Sound City Ipswich to return in 2023 under new name

The festival brought dozens of top acts to venues across the town last year

Happyness performing at Sound City Ipswich in 2019
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 4th Jul 2022

The Sound City Ipswich festival is to return next year under a different name.

Organisers have also confirmed the multi-venue event will become fully independent, as its previously been run in partnership with Liverpool Sound City.

The festival will move from the autumn to June.

Sound City was first held in 2019 and was brought back for a second, expanded edition last year.

It saw dozens of top acts perform at venues across Ipswich, including the Corn Exchange, The Smokehouse and a free outdoor BBC Introducing stage.

The line up last year included BC Camplight, Billy Nomates, Los Bitchos and Yard Act.

In a statement on social media, organisers said: "When the idea for a Sound City festival in Ipswich was suggested at the beginning of 2019 the goal was that the event would shine a spotlight on the town, attract new artists and audiences and prove the need for further venues in the town."

"The team at Sound City Liverpool gave us an incredible opportunity to reimagine live music in Ipswich and they have been a key part of our journey.

"Within just three years after our first meeting with them, we’re bringing more and more incredible bands and artists to Ipswich all year round."

Next year's festival will use two brand new venues: The former St Stephen's Church and The Baths, off St Matthew's Street.

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