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Thousands descend on Ipswich for Brighten the Corners

Brighten the Corners returns today, with 68% of last year's attendees travelling from outside Suffolk to experience what DIY magazine calls "a jewel in the city festival calendar."

People filming the brighten the corners festival
Crowds enjoying the Brighten The Corners Festival
(Sophie DebenhamSophsinfocus photography)

The festival has established Ipswich as a significant stop on the UK touring circuit, with previous performers including The Murder Capital going on to support major acts like Nick Cave and Pearl Jam after playing here.

What's happening

Post-punk innovators Dry Cleaning headline tonight, followed by MOBO Award winners Bob Vylan tomorrow. Over 70 artists will perform across five venues, including The Corn Exchange, The Smokehouse, St Stephen's Church and The Baths.

DJ sets include Rebecca Vasmant, described as having "impeccable taste" by Clash Magazine, and renowned NTS Breakfast Show DJ Flo Dill.

How to attend

  • Tickets: £45 for Friday, £55 for Saturday, £85 for the weekend (subject to availability)

  • Box office: Ancient House, 30 Buttermarket, open 10:00-21:00 both days

  • Wristbands: Must be collected from the box office with ticket QR codes and ID

  • DICE app: Festival-goers need the DICE app on their device to scan tickets

  • Age restrictions: 14+ only, with 14-15 year olds requiring adult supervision indoors. No entry policy for 14-17 year olds in venues past midnight due to licensing restrictions

  • Payment: The Festival is cashless

The venues

  • Free stage: Cornhill stage at the heart of Ipswich's town square features over 20 local acts

  • Other stages: The Baths, The Smokehouse, St Stephen's Church, Corn Exchange, plus mixtape library at Ancient House

  • Saturday addition: King Street Cinema hosts conversations with Simon Raymonde, Gruff Rhys and OneDa

Food and drink

Adnam's beer truck at Cornhill, plus food vendors at three locations. Partner restaurants, including Moto Pizza, Three Wise Monkeys, Honey + Harvey, Good Inside Social, Harvest Moon, Mylo's Pizza and VQ offer deals for wristband holders.

Accessibility

All venues are wheelchair accessible, with lift access to the Corn Exchange grand hall and step-free access at St Stephen's Church and The Baths.

Photography

Professional camera equipment is not allowed unless you have a press pass or a volunteer photography role.

The bottom line

Don't miss out on what's happening on your doorstep. Last year, 68% of festival-goers travelled from outside Suffolk to experience Brighten the Corners – we're incredibly lucky to have this award-nominated event in Ipswich, so let's turn up and enjoy it.

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Despite a lack of promotion, the big reveal drew a good crowd of passersby

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  • Lee Walker
  • Joe Bailey of Brighten the Corners
  • Mark Hubert
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