The new café/bar at Ipswich Town Hall is the venue for a new series of free music nights.

The café is being run by Ipswich-based Realise Futures Catering and is already proving a hit with customers.

It has been trading for the past fortnight but on Friday the awesome pop-rock phenomenon that is Benjamin Bloom adds to the atmosphere. Back from his Edinburgh Fringe tour and a sell-out at Ip-art, Benjamin will bring a touch of musical eccentricity to the new café.

Ipswich Borough Council’s Culture portfolio-holder, Councillor Bryony Rudkin, said: “We are pleased that the café has settled in to these unique surroundings. Benjamin Bloom will add a bit of glitz to the proceedings on Friday and I hope many people will come along to this free gig.”

Realise Futures is a Community Interest Company offering paid employment, training and work experience to people with disabilities or disadvantages who want to work in the catering, manufacturing, production, packing and horticulture industries.

Ben will be playing between 7pm and 9pm and is urging local musicians to get involved in what is hoped to be a regular slot. “I am delighted to be helping launch ‘Friday Sessions’ at the new café, which will help provide a showcase platform for emerging local artists.”

Musicians are invited to express an interest in using the space by contacting Olivia Grant at [email protected]

Issued by the IBC press office, tel: 01473 432031