Organisers behind a new music festival and industry summit aiming to promote Ipswich as a destination for touring bands have been forced to cancel this year’s event.
Sound City Ipswich, held for the first time last year and due to return on Friday, October 2 this year, has been cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
But event organisers have confirmed that acts already signed up will be on the bill for the event’s return next year, set for Friday, October 1 2021.
MORE: Inaugural Sound City Ipswich success prompts return for 2020Festival organiser Joe Bailey said uncertainty around large gatherings and social distancing meant it was not possible to go ahead with this year’s event.
He said: “The live music and cultural sector has been hit beyond belief by the pandemic, and government guidance and support has been slow and ambiguous to say the least.
“Industry experts are suggesting that live music as we know it will most probably not return until 2021. Therefore we can’t invest our time, money and efforts into something which we would not know would go ahead until much closer to the time.
“We’ll use this time to build something even more exciting for next year, concentrate our efforts to champion local original talent and come back stronger.”
Last year’s sold out inaugural event featured 25 artists performing across four stages – a free outdoor stage hosted by BBC Introducing on the Cornhill as well as The Smokehouse, Corn Exchange and Manor Ballroom.
It was coupled with a conference featuring local performers, booking agents, promoters, venues and other industry insiders as a means of promoting Ipswich as a destination for more touring acts to visit, and showcase East Anglian bands for support slots.
The nine acts already confirmed for this year will be transferred to next year’s event.
Those booked to date are Porridge Radio; Warmduscher; TrueMendous; Big Joanie; Chubby and the Gang; Pregoblin; Joe and the S**tboys; Anorak Patch and Parris Robbo.
Those who have already bought tickets are being contacted to transfer tickets to next year, process a refund or donate the ticket cost to Out Loud Music, the community interest company which organises the event and runs The Smokehouse.
MORE: Online music festival Lock East Live to be held in IpswichThe event has been supported by organisers of the Sound City Liverpool festival as well as Ipswich Borough Council and funding from Arts Council England.
To find out more and stay up to date visit the event website here.
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