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Music Venues
Organisation
Description
Brighten the Corners runs a diverse live music programme, training and education opportunities across three venues, and an annual multi-venue festival in Ipswich, Suffolk.
A versatile and stylish venue that can accommodate for a variety of events, from weddings and corporate functions to private parties and live performances.
In the news
Student pressure today: Does it create diamonds or burnout?
I know what student pressure feels like – I'm living it. Across the UK, students like me are facing unprecedented levels of pressure, whether that be financial, academic or emotional, and the consequences are becoming impossible to ignore.Opinion
The Baths to become creative powerhouse with £1.92m transformation
A £1.92m investment will breathe new life into The Baths, creating a Creative Digital Skills Lab designed to connect and inspire Ipswich's next generation of creative talent with training, facilities and job opportunities on their doorstep.News
Why this Palace fan hopes Ipswich bounce back to the Premier League
I'm a keen Crystal Palace supporter living in East Suffolk. When Town were relegated from the Premier League last season, I felt an unexpected pang of disappointment – not just for the fans around me, but because it meant the end of a rivalry I'd been looking forward to watching continue. The last time these two sides faced each other in a competitive match was seven years ago. I want them to meet again.Opinion
St George's flag: A symbol of pride or division in Ipswich?
When we asked 185 Ipswich residents how the rise of St George's flags made them feel, three-quarters said it represented national pride. But for others, the responses revealed something more troubling, writes student journalist, Kaelyn D’rozario.Feature
Does volunteering actually work for young people?
Volunteering is booming in Ipswich, with organisations like Volunteering Matters pushing it into the spotlight. The question is: does it work? Can giving your time for free really help you navigate an increasingly brutal job market?Feature
'A reminder of what happens when young people are trusted' - Ipswich celebrates youth changemakers
Ipswich hosted a major celebration of youth social action on Wednesday, 19 November, bringing together 75 local leaders, civic dignitaries and young changemakers to mark the town's national leadership in empowering young people.News
'We are stronger when we stand united': Ipswich to celebrate diversity with rally and concert
Local trade unions and campaign groups are urging residents to join a unity rally at Ipswich Town Hall on Saturday, 22 November, following a concert by ska legends The Downsetters the night before, as the town stands together against racism and division.News
Eight paid music roles open to young people as local project tackles 'tough' job hunt
Suffolk Community Libraries is offering eight paid Junior Assistant Producer positions to 18-25 year olds as part of a new project bringing live music gigs to libraries in Ipswich and Haverhill.News
Brighten The Corners Festival to take break after its most successful year yet
Despite attracting thousands of attendees and over 70 performances in 2025, Brighten The Corners Festival organisers say a pause in 2026 will allow them to focus on new large-scale projects and ensure the festival returns with greater ambition in 2027.News
Blankets for Ipswich: Knitting together a community
In Ipswich, friends Azita Ahmadi and Amy Falla are rallying knitters and crocheters to make blankets for Lighthouse Women's Aid and Suffolk Refugee Support. What began as a practical idea has become something more: bringing people together through the simple act of making something meaningful.Feature
The Church cafe and bar reopens with new name and extended hours
Ipswich's former St Stephen's Church venue is reopening on Saturday, 30 August, as The Church, with extended hours and a packed September events programme, including live music, record fairs, and quiz nights.News
St Stephen's Church to air Women's Euro Final as England seek redemption
St Stephen's Church will host a big screen showing of England's Euro 2025 final against Spain on Sunday, 27 July, as the Lionesses bid to overturn their World Cup final heartbreak from 2023.News
Young creatives invited to design custom trainers in Ipswich
Professional sneaker artist Starline Customs and visual artist Benny Brown will mentor participants through creating their own unique footwear designs this month. Tickets are expected to sell fast so book while you can.News
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."News
This is youth power: How Ipswich is leading a national movement
Welcome to the first in a four-part series on Ipswich as the UK’s first Town of Youth Social Action. We'll explore what it means for the town, county, and country, and share our plans on how, as a media outlet, we are committed to giving the young people of our town a voice.Feature
Young promoters bring MADMADMAD to St Stephen's Church for festival launch
A group of aspiring 16-25-year-old music promoters have organised Brighten The Corners' Festival Launch Party, taking place this Friday at St Stephen's Church in Ipswich.News
