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DanceEast Youth Takeover in 2023

There's something for everyone

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

This week's gigs: Scott Matthews, Pixelh8, Undercover Pangolin, Bon Jovi Experience and Ecto Peach

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DanceEast

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

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

Saturday, 30th November

Lou Terry at The Smokehouse

South London musician Lou Terry headlined with a standout performance, blending politically charged, humorous lyrics with expressive vocals for an immersive live experience.

Coming up this week

Thursday, 5th December

Pixelh8 at The Smokehouse

A night of experimental electronica and nostalgic chiptune sounds. Pixelh8 and astr0 headline this event with retro-inspired beats at The Smokehouse.

  • Music, Gigs & Concerts
  • 5 December
  • 19:30-23:00
Pixelh8 at The Smokehouse in Ipswich

Friday, 6th December

Undercover Pangolin at The Smokehouse

Indie rock bands Undercover Pangolin, Young States, and Muntjax perform live at The Smokehouse. Expect high-energy percussion, emotional lyrics, and a gritty melodic edge.

  • Music, Gigs & Concerts
  • 6 December
  • 19:30-23:00
Undercover Pangolin at The Smokehouse

Saturday, 7th December

Bon Jovi Experience at The Baths

The only show endorsed by Jon Bon Jovi himself, this tribute act celebrates 30 years on the road, featuring iconic hits like "Livin’ On a Prayer" and "It’s My Life."

  • Music, Gigs & Concerts
  • 7 December
  • 19:30-23:00
Bon Jovi Experience at The Baths in Ipswich

Ecto Peach at The Smokehouse

Essex indie punk band Ecto Peach brings fast-paced sonic energy with support from The Interesting Times Gang and Monda Krimligo, delivering an unforgettable experience.

  • Music, Gigs & Concerts
  • 7 December
  • 19:30-23:00
Ecto Peach at The Smokehouse in Ipswich

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

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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DanceEast

From watching a performance, to joining a term of classes, to trying a one-off workshop, DanceEast has something for everyone.

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500 mobile phones donated to support domestic abuse victims in East Anglia

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DanceEast

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Virgin Media O2 Business has donated over 500 mobile phones to help survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault across East Anglia, including Suffolk.

Why it matters: The donated devices will enable vulnerable people to contact support services, emergency services and family members when their own phones have been broken or confiscated by perpetrators.

The phones will be distributed to Leeway, Catch-22, and Mountain Healthcare support services across five counties – Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Some devices will come with free SIM cards and mobile data from the National Databank, which was founded by Virgin Media O2 and the digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation. The National Databank is described as "like a food bank but for free data, texts and calls, helping to connect people in need."

Leeway

Leeway provides support to adults and young people looking to break free from domestic abuse in Suffolk and Norfolk.

The background: The donation comes as part of Virgin Media O2 Business's social value commitment through a recent police contract with 7F Commercial Services.

7F Commercial Services uses collaborative buying power for seven police forces in the eastern region, including Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Kent, to obtain better value for money from their contracts.

What they're saying: Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, said: "Supporting victims is a key responsibility for me as Police and Crime Commissioner. We commission many services to support victims to help them cope with the immediate impact of crime, and, as far as possible, recover from the effects.

Tim Passmore, Police & Crime Commissioner for Suffolk
PCC

"I absolutely support this 'social benefits' approach. Funding is always tight and anything we can do to work with the commercial sector to access additional funding to support this work gets my full support.

"I know from speaking to victims just how devastating it is to be denied something as basic as the ability to talk to family and friends. I hope these phones provide a useful lifeline for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault to feel more secure and less isolated."

Charlotte Hails, Head of Public Sector Vertical Strategy at Virgin Media O2 Business, said: "As a former senior police officer who specialised in Safeguarding and Public Protection, I know first-hand that mobile phones and connectivity are critical to ensuring victims and survivors are not isolated and can receive support.

"By partnering with local organisations in East Anglia, Virgin Media O2 Business is helping ensure victims and survivors receive the smartphones and data they need. This builds on our commitment to support police forces and communities across the UK to improve public safety and reduce crime."

The bottom line: The initiative aims to reduce isolation among victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault by providing them with secure means of communication through donated mobile devices.

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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