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A busy night of alternative music as all three Brighten the Corners venues in action tomorrow

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DanceEast

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Music lovers are spoilt for choice tomorrow as Ipswich's alternative music scene springs into life with gigs at all three of the town’s music venues.

Rock and metal at St Stephen's Church

The Riot, Ipswich's beloved rock and metal club night, is keeping the Halloween spirit alive with a special themed event at the atmospheric St Stephen's Church. Running from 9:30 pm until 1:30 am, resident DJs Stevo and Ed will be unleashing a barrage of classic anthems from the likes of Slipknot, Metallica and Deftones.

Fancy dress is encouraged, and with tickets from £6, it's an affordable way to extend your Halloween celebrations.

D&B takes over The Baths

For those seeking pulsating beats, Wrekt brings the drum & bass vibes to The Baths, featuring a collaboration between Function Records and Redeye Records. The venue's Void Acoustics sound system promises to deliver earth-shaking bass from 9 pm until 2 am.

This event, also priced from £6, aims to recapture the magic of Ipswich's legendary '90s DnB scene.

Wrekt at The Baths

For fans of Drum & Bass and Jungle, Wrekt returns with an event curated by Function Records and Redeye Records at The Baths.

  • Music, Gigs & Concerts
  • 1 November
  • 21:00-02:00
Wrekt at The Baths in Ipswich

Electro-nu-metal at The Smokehouse

Meanwhile, The Smokehouse welcomes electro-nu-metal outfit Broken Calling, fresh from their successful UK tour. Support comes from Hull-based Down to a Deathmatch and local metallers Arms to Oblivion.

Doors open at 7:30 pm, and tickets are available for £7.

Broken Calling at The Smokehouse

Electro-nu-metal band Broken Calling is set to electrify The Smokehouse with their high-energy sound.

  • Music, Gigs & Concerts
  • 1 November
  • 19:30-23:00
Broken Calling at The Smokehouse in Ipswich

DanceEast Youth Takeover in 2023

There's something for everyone

Watch a performance, join a term of classes or attend a workshop at DanceEast

The Little Prince at DanceEast in Ipswich

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College students launch 29 community projects during social action month

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DanceEast

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Students at Suffolk New College have created 29 social action projects this month, including an anti-knife crime basketball match and a charity thrift shop.

Why it matters: The college-wide programme aims to make a positive difference in the local community while promoting sustainability and addressing social issues, such as knife crime.

The details: The campaign kicked off with a staff-versus-student basketball match designed to encourage people to unite through sport rather than divide through crime.

Suffolk New College staff member Mike Mears in the staff v student anti knife crime basketball match
Suffolk New College staff member Mike Mears in the staff v student anti knife crime basketball matchSuffolk New College

Anton Dixon, basketball coach for Suffolk New College, said: "The game was a huge success, bringing energy, competition, and most importantly, a strong sense of community.

"Beyond the game, this event was about more than basketball. It was a celebration of the hard work and dedication these young people have shown all year, committing to something bigger than themselves, building a community in a space that encourages growth, respect, and positive change -- that rejects crime."

Marley Gunn, 18, from Ipswich, who played on the student team, said: "Sport gives me a safe environment and gives me something positive to do with a group of friends."

Staff members narrowly defeated the students in the match.

What else is happening: All social action activities have had a sustainability theme, including:

  • Art and design students establishing a thrift shop to raise money for Got to Read, an Ipswich-based charity that helps adult learners read

  • Litter picking and river cleaning initiatives

  • Two groups of music students creating charity singles using sustainable materials for St Helena Hospice and the British Red Cross

Jake Smith and Emily Merry-Brown helped create a pop up thrift shop to raise money for charity during a social action month at Suffolk New College
Jake Smith and Emily Merry-Brown helped create a pop up thrift shop to raise money for charity during a social action month at Suffolk New CollegeSuffolk New College

Emily Merry Brown, 18, from Felixstowe, who helped organise the thrift shop, said: "It's great to raise money for a really good cause. The event helped bring the college and the community together. It's nice to support where we can."

Jake Smith, 18, from Ipswich, added: "Sustainability helps make the world a better place."

What they're saying: Hayley Rigby, a personal development co-ordinator at the college who was key in creating the social action month, said: "Social Action Month is all about getting the students to shine a light on injustices in society and highlight sustainability.

"Year three students from across our four college campuses have created projects and this programme of social action has been running for the last four years. The students have been really engaged and positive and we have 29 projects happening this year."

Mike Mears, head of student personal development, added: "At Suffolk New College, we're immensely proud of our students' commitment to sustainability. Through the social action meek, I've seen first-hand the incredible impact of their projects, from litter picks to sustainable fashion. Our college community, including staff, has come together to inspire and drive positive change for a brighter, eco-friendlier future."

The bottom line: The month-long initiative demonstrates how educational institutions can engage students in meaningful community work that addresses important social issues while developing sustainable practices.

DanceEast Youth Takeover in 2023

There's something for everyone

Watch a performance, join a term of classes or attend a workshop at DanceEast

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