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
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.by
Oliver 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
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
Load more content
Jobs
Position
Type
Location
Deadline
Volunteer at Brighten the Corners
- Voluntary
- Ipswich
