Town's small music venue starts appeal for fundspublished at 15:15 British Summer Time 28 April 2020published at 14:15 28 April 2020
Jason Noble
Suffolk Local Democracy Reporter
A small Ipswich music venue has started an online fundraising plea to help keep it afloat.
The Smokehouse, external on South Street is one of hundreds of venues forced to close last month because of the social distancing measures announced in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
With social distancing expected to remain for the coming weeks and months, even once lockdown measures are eased, the future for music venues remains unclear.
Joe Bailey, who runs the venue, said: "These are difficult times across the whole industry, for venues, artists and promoters.
"There are venues across the world facing the same challenges as we are - an uncertain future after building such a strong reputation."
So far, more than £3,600 has been pledged by supporters towards a target of £12,000.