Recovery-focused music night to hold summer event

Why it matters: Ipswich Sober Mic gives people in recovery, their families and the wider community a safe, alcohol-free space to connect through music, creativity and shared experiences. Funds raised at the event will cover venue hire and facilitator costs, helping keep the sessions accessible.

The details: The Summer Celebration, open to everyone, takes place from 12:00 to 16:00 at The Royal Oak Café, Emmaus Suffolk, on Felixstowe Road, and will include live music, an open mic session and a barbecue.

The big picture: Ipswich Sober Mic was set up by Music Prescription CIC, with support from Turning Point, in response to a lack of sober social spaces in the town. Since launching in November 2024, the monthly sessions have grown steadily and now attract around 30 people, with attendance continuing to rise.

What they're saying: The sessions are facilitated by professional musicians Tim Ainslie and Andi Hopgood, who accompany and support performers.

Tim Ainslie said: "We've seen people who never imagined standing up in front of an audience find the confidence to perform for the very first time. Music has a unique way of bringing people together, and Ipswich Sober Mic has become a place where people can support one another and express themselves in a safe environment."

The bottom line: Organisers hope the Summer Celebration will introduce new people to the project and raise awareness of the benefits of sober community spaces in Ipswich.

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