About Us
Running a diverse programme of live music, training and education opportunities across three venues and an annual multi-venue festival in Ipswich, Suffolk.
Brighten The Corners is a not for profit organisation set up by the team at Out Loud Music CIC. Brighten the Corners operates three full-time venues, is the name of the annual town centre festival in Ipswich, Suffolk and promotes gigs by independent and emerging artists/musicians.
BTC also runs training and volunteering projects for young people wishing to gain event production experience and has over 80 active volunteers.
Providing our diverse programmes and training, we amplify the voices of marginalised communities through music, event production, media, and arts, empowering young people and adults to thrive, regardless of race, socioeconomic background, mental health, or physical disabilities. We aim to create a sustainable future for music and culture in our region, provide meaningful employment and volunteering pathways for marginalised young people, and establish Ipswich as a proud national hub for music and the arts.
Who We Are
The journey started with The Smokehouse opening in 2016, the community-loved 70-cap venue that boasts an intimate atmosphere and versatile space. Then came The Baths a few years later, the 300-cap fan-favourite venue. Now, we have opened our third venue - the beautiful St Stephen’s Church. We were granted funding to transform the historical church into a fully-equipped music venue - and daytime cafe bar.
The Brighten The Corners team is made up of a small group of passionate people who love live music. We all share the same determination when it comes to making Ipswich a viable touring destination and rejuvenating the music scene in our town.
Our Mission
Empowering through Arts and Education
Offering young people hands-on training programs and a real-world understanding of the music and event production industry.
Amplifying community voices and increase their sense of belonging, self-esteem and confidence.
Giving access to communities in Ipswich to training, volunteerism, and employment opportunities.
Imparting technical knowledge and foster social action to encourage our community to address societal issues.
Helping young people thrive and build meaningful careers in live event production, sound engineering, lighting, marketing, and promotion.
Our Vision
Sustaining ongoing operations and expanding the current youth and audience reach
Fostering the next generation of artists and the local talent ecosystem.
Expanding education and engagement programmes - iRock, New Gen and Tune Up
Increasing freelancing opportunities to over 1,750 and the volunteer pool to over 1,250 placements annually.
Reaching more young people by expanding our programmes
Why Us
Leading grassroots community music organisation.
Expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision.
Deeply connected locally & regionally.
Expert in using music and media.
Builds strong community partnerships, and supports marginalised community members and young people.
Proven Impact
80% of participants showed increased self-confidence and self-esteem.
94% progression rate to further courses and volunteering.
80% reduction in re-offending rates among at-risk youth.
