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An historic performance from Ed Sheeran at The Baths and a look at this week's upcoming gigs

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Brighten the Corners' Sadie Rycraft reviews last week's best live music performances in Ipswich and gives you the low-down on this week's must-see gigs.

Last week's highlights

Tuesday, 19th November

Schools Showcase Event at The Baths

Brighten The Corners hosted one of the biggest events in its history at The Baths, welcoming over 200 students to explore careers in the music industry. The day was made extraordinary by a surprise performance from Ed Sheeran.

Rising Suffolk artists Esme Emerson, AFTERDRIVE, and Ryski showcased their talent, emphasizing the importance of grassroots venues.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths
Ed Sheeran performing for more than 200 students at The Baths in IpswichElla CalverBrighten the Corners

Wednesday, 20th November

Naima Bock at St Stephen’s Church

Naima Bock delivered an intimate, evocative performance at St Stephen’s Church. Her poetic lyricism and hauntingly beautiful folk sound captivated the audience, with support from Hoy Chorale.

Friday, 22nd November

The Hanging Stars at St Stephen’s Church

The Hanging Stars enchanted the audience with their lush, atmospheric folk-rock. Their transcendent melodies and Americana influences created a spellbinding night in St Stephen’s Church.

Friday, 22nd November

The Grey at The Smokehouse

The Grey headlined a gripping night at The Smokehouse, blending atmospheric alt-rock with intensity. Voytek and SUNMACHINE added energetic, immersive sets

Friday, 22nd & Saturday, 23rd November

Hopsters: Ipswich Craft Beer Festival at The Baths

Hopsters celebrated craft beer culture with a vibrant selection of brews, live DJs, and delicious food at The Baths. A relaxed and fun weekend for beer lovers and music fans alike.

Saturday 23rd November

Joe & The Shitboys at The Smokehouse

Joe & The Shitboys delivered high-energy punk madness at The Smokehouse. Their humorous, politically charged performance left the crowd buzzing, with stellar support acts amplifying the fun.

Coming up this week

Just the one BTC gig this week but it should be a cracker.

Saturday, 30th November

Lou Terry at The Smokehouse

South London musician Lou Terry brings his innovative sound to The Smokehouse.

  • Music, Gigs & Concerts
  • 30 November
  • 19:30-23:00
Lou Terry at The Smokehouse

Mark your calendars and grab your tickets while you still can.

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Widower urges people to support Midnight Walk in aid of charity that gave his late wife 'a peaceful end-of-life'

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Ross Wishart shares how St Elizabeth Hospice supported his family and why he encourages others to join the annual fundraiser.

Why it matters: St Elizabeth Hospice provides free care to over 4,000 patients and their families throughout the region each year, offering specialist support whenever and wherever it is needed.

The big picture: The Midnight Walk, now in its 19th year, returns on Saturday, 10 May at Trinity Park Events with a pyjama party theme. Last year's event raised over £135,000 to support the hospice's vital services.

Large crowds at MNW 2024
Large crowds at MNW 2024St Elizabeth Hospice

The details: Sponsored by Persimmon Homes Suffolk, the event will see hundreds of walkers dress in their most vibrant and colourful pyjamas as they take on the route.

  • The seven-mile circular route takes walkers through Ipswich streets

  • Participants will walk to the hospice grounds to write messages on a special Memory Wall

  • The route continues to Ipswich Waterfront before returning to Trinity Park

More than a charity event: The Wishart family's connection to the hospice goes beyond the Midnight Walk. Ross explained that Jemma first came under the hospice's care in early 2024, after receiving cancer treatment and support from Ipswich Hospital.

Initially, the hospice provided guidance to help them care for Jemma at home. Eventually, she was admitted to the Inpatient Unit in Ipswich, where she received care for several weeks until her death.

"Contrary to what many people might expect, the hospice is a warm and homely environment -- not a scary place at all," Ross said.

"From the moment you walk through the doors, everyone greets you with a smile. The volunteers at reception are so kind, and the staff are exceptional."

The Wishart Family
The Wishart FamilyThe Wishart Family

What they're saying: "We are eternally grateful for the love and support the hospice provided to Jemma and our family," explained Ross Wishart, whose wife Jemma received support from St Elizabeth Hospice until her death, aged 38, in July 2024.

"The hospice gave Jemma a peaceful and dignified end-of-life, allowing us to be together as a family and share precious moments. These memories will stay with us forever, and I cannot thank the hospice enough for making that possible," he added.

"We've always been keen fundraisers for various charities. While Jemma was receiving care, our family participated in the charity's Midnight Walk," Ross continued.

"It was a fantastic event, and at the halfway point, the route takes you through the hospice. Jemma was able to see us there and wish us well, which made the experience even more special."

James Fox-Golding, Events and Challenges Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "The excitement is really building as the Midnight Walk draws closer! We're looking forward to coming together with the community and our supporters to bring a fantastic party atmosphere to Ipswich for this much-loved fundraiser."

St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk 2025 poster
St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk 2025St Elizabeth Hospice

What's next: All ticket proceeds and donations for Midnight Walk will go to St Elizabeth Hospice, which provides support to patients and families living with life-limiting illnesses across the region.

The bottom line: "Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or taking part in events like the Midnight Walk, you're making a real difference to families like mine who are supported by the hospice during difficult times in their lives," said Ross.

For more details and to book Midnight Walk 2025 tickets, visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/get-involved/events/all-events-challenges/midnight-walk/ or email midnightwalk@stelizabethhospice.org.uk for queries.

To find out more about St Elizabeth Hospice call 01473 727776 or visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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