The Baths
To the casual onlooker, the former St Matthews Baths Hall on the town’s Civic Drive wouldn't look like much from the road. With its entrance tucked between offices, the building was until recently a gym but was formerly a swimming pool. In the 1960s-70s over the winter months boards were placed over the pool so that bands could play to local audiences. Among those artists were Rod Stewart, Deep Purple, The Who, Cream featuring Eric Clapton and most famously, Led Zeppelin. We are thrilled to be using the Baths for the festival and a season of gigs into 2022!
Capacity: 300
ADDRESS: St Matthew’s Court, 4 Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2QA
What 3 words: ///drums.digits.Fears
The Smokehouse
The Smokehouse will offer a programme of six handpicked acts across the two days of the festival. Opened in 2016, it hosts over 400 artists each year and has a reputation for killer live sound. The limited capacity of the venue, which is based at South Street Studios in the multicultural Norwich Road area, promises those ‘I was there’ moments. Be sure to arrive early to secure entry to these exclusive showcases.
Capacity: 80
ADDRESS: South Street Studios, 6 South Street, Ipswich, IP1 3NU
What 3 words: ///fallen.shrimp.crisis
St. Stephen’s Church
Our second new venue for 2021 is the beautiful St Stephen’s Church. One of Ipswich's oldest buildings, it was built in the 15th century and was used as a place of worship until 1978. Formerly the town’s tourist information centre until it’s closure in March 2020, this 100 cap space will host bands and DJs across the weekend.
Capacity: 100
ADDRESS: 1 St. Stephen's Ln, Ipswich, IP1 1DP
WHAT 3 WORDS: ///riots.switch.simply
The Corn Exchange
The festival’s biggest stage and the town’s largest standing venue, the Corn Exchange has in the past hosted legendary shows from the likes of Blur, John Martyn, Soul II Soul, Muse, The Stranglers and many more. Situated at the rear of the town hall this is where you will also find our box office and wristband exchange.
Capacity: 900
ADDRESS: The Corn Exchange, King Street, Ipswich, IP1 1DH
What 3 Words: ///METHOD.TONES.PUNKS
The Cornhill
Sound City Ipswich will once again be hosting a stage in the town’s historic square The Cornhill. Subject to a recent £3.6m development the square lends itself perfectly to outdoor events such as this. Once the site of the execution of The Ipswich Martyrs, audiences this October can expect to see a range of regional bands and solo artists across both days curated by the festival, BBC Introducing in Suffolk and Access Creative College.
Capacity: Outdoor stage
ADDRESS: Cornhill, Ipswich, IP1 1DH
What 3 words: ///rise.crowd.calms