Brighten The Corners hosts lauch event in St Stephens Church

Almost six months on from work starting, St Stephen’s Church in Arras Square is almost ready to play host to the Brighten the Corners festival. 

St Stephen’s will be one of five venues hosting the town-wide festival, which aims to bring a “celebration to Ipswich in the sunshine”. 

With a capacity for 225 spectators, Stephen’s is now ready to welcome the town for its first performers, Indie-pop band Three Years Younger, who will take to the stage at 5.30pm on Friday. 

Crowds gathered in the church for a launch event on Thursday, eager to see how the church had been given a makeover which had nonetheless taken care to preserve its history. 

Crowds gathered in the church for a launch event on Thursday. Image: Newsquest (Image: Abygail Fossett)

St Stephen's church is the newest venue for Brighten the Corners music festival. Image: Newsquest (Image: Abygail Fossett)

Joe Bailey, chief executive of the Brighten the Corners and Sounds East CIC, the organisation which is running the venue.

He is hoping that St Stephen’s can support local, independent artists and provide volunteer opportunities to those taking the first steps in their career. 

Speaking to the crowds on Thursday night, Mr Bailey said: “We’re standing here in this magnificent reimagining of a church, which has traditionally been a place of union and congregation. 

“That is exactly what we want as well, we want friendships to grow here, and to bring something magical to Ipswich.” 

The venue, he said, would revitalise the music scene in Ipswich, offering bands a place to return to year on year. 

Fantastic launch of @BTCipswich at The new St Stephens Church venue tonight. Venue is something Ipswich should be proud of.
Well done to all @IpswichGov and the team, Joe Marcus Caitlyn and Jamie, and more. pic.twitter.com/E4t94pHsvH

— Colin Kreidewolf (@Tommywolsey) June 8, 2023

Chief officer of Sounds East Joe Bailey said he was excited for the festival to bring 'magic' to Ipswich. Image: Newsquest (Image: Abygail Fossett)

L-R: CEO of Sounds East Joe Bailey, IBC Councillor Colin Kreidewolf, Mayor Lynne Mortimer, the festival's head of programming Marcus Neal and IBC leader, Neil MacDonald. Image: Newsquest (Image: Abygail Fossett)

Also in attendance was Mayor of Ipswich, Lynne Mortimer and Westgate Councillor Colin Kreidewolf. 

Both of them praised the beauty of the new venue, and said that it surely promised great things for Ipswich. 

“This is a fantastic way to engage with young people, and provide them with skills and opportunities right here in Ipswich, which they may one day develop in to a career,” said Cllr Kreidewolf.