maximalist soundscapes has fast secured them as notable indie noisemakers," giving the band an 8/10 rating.

  • The Most Radicalist described PleasureInc. as "Danceable, groovy and slick".

  • NARC Magazine dubbed PET NEEDS' latest record 'Primetime Entertainment' as "joyous experimentation" in a four-star review.

The bottom line: As venues face challenging times in January, Independent Venue Week offers music lovers a chance to support the spaces that nurture emerging talent while enjoying an eclectic mix of performances.

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Theatre project transforms lives through art

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

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

Participants have praised the life-changing impact of a creative wellbeing programme at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, designed to support people with multiple health conditions.

Why it matters: With long-term health conditions predicted to affect 68% of people by 2035, innovative approaches to supporting wellbeing and reducing health inequalities are becoming increasingly vital.

Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey Theatre
Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey TheatrePolly AldertonNew Wolsey Theatre

The big picture: Tell Your Story, produced by New Wolsey Theatre's Creative Communities team and funded by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, brings together people with multiple health conditions in a supportive environment to develop skills in photography, animation and creative writing.

What they're saying: "This programme has been confidence building. It's a really lovely way of bringing people together in a safe space. The gentle introductions, and support and help of the team, makes you feel accepted and part of a little family," one participant said.

By the numbers:

  • 12 workshops led by photographer Gillian Allard and writer Dean Parkin

  • 30% of people currently live with a long-term condition

  • 70% of all health and care spending goes to long-term conditions

What's happening: A free exhibition showcasing participants' work is running in the theatre's lounge area until Monday, 17 February.

The bottom line: Tell Your Story demonstrates how creative expression can improve wellbeing, resilience and sense of agency for people living with long-term health conditions.

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article