Skip to main contentEnter
Brighten the Corners logomark

Brighten the Corners

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

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

New Europa Way link road opens

News
Brighten the Corners logomark

Brighten the Corners

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

A new link road connecting Europa Way to Bramford Road in Ipswich has opened to the public.

Why it matters: The opening brings an end to works that have been ongoing for around 6 months and forms a new two-way connection between Sproughton Road and Bramford Road, with the aim of improving transport reliability, safety, and connectivity for sustainable travel.

Europa Way link road
Europa Way link roadSuffolk Highways

Key details:

  • The link road extends the existing Europa Way

  • It includes an off-road footpath and cycle path

  • A new mini roundabout connects Europa Way to Bramford Road

What they're saying: Suffolk Highways thanked "the local community for their patience whilst we carried out these works, as well as all Suffolk Highways employees involved in the construction of the new road."

Europa Way Link Road project
Europa Way Link Road project in progressSuffolk Highways

The bottom line: The new Europa Way link road provides a connection between two busy roads in Ipswich, hopefully improving traffic flow and supporting sustainable travel options.

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

Today's supporter

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.

View upcomnig gigs

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

News
Brighten the Corners logomark

Brighten the Corners

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

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

Load next article