IAA – East Anglian Daily Times
EADT – 29th September 2026
Pirates, smugglers’ tales and witches bring a darker thrill of excitement to the cultural scene this month.
Music
‘Cut Sessions’ at the Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth present Flook, the Anglo-Irish band. on 9th October https://www.ticketsource.com/thecut/cut-sessions-presents-flook/e-bgaymj
Wolsey Orchestra gives a concert on 10th October at Greenwich Hall, Royal Hospital School, including works by Sibelius, Britten and Márquez. https://www.wolseyorchestra.org/
Rogues Shanty Chorus will perform ‘Shanties, sails and smugglers’ tales’ at The Seagull Theatre, Lowestoft on 18th October. https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/venueplan/pqgyokkexyzn
Rogues Shanty Chorus Credit: Stephen Amer
The Roman River Music Festival in North Essex runs from 20-25 October, taking place in some lovely churches in Coggeshall, Dedham, Copford, Fordham and Wivenhoe as well as in venues in Colchester. To see the programme: https://romanrivermusic.co.uk
The Ipswich Gilbert and Sullivan Society performs the classic comic opera, ‘The Pirates of Penzance’, at Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge 28-31 October. https://www.ipswichgands.co.uk/
Pirates of Penzance Credit: Tom Newman
Suffolk County Music Service are hosting a free ‘Come and Play Day‘ at Northgate Arts Centre, Ipswich on 24th October. Young musicians (all instruments) can try one of the County Music Groups To register: https://suffolkcountymusicservice.co.uk/take-part/county-music-groups/free-come-and-play-days-registration-form/
Exhibitions
The current Constable exhibition at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, featuring ‘The Hay Wain’ ends on 4th October. The third and final exhibition to mark the 250th anniversary, ‘Constable to Contemporary’, runs from 24th October 2026 to February 28th 2027. It will show contemporary and community responses to Constable’s work. https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/constable250/
You can learn about England’s first patron saint, King Edmund at Moyses Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds. Their exhibition ‘A King Will Fall, a Saint Will Rise’ continues until 4th October. www.moyseshall.org
A new exhibition ‘Witches: Suffolk’s Dark Legacy’ is now on at the Hold (Suffolk Archives), Ipswich Waterfront. Local historian Stephen Poulter presents a talk there about the Witchfinder General on Saturday 24 October at 10:30 am.
The recently opened, community-led, Museum of the Environment (MOTE), 13 Museum Street Ipswich, hosts this year’s East Anglian Photography Awards on 9th October 7-9pm. 120 photographs were selected from over 500 submissions across the region. The winners will be announced live during the evening, with live music (from Jayden J Wells). https://mote-uk.org
Museum of the Environment Credit: Alicia Doel
Literature
Jad Youssef Credit: Matt Russell
As well as the exciting programme of Ipswich Book Festival this month (3-4 October), Bury St Edmunds Literary Festival takes place 9-11th October. The wide-ranging lineup for the latter includes Costa Award winner Monique Roffey, The Beautiful Game (panel discussion on football) and chef Jad Youssef discussing Lebanese food. A trio of poets – myself, Alex Corrin-Tachibana and Mary Mulholland will read about our family links to Sudan, Japan and Guyana in ‘Our Complex Families’ 11th October. https://burylitfest.co.uk
Our Complex Families Credit: Contributor
Theatre
On 2nd October, Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds presents ‘It Walks around the Town’, a ‘chilling’ new play by Tim Foley.
Dame Sian Phillips and Robert Powell bring classical stories, scenes and poems to life in ‘It’s All Greek’ at the New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich on 8th October.
Aldeburgh Comedy Weekend takes place 16-18 October at Jubilee Hall with Jack Dee, Jo Brand, Ed Byrne and John Lloyd, plus Dame Joanna Lumley at Aldeburgh Cinema. www.aldeburghjubileehall.co.uk
Film
As the evenings draw in, check out National Theatre Live screenings. The next showings are of ‘The Misanthrope’ (Molière’s classic) featuring Sandra Oh of ‘Killing Eve’ fame. https://www.ntlive.com/
Craft
The Suffolk Preservation Society is partnering with Heritage Crafts to deliver grants of up to £2500 to endangered crafts practitioners in Suffolk. The deadline for applications is 16th October. For further information: https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/ecf/ or email sps@suffolksociety.org.
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 15th September 2026
If you love reading or want to explore the world of writing, there is plenty on the literature and drama fronts to enjoy in the next few weeks.
