IPSWICH THINGS TO DO
BTCP: Shovel Dance Collective
The Church, Ipswich
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Information - BTCP: Shovel Dance Collective
BTCP: Shovel Dance Collective – A Folk Experience Like No Other
Brighten The Corners proudly presents the folk nine-piece Shovel Dance Collective at The Church, Ipswich on Sunday 22nd March 2026.
About the Event
This event is part of Early Doors, a new series of intimate concerts featuring earlier start times and an early finish, perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed, immersive musical experience.
As Pitchfork beautifully puts it:
“Hammered dulcimer curlicues, entwined singing voices, trombone echoing across the gentle roar of the Thames—with close attention, all of it has the capacity to make your hair stand on end.”
Event Details
- Date: Sunday 22 March 2026
- Time: 4:00pm – 7:30pm
- Venue: The Church, Ipswich
- Tickets: £15 + booking fee
- Age Restrictions: 14+ (ages 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult)
Accessibility
The Church offers step-free access into the venue, with bar, accessible toilet, and main event space all conveniently located on one floor. For any specific accessibility needs or questions, the venue is happy to assist to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Meet Shovel Dance Collective
Shovel Dance Collective is a nine-member band united by a deep passion for the traditional musics of Britain, Ireland, and beyond. They approach folk not as a museum piece but as a living, breathing communal art form—open, inviting, and innovative.
Their unique sound blends:
- Traditional folk melodies
- Free improvisation
- Tape manipulation and field recordings
Each performance is a patchwork of stitched-together pieces, weaving a rich tapestry of musical textures. Their music honours voices often overlooked, representing the stories of the oppressed and the labourers who build the world’s wealth.
A Celebrated Collective
Shovel Dance Collective has sold out shows across the UK, including headline gigs at Cafe OTO, Kings Place, and Cecil Sharp House. They have appeared at prestigious festivals such as:
- Glastonbury
- Roskilde
- SXSW
- Rewire
- Green Man
- End of the Road
- Sidmouth Folk Festival
- Supernormal
- Supersonic
Their live performances have been praised by major publications including The Wire, Loud and Quiet, NME, Financial Times, and The Times. Their albums The Shovel Dance and The Water is the Shovel of the Shore have received widespread acclaim and were both named Albums of the Year by The Quietus.
Their second album, The Shovel Dance, was released in October 2024 on American Dreams Records and continues to push the boundaries of folk music.
Join Us!
If you love folk music that challenges, moves, and inspires, don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see Shovel Dance Collective live at The Church Ipswich.
Book your tickets today and get ready for a musical journey that will brighten your day and stir your soul!