Behind the sound desk: How Brighten The Corners volunteers are running the show
Brighten The Corners is known for its gigs. But behind the scenes, young people aren’t just watching the show. They’re running it.Feature
The roots and revival of DnB and jungle: How WREKT is reshaping electronic music culture in Ipswich
Electronic music event WREKT has established itself as more than just another night out, offering a platform that honours the rich cultural heritage of jungle and DnB while showcasing both legendary pioneers and emerging talent.Feature
Serenade Sessions: A new kind of music event for Ipswich
Introducing Serenade Sessions from CHIp, a new and brilliantly intimate monthly live music experience that the whole family will enjoy.Feature
Brighten the Corners: How Joe Bailey and his team are reshaping Ipswich’s live music scene
"When I found that letter again, it made me realise we’d actually got somewhere." From education workshops to sell-out grime gigs, the team behind Brighten The Corners have created an ecosystem for live music in Ipswich.Feature
Church of Dance: Girls of the Internet and James Alexander Bright transform St Stephen's
Girls of the Internet seem to be speeding through the music scene with their blurring of dance, electronic and soul into a hazy setlist I experienced live last Friday at St Stephen's Church.Feature
Ellisons backs Ipswich's thriving music scene with new partnership
The local law firm has joined forces with Brighten The Corners to bolster Ipswich's growing reputation as a national leader in grassroots music.News
'Pure joy to my ears': The Tubs finally arrive at The Smokehouse
After years of trying to book them, The Smokehouse welcomed The Tubs to a sold-out crowd, delivering what Brighten the Corners CEO Joe Bailey described as "tight, indie jangle-pop" that lived up to every expectation.Feature
UK live techno pioneers Eat Static set for Ipswich performance tonight
Looking for something to do this evening? One of the UK's first live techno outfits, with over 120,000 followers on Facebook, is headlining at The Baths tonight—giant light-up brain 'n' all.News
AJ Tracey to perform at The Baths in Ipswich this May
The UK rapper brings his 'Not Even A Tour' to Ipswich on Monday, 19 May, with tickets going on sale next Friday and expected to sell out fast.News
Ed Sheeran leads £250m music education funding push
Over 500 artists and industry leaders, including Harry Styles, Elton John and Stormzy, have backed Ed Sheeran's open letter to the government calling for urgent music education support.News
Businesses invited to share insights in regional tourism survey
Larking Gowen has launched its Tourism Business Survey 2025 for businesses to contribute opinions and gain insights into the tourism industry.News
Bob Vylan announced as second headliner for Brighten The Corners Festival
Grime-punk duo Bob Vylan will join Dry Cleaning as headliners at Ipswich's Brighten The Corners Festival this June, with 17 additional acts announced in the second wave lineup.News
Ipswich's biggest wedding show returns to Venue 16 this Sunday
Suffolk's longest-running wedding event brings together more than 50 local suppliers under one roof on 16 March.News
SHUCK brings indie rock vibes to The Smokehouse this weekend
The Smokehouse is set to welcome SHUCK, a pop rock event celebrating both new music and classic indie covers on Saturday, 1 March.News
Acclaimed hip hop group with 15 million YouTube views coming to Ipswich this Saturday
The Mouse Outfit, a Manchester-based hip hop collective with a full 8-piece live band, will bring their jazz-influenced sound to Ipswich's St Stephen's Church on Saturday, 1 March 2025.News
Ipswich Central partners with Brighten The Corners to expand music festivals
Two music festivals will take place in Ipswich in 2025 through a new partnership between Ipswich Central and Brighten The Corners.News
Post-punk band Dry Cleaning to headline Brighten The Corners Festival 2025
Mercury-nominated corto.alto and NME-tipped JD Cliffe among first wave of acts announced for Brighten The Corners Festival 2025 in Ipswich, which will be headlined by post-punk powerhouse Dry Cleaning.News
Five incredible gigs lined up for Independent Venue Week in Ipswich
Brighten The Corners has announced a diverse lineup of performances across its venues for Independent Venue Week, running from 28 January to 1 February.News
Local talent to headline youth-managed gig at The Baths
Tune Up's latest cohort of young event managers will bring four rising stars to The Baths stage for Independent Venue Week.News
Join fellow Traitors fans for dramatic finale screening in Ipswich
As The Traitors' most successful series yet draws to a close, St Stephen's Church will host a free community screening of the finale that's expected to draw millions of viewers nationwide.News
Culture secretary hails Ipswich as model for UK grassroots music scene
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.News
St Stephen's Church opens doors to football fans and shoppers this Saturday
St Stephen's Church in Ipswich will transform into a pre-match venue and shopping retreat this Saturday, offering both football fans and Christmas shoppers a place to relax and grab a drink.News
Your last chance to attend a Brighten the Corners gig in Ipswich this year
