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AJ Tracey to perform at The Baths in Ipswich this May

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The UK rapper brings his 'Not Even A Tour' to Ipswich on Monday, 19 May, with tickets going on sale next Friday and expected to sell out fast.

Why it matters: This marks AJ Tracey's return to the music scene after a three-year hiatus, during which he created his latest album, "Don't Die Before You're Dead".

The performance at The Baths will run from 19:30 to 23:00, and tickets are £20 plus a booking fee.

The performance is restricted to ages 14 and above, with those under 18 required to be accompanied by an adult.

AJ Tracey in new single Crush
AJ Tracey in new single Crush

What they're saying: "I want to showcase growth and hammer home that the UK is a melting pot of cultures. I'm proud to be British—no matter what people try to tell you," says AJ Tracey about his new material.

He describes the album as "a love letter to the UK," explaining that "I wanted to show this isn't just another braggadocious record."

For context: The new album explores themes of trauma, mental health, faith, and love, with tracks like "Friday Prayer" exploring the artist's journey with Islam and "3rd Time Lucky" addressing his mother's battle with cancer.

Despite the personal nature of some tracks, others like "Second Nature" and "Out of Sight" showcase what the artist calls his "signature swagger".

AJ Tracey poster
AJ Tracey is performing at The Baths in Ipswich on 19 MayBrighten the Corners

What's next: Tickets go on sale Friday, 4 April at 12pm via DICE and Ticketmaster. They're expected to sell fast, so be quick. You can find all the information you need at https://www.brightenthecorners.co.uk/events/aj-tracey.

The bottom line: AJ Tracey's Ipswich performance offers fans a rare chance to experience what he describes as "an unapologetically British statement of maturity, authenticity, and self-acceptance" on their doorstep.

Brighten the Corners

Brighten the Corners runs a diverse live music programme, training and education opportunities across three venues, and an annual multi-venue festival in Ipswich, Suffolk.

A gig at St Stephen's Church
Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

St Stephens Church, The Baths and The Smokehouse in Ipswich

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Brighten the Corners

Brighten the Corners runs a diverse live music programme, training and education opportunities across three venues, and an annual multi-venue festival in Ipswich, Suffolk.

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

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