Ipswich: Live music at the Jerwood Dance House

Promoter Stephen Foster at Ipswich Waterfront

As the Waterfront area has been developed, many hundreds of people have made it their home.

They love the buzz and atmosphere of the area, and for many of them, the views across the boats in the marinas and across to the town and to the countryside beyond.

From some apartments you can see surrounding hills and the Orwell Bridge in the distance.

Among those residents is BBC radio presenter Stephen Foster, a passionate advocate of the live music scene.

And Stephen is showing that commitment by promoting concerts both in the Waterfront and town, at the Wolsey Theatre.

I met him for coffee, at the Colours cafe, one of the many by the quayside.

It was the heritage weekend and there were lots of people about, exploring the area, and visiting historic buildings such as the Old Custom House and St Peter’s Church.

“I love living down here,” he said, “I have been here four years down. It is buzzing.

“I enjoy the vibrancy of the place.”

I have heard stories of some residents complaining about nighttime noise, but that isn’t a problem for Stephen.

“Of course it is noisy at times, at weekends mostly,” he said.

“When you have restaurants and bars, university and the like there is bound to be some noise.

“I have never regretted moving here.

“I have settled here.

“It is a great place to live, and a place for everybody to enjoy.”

Steve continues to promote live gigs.

Following on from his success with A Saucerful of Floyd at DanceEast, Steve has two shows coming up at the Jerwood Dance House.

Steemy Day is a sell-out and next up is the original line-up of Nine Below Zero at the Dance House on Friday October 24.

“We are looking for around 300 for that one,” he said.

Steve also promotes at the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket.

“There is lots of music at the Waterfront, at the Cult Bar and Isaacs on the Quay. There is always plenty to see here,” he said.

Looking further ahead he would love to see a larger, multi-purpose venue built, for music and a wide variety of other events.

“It would be great for the town and the surrounding area,” he said.

“Perhaps something could be included in the next UCS University development. It would be great to have a new multi-purpose venue for music, and the arts and other events,” he added.

“The Waterfront could be the place for it.”