Boost for live music in Ipswich as 450-capacity venue The Music Room is launched

Luke Hughes in the former Reflections night club in Duke Street, Ipswich which is set to be turned into a live music venue.

The live music scene in Ipswich is set to get a boost with the arrival of a new 450-capacity venue.

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The Music Room is set to open in the first week of June, occupying the former Reflections nightclub and Premier Pool space in Duke Street.

Work is underway to improve the light and sound systems, as well as installing new bar taps.

Owner Luke Hughes, 28, said: “It’s in pretty good condition. I have been involved with pub nights and putting big events on you could sell them three times over some of the time.

“I thought we could do with something a bit bigger and bring some big bands to town, because Ipswich hasn’t got that.”

Mr Hughes aims to start the venue off with live events on Fridays and Saturdays, and is hoping to support local bands by offering support slots to shows by touring artists.

He added: “I have a few bands lined up and we will be doing more down the student line too. I am just speaking to as many agents as I can and getting big bands down, but by having local bands open that will be big for their CV.”

Despite the closure of The Malthouse in February, which was also intended to be a dedicated music venue, Mr Hughes is confident The Music Room will not suffer the same end, and is encouraged by its location close to University Campus Suffolk and the Waterfront.

“I think they were doing something completely different, and venues like the Regent are all seated, so here you can be a bit more up close and personal and you have a very good bar right behind you.

“Long term we want to make it Ipswich’s number one music venue, and bring as many big bands down as possible as well as supporting local artists too.”

To find out more about the venue, and how bands can register their interest, visit themusicroomipswich.com.