Skip to main contentEnter
😄Good 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

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

Become a supporter

Four gigs in Ipswich you can't miss this week

Feature
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

Sadie Rycraft
Sadie Rycraft

Brighten the Corners' Sadie Rycraft reviews last week's best live music performances in Ipswich and gives you the low-down on this week's must-see gigs.

Last week's highlights

Thursday, 5th December

Scott Matthews at St Stephen's Church

Scott Matthews delivered an intricate and genre-blending performance at St Stephen's Church. His timeless vocals showcased why he's celebrated among modern folk artists, with highlights that captivated fans of thoughtful, dexterous songwriting.

Pixelh8 at The Smokehouse

Pixelh8 and astr0 lit up The Smokehouse with electrifying electronica and nostalgic chiptune beats. Their experimental soundscapes and retro-inspired rhythms created an innovative night of high-energy performances.

Friday, 6th December

Undercover Pangolin at The Smokehouse

Norwich's Undercover Pangolin brought emo-infused indie rock to The Smokehouse. Joined by Young States and Muntjax, the night showcased gritty melodies and high-energy percussion for fans of alternative and shoegaze sounds.

Saturday, 7th December

Bon Jovi Experience at The Baths

The Bon Jovi Experience rocked The Baths with hits like Livin' on a Prayer and You Give Love a Bad Name. Faithful to the original, their dynamic performance celebrated 30 years of iconic rock anthems.

Bon Jovi Experience at The Baths in Ipswich
Bon Jovi Experience at The Baths in IpswichBillie RoderickBillie Roderick

Ecto Peach at The Smokehouse

Ecto Peach's indie-punk energy took The Smokehouse by storm, no pun intended. With support from The Interesting Times Gang and Monda Krimligo, it was a night of fast-paced riffs, adventurous sounds, and captivating chaos.

Coming up this week

Friday 13th December

Huey Morgan at The Baths (SOLD OUT)

The musical equivalent of the cosmic Big Bang, disco, hip hop and funk met in an almighty collision in late 70s New York, with call and response choruses sat astride Get Down breaks and fast'n'furious hip hop mixing. It was a truly magical moment that Huey captures perfectly with his funk-loving NYC Block Party.

Saturday 14th December

Out On The Floor at St Stephen's Church

Nonsuchdjs and John Skelt present a night of Northern Soul, Tamla Motown and Crossover at St Stephen's Church on Saturday 14th December.

  • Music, Gigs & Concerts
  • 14 December
  • 19:30-00:00
Out On The Floor at St Stephen's Church

Indifferent Engine at The Smokehouse

Drawing inspiration from early hardcore, art punk, post-rock, ambient music, pulp science fiction and obsolete electronics, Indifferent Engine creates a soundscape that is as eclectic as it is intense.

  • Music, Gigs & Concerts
  • 14 December
  • 19:30-23:00
Indifferent Engine at The Smokehouse

Mark your calendars and grab your tickets while you still can.

Sadie Rycraft
Sadie Rycraft
Mentioned in this article:
Brighten the Corners 
Posted in:
Music
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

Become a supporter

Share this article

Support our journalism by sharing it with your friends, family, colleagues and followers

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

Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams
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

Become a supporter

Share this article

Support our journalism by sharing it with your friends, family, colleagues and followers

Load next article