Frequently Asked Questions
Brighten The Corners FAQs
1. What is Brighten The Corners?
Brighten The Corners is a not-for-profit youth-focussed live music organisation based in Ipswich. We operate three music venues (The Smokehouse, The Church, The Baths), promote gigs and festivals, and facilitate education, skills and training programmes through volunteering and workshops.
2. Venue information: The Smokehouse, The Church, The Baths
Our staff and volunteers are friendly and happy to help you on the night. For any queries in advance please email us at info@brightenthecorners.co.uk
The Smokehouse
6 South Street, Ipswich, IP1 3NU
Accessibility and facility information:
We are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible viewing area: The Smokehouse is a very small venue. We do not have a dedicated viewing area, but can provide you a chair or stool if you would like one, please get in touch with us before the event.
Ticket holders are eligible for a free companion ticket. After purchasing your accessibility ticket, please contact DICE in the help centre to request your free companion ticket.
There is step-free access into the venue. The bar / venue is all on one floor and there is a Changing Places toilet across the courtyard from the venue.
We don’t have a cloakroom.
Our bars and box office are cashless.
Readmittance is allowed.
Car Park: Norwich Road Shoppers car park is right by The Smokehouse. Please don’t park in the row of parking spaces directly outside of the venue - these are private spaces.
Strobe Lighting: We may use strobe lighting and a smoke machine in the venue, please let us know in advance of the gig to request either of these not to be used.
Age restrictions:
14+ with 14-15 year olds accompanied by an adult 18+.
Some events such as clubnights and late night events are 18+. Please check individual event details and feel free to get in touch if you have any queries.
Find out more and how you can hire The Smokehouse here.
The Church
1 St Stephen’s Lane, Ipswich, IP1 1DP
Accessibility and facility information:
We are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible viewing area: The Church doesn’t have a dedicated viewing area or platform. We can provide you a chair or stool if you would like one, please get in touch with us before the event.
Ticket holders are eligible for a free companion ticket. After purchasing your accessibility ticket, please contact DICE in the help centre to request your free companion ticket.
There is step-free access into the venue. The bar / accessible toilet / venue are all on one floor.
We don’t have a cloakroom.
Our bars and box office are cashless.
Readmittance is allowed.
Car Park: The nearest car park is underground at The Buttermarket shopping centre opposite the venue. The car park entrance is on Falcon Street. Currently if you park after 7pm it’s just £2, check the Buttermarket website for up to date information: www.buttermarketipswich.com/parking
Strobe Lighting: We may use strobe lighting and a smoke machine in the venue, please let us know in advance of the gig to request either of these not to be used.
Age restrictions:
14+ with 14-17 year olds accompanied by an adult 18+.
Some events such as clubnights and late night events are 18+. Please check individual event details and feel free to get in touch if you have any queries.
Find out more and how you can hire The Church here.
The Baths
4 Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2QA
Accessibility and facility information:
We are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible viewing area: The Baths doesn’t have a dedicated viewing area or platform. We can provide you a chair or stool if you would like one, please get in touch with us before the event.
Ticket holders are eligible for a free companion ticket. After purchasing your accessibility ticket, please contact DICE in the help centre to request your free companion ticket.
There is a ramp entrance into the venue and the bar / venue is all on one floor. There is also an accessible toilet on the same floor.
There are unsupervised coat hooks upstairs at The Baths, however there is no official cloakroom
Our bars and box office are cashless.
Readmittance is allowed.
Car Park: The nearest car parks are Wolsey Car Park or Spiral Car Park, by The New Wolsey Theatre across the road from the venue.
Strobe Lighting: We may use strobe lighting and a smoke machine in the venue, please let us know in advance of the gig to request either of these not to be used.
Age restrictions:
14+ with 14-17 year olds accompanied by an adult 18+.
Some events such as clubnights and late night events are 18+. Please check individual event details and feel free to get in touch if you have any queries.
Find out more and how you can hire The Baths here.
3. What volunteer opportunities are available?
Whether you’re looking to learn new skills or to be part of a like-minded community, we have regular opportunities at our gigs, festivals and events for all ages over 16.
Some of the roles you can get involved with are: lighting / sound engineers, stage hand, box office, photography + videography, bar assistant, content creation, event stewards, runners, artist liaison, poster and flyer distribution. Head to our volunteer page to find out more and how to get involved.
4. Is photography allowed?
Professional camera equipment is not allowed in any of our venues, unless you have a press pass or have signed up to volunteer. Please feel free to capture photos and videos on your mobile phone and be sure to tag us!
5. Where can I buy tickets?
We sell our event tickets through DICE, check out our listings on our website for what’s on.
6. What do I need to know before coming to a gig?
The standard times for doors is 7.30pm and curfew at curfew 11pm.
Please check our social media on the day of the event for stage times if we're able to share.
Please be aware door times are the time you can access the venue from, not necessarily when the music starts. All times are subject to change.
Make sure you've got your ticket to hand. If purchased through DICE, you’ll need to log into your account via the app to access your QR code. If you have any issues please get in touch via info@brightenthecorners.co.uk
7. Do you sell gift cards?
Not currently! But we’re looking to do them in the future.