Live Music in Ipswich
THE BATHS
2 Civic Drive | Ipswich | IP1 2QA
300 capacity
The Baths is the mid-sized venue that Ipswich has been waiting for. Located a stones throw from Ipswich Town F.C and the town centre, the building was formerly known as St Matthews Baths Hall and used for live music in the late 60s and early 70s with boards being laid over the swimming pool to make way for audiences. Legendary acts including Led Zeppelin, Cream and Rod Stewart appeared before it was repurposed as a social club and then a gym.
Fast forward to 2021 and The Baths reopened as a live music venue, and since has hosted national and international artists and DJs, as well as hired for comedy and beer festivals.
The wide, ‘black box’ , low-ceilinged layout lends itself adaptable to a variety of events, and upstairs is a large private green room with facilities. The venue includes a D&B audio rig and lighting fixtures.
Previous bookings: The Wedding Present, BC Camplight, Porridge Radio, Mad Professor, Yard Act, Pigs x7, Children of Zeus, Grooverider, Theon Cross, This Is The Kit, The Orielles, Andy Bell, Twin Atlantic, Willie J Healey, The Orb
ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH
St Stephens Church Lane | Ipswich | IP1 1DP
200 capacity
Since 2019, through test events and festivals, we have worked to prove the need for a next-step music venue for Ipswich.
In winter 2022, with a total of £450k investment from Ipswich Borough Council and SIGIF Grant funding, we made renovations and sound-proofing to the church in order to reopen as a 200-capacity music and arts venue in spring 2023.
The grade 2 listed medieval St Stephen’s Church is in the centre of Ipswich, with a cafe/bar, ‘award winning’ toilets, and a D&B audio rig and lighting fixtures. There is a small backstage room to the side of the stage with it’s own toilet.
This is a standing venue with benches and tables along the periphery. There is a cafe/bar open during some weekend hours (follow socials for updates), as well as record shop Hex. As well as live music and DJs, the church can host markets, workshops, conferences and more.
Previous bookings: Richard Dawson, Jeffrey Lewis, Robyn Hitchcock, Scott Matthews, Naima Bock, Don Letts, Bernard Butler, Rosali, Art School Girlfriend, Pom Poko.
THE SMOKEHOUSE
6 South Street | Ipswich | IP1 3NU
70 capacity
Opened in 2016, The Smokehouse is an 70-capacity micro-venue in the heart of the most diverse ward in Ipswich and Suffolk. Hosting over 100 gigs per year, The Smokehouse offers first rung opportunities to young and aspiring artists, promotors and DJs.
The Smokehouse provides industry leading equipment including PA, backline and lighting ensuring both artists and audience have the highest quality experience. There is a green room space to the side of stage.
Previous bookings: Coach Party, Penelope Isles, The Bug Club, Ishmael Ensemble, Native James, Snapped Ankles, Robyn Hitchcock, Warmduscher, TOY, W.H. Lung, Ural Thomas.