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
Ipswich Minster to host Charter825 anniversary concert on 27 June
A special concert celebrating the 825th anniversary of Ipswich's royal charter will feature local choirs and the world première of a commissioned piece at the Corn Exchange.
News
UK's biggest free music festival returns to Ipswich this summer
The 35th Ipswich Music Day will showcase everything from hip hop to folk across six stages, with 49 acts performing at the largest free one-day music festival in the country.
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.
Long Reads
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.
Long Reads
The new record label teaching young Ipswich artists to make money
When Matthew Applegate invited local musicians to learn about earning money from their music, he discovered a shocking truth: nearly all of them had no idea how to monetise their work. Now, his new record label is changing that.
Long Reads
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.
Long Reads
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.
Long Reads
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.
News
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.
Long Reads
'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.
News
Ipswich guitarists invited to rock out at Norfolk and Norwich Festival opening event
Local guitar players of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in the mass guitar performance at the free opening night of this year's festival on Friday, 9 May.