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
Your chance to influence the transformation of historic town centre music venue and creative hub
A community drop-in event next month will give Ipswich residents the opportunity to shape what the newly regenerated Baths will offer when it reopens in spring 2027 as a Creative Digital Skills Lab and live music venue.by
Oliver Rouane-Williams
News
Why grassroots venues like The Smokehouse matter to Ipswich's music scene
Independent venues provide crucial platforms for emerging artists and strengthen Ipswich's cultural identity, according to local musicians and promoters celebrating Independent Venue Week.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Watch Traitors finale live screening at The Church, Ipswich
Fans of The Traitors can watch a free live screening of the hit BBC series finale on a big screen at The Church in Ipswich on Friday, 23 January.by
Matt Stott
Opinion
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.News
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.byOliver Rouane-Williams
Opinion
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.Feature
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?News
'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.byOliver Rouane-Williams
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.byOliver Rouane-Williams
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.byOliver 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
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Jobs
Position
Type
Location
Deadline
Volunteer at Brighten the Corners
- Voluntary
- Ipswich
