The Smokehouse in Ipswich to host Tune Up project

The Smokehouse and The Baths will host Tune Up, a 6-month pilot project which aims to increase engagement, volunteering and first-rung job opportunities within the town's music industry.

The 10-week course which is worth more than £8,000 will start on Thursday, November 3.

The music venue’s goal is to “break down barriers for vulnerable young people, empowering them to take ownership of their spaces, volunteer and to gain employment with their new skills”.

Young people from Suffolk will have a chance to take part in a range of live events, as well as learn about production, programming, sound engineering, lighting, marketing and event management.

The project aims to help them with their self-esteem, confidence, trust and assertiveness.

The participants will receive tuition from industry-leading professionals and ongoing pastoral support and guidance from the experienced team at The Smokehouse.

Caitlin Whittaker, project coordinator and facilitator, said: "We’re pleased to be able to offer a brilliant and exciting new project thanks to National Lottery funding for young people who have a passion for live music and are looking to make those next steps in developing their skills.

“Being able to offer a programme like this is so important for young people when working out their next steps, as well as a chance to meet like-minded people and have fun.”

Tune Up participants will meet up every Thursday from 5 pm to 7 pm at The Smokehouse or The Baths.

During the final session, the participants will put on their own gig using all the skills they have learnt over the 10 weeks.

To sign up for the course, email caitlin@thesmokehouse.org.