nonprofit
Brighten the Corners
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.
Meet the experts
Faith Hussain
Music Journalist & Marketing and Communications AssistantFaith is a music journalist and Marketing and Communications Assistant at grassroots music venue operator Brighten the Corners.
Music journalist
Marcus Neal
Director and Head of Programming, Brighten The CornersMarcus Neal is a key figure in Ipswich’s independent music scene. As Director and Head of Programming at Brighten The Corners, he curates the festival’s diverse line-ups and oversees year-round programming across venues like The Smokehouse, The Baths, and St Stephen’s. Before joining Brighten The Corners, Marcus spent five years at the New Wolsey Theatre, gaining experience in arts management and administration. He also serves as a director at Out Loud Music CIC, contributing to budget control, project spending, and funding opportunities. Out Loud Music In addition to his programming roles, Marcus runs HEX Record Shop, a vinyl store operating from St Stephen’s Church on Fridays and Saturdays.
Joe Bailey
CEOJoe is the CEO of Brighten The Corners, which runs a live music programme across three dedicated venues, and an annual multi-venue festival in Ipswich, Suffolk.
Grassroots music expert
Sadie Rycraft
Marketing and Communications OfficerSadie is the Marketing & Communications Officer for Brighten The Corners, the organisation at the heart of the live music venue revival in Ipswich. She has a passion for music journalism and spreading the word about the brilliant work that BTC do.
Local Expert
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.by
Oliver Rouane-Williams
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.byOliver Rouane-Williams
Feature
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.by
Elouise Lavington
News
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.byOliver Rouane-Williams
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.byOliver Rouane-Williams
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.byOliver Rouane-Williams
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."byOliver Rouane-Williams
Feature
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.byElouise Lavington
News
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.byOliver Rouane-Williams
Feature
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.byElouise Lavington
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.by
Faith Hussain
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.by
Amy Wragg
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Jobs
Position
Type
Location
Deadline
Volunteer at Brighten the Corners
- Voluntary
- Ipswich