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.Feature
Christmas markets draw big crowds to Ipswich town centre
Ipswich town centre was bustling this weekend as two Christmas events attracted shoppers and families to enjoy festive entertainment and support local makers and retailers.News
St Stephen's Church plays host to record fair and makers market this weekend
Vinyl enthusiasts and Christmas shoppers can enjoy a packed weekend at St Stephen's Church, as Brighten the Corners brings both a makers market and record fair to the venue.News
Four gigs in Ipswich you can't miss this week
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.Feature
This week's gigs: Scott Matthews, Pixelh8, Undercover Pangolin, Bon Jovi Experience and Ecto Peach
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.Feature
An historic performance from Ed Sheeran at The Baths and a look at this week's upcoming gigs
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.Feature
Ed Sheeran makes surprise appearance at Ipswich school event
Global superstar Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths on Tuesday, joining local artists at a music industry careers showcase.News
Naima Bock, The Hanging Stars, The Grey, Joe & The Sh*tboys performing in Ipswich this week
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.Feature
The Wedding Present and Smoke Signals headline this week's gigs in Ipswich
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.Feature
The Baths granted permanent live music licence
The 340-capacity music venue in the heart of Ipswich has been granted permission to operate as a permanent live entertainment venue. The Baths on Civic Drive will no longer need to rely on temporary event notices following approval from Ipswich Borough Council.News
Jeremy Johnson, Rosali, Deadsoul Festival, Langkamer and Fusion all performing in Ipswich this week
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.News
A busy night of alternative music as all three Brighten the Corners venues in action tomorrow
Music lovers are spoilt for choice tomorrow as Ipswich's alternative music scene springs into life with gigs at all three of the town’s music venues.Feature
This week in Ipswich: Broken Calling, Wrekt, The Riot and Dirty/DC
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.News
Ipswich MP warns of crisis in grassroots music venues
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has raised concerns about the future of local music venues during a Westminster debate, revealing that two grassroots venues are closing every week across the country.News
This week in Ipswich: The Delta Bombers, Bernard Butler and African Head Charge
Sadie Rycroft reviews last week's best live music performances from Ipswich and gives you the low-down on this week's must-see gigs.Feature
Belt out some karaoke classics with soap legend Barry from Eastenders tonight
Looking for something to do this evening? Join Shaun Williamson, better known as Barry from Eastenders, at his "Barrioke" event at The Baths in Ipswich tonight.Feature
From Oasis to Barrioke: Another week of live music in Ipswich
Get the lowdown on last week's highlights, including a sellout crowd reliving the '90s with Definitely Oasis, and see what's coming up this week in Ipswich.Feature
Reviewed: Tyber & Pete at The Baths (with sketches!)
Brighten the Corners' Faith Hussain shares her experience (and sketches) of Tyber & Pete at The Baths in Ipswich last week.Opinion
Everything you need to know about the Wild Walls Festival closing party this Saturday
Ipswich's Wild Walls Festival will wrap up on 5 October with a closing party at The Baths, featuring some of our town's top music talent.News
Ipswich Music Guide: VIGILANTES, Tyber & Pete and the Wild Walls Closing Party with Ipswich's Native James
Get ready for dub, ska, indie rock, garage, and alt-soul! Brighten the Corners' Faith Hussain looks back at this week's biggest live music events and previews upcoming performances in Ipswich.Feature
From Hendrix to Hope: The revival of Ipswich's music culture
Once home to legendary performances by Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, Suffolk's music scene has weathered decades of decline. Now, a new generation of artists and promoters are breathing life back into the county's cultural landscape.Feature
Ipswich Music Guide: 'Sh*t hot fantastic' Absolute Bowie and two must-attend gigs this week
With September coming to a gloomy end, Brighten the Corners fired up the heat with a blazing lineup of local and international talent to brighten the week.Feature
Suffolk Wedding Show celebrates its 18th year this weekend
Ipswich couples planning their big day can find everything under one roof this Sunday at the Suffolk Wedding Show.News
Today's supporter
Happiness Club
Drawing from her personal transformation journey, Samantha offers evidence-based coaching and holistic wellness services that address our community's growing mental health challenges.
With mounting pressures from the cost of living crisis and post-pandemic stress affecting many Ipswich residents, Samantha's work focuses on practical tools for building resilience and joy in everyday life.
Through one-to-one coaching, workshops, and workplace wellbeing programs, she helps individuals and organisations develop sustainable happiness practices.