Literature
Leiston Book Festival takes place 19th September focusing on the changing landscape and the environment. https://www.leistonbookfestival.co.uk/
Ipswich Book Festival takes over many Ipswich venues 2-4 October with a stellar line up including Courttia Newland, Caroline Quentin, Shaun Bythell and Pat Abbott. There are plenty of free events and workshops, creative writing sessions by the university’s English Department and sessions on dementia and also dyslexia. Local authors (including myself) will have book stalls at Ipswich Institute 3-4 October and welcome people coming in to chat and buy books.
Courttia Newland’s The Art of Opposition – Credit: Ipswich Book Festival
The theme of National Poetry Day this year (3rd October) is ‘Wonder’. Members of Suffolk Poetry Society will be reading poems on the theme at the South Look Out Aldeburgh Beach (courtesy of Caroline Wiseman, one its patrons) and welcome everyone to come along to listen.
Book early for Emily Howes’ reading organised by Suffolk Book League at Ipswich Institute on 14 October. Emily is the award-winning author of The Painter’s Daughters (2024) which fictionalises the lives of painter Thomas Gainsborough and his family. Her new book Mrs Dickens is about Charles’ Dickens wife, Catherine. https://www.suffolkbookleague.org/events-1/emily-howes
Theatre
Gallery Players perform ‘Things I Know To Be True’ by Andrew Bovell 14-19 September at the Gallery Studio, Ipswich: ‘A complex and intense portrait of the mechanics of a family – and a marriage – through the eyes of four siblings’ https://gallerystudiotheatre.co.uk/
Common Ground Theatre Company tours Pat Whymark’s play ‘The Phantom of Friar Street’ from 1st October to 1st November in theatres and village halls across East Anglia. To find a venue near you: www.commongroundtc.co.uk
Music
Ipswich Minster’s free weekly lunchtime programme has its next concerts on 15th, 22nd, 29th September and 6th October. https://www.ipswichminster.org/concerts
Woodbridge Ambient Music Festival takes place 25- 27 September at the Art Haven, Tidemill Way, Woodbridge. Weekend tickets are on sale from eventbrite. https://woodbridgeambientmusicfestival.com/
St Peter’s by the Waterfront’s autumn season of concerts is well under way. On 2nd October, jazz vocalist Fleur Stevenson appears in her quartet. She is billed as presenting ‘intriguing arrangements of timeless jazz classics as featured on her latest award-winning album, as well as some stunning jazz re-imaginings of 70s hits’. https://www.stpetersbythewaterfront.com/
Fleur Stevenson Credit: Winter Blues & Jazz (https://wallywinterbluesnjazz.co.uk/).
Fressingfield Sounds present the Piatti String Quartet at Chapel Hall Arts on Saturday 10th October performing a programme of works by Mendelssohn, Purcell, Dvořák and British composer Edmund Finnis.
Piatti String Quartet Credit: Venetia Jollands
Ipswich Chamber Music Society has a concert by Harmoniemusik on 17th October at Great School, Ipswich School. This quartet comprises flute, clarinet, bassoon and piano/harpsichord, teaming up with a horn player for this concert. The programme includes works by Rossini, Poulenc, Arnold, Saint-Saëns and Mozart. https://www.ipswichchambermusic.org.uk/tickets-venue.
Harmoniemusik Credit: Contributor
Art
On 19th September in Colchester, there is a guided tour: ‘Art in the Open’. Starting at the Visitor Information Centre, Hollytrees Museum, it explores Colchester’s hidden artistic heritage. Both Constable and Turner sketched scenes there. To book: https://www.visitcolchester.com/
Grace Adam, who has applied to join Ipswich Arts Association, has been resident artist at Walpole Old Chapel since April 2026. There is a free exhibition of her work ‘Lines of Dissent’ 26 September – 31 October at the Old Chapel, featuring her charcoal drawings and a site-specific installation inspired by this wonderful listed building. Read her interview here: https://walpoleoldchapel.org/grace-adam-artist-in-residence/
Grace Adams – Credit: Contributor
On 3rd October, there is an afternoon devoted to Sudanese culture at Noman Studios, Cobbolds Mill, Monks Eleigh, featuring Sudanese artists, musicians, cooks and storytellers. Profits will be donated to a UK-registered social enterprise providing free online education to Sudanese children. https://nomanstudio.co.uk/.
Everything Stops for Tea Credit: Noman Studio
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 1st September 2026
An autumn feast of creative fruits is there to be enjoyed.
A reminder that Ipswich Arts Association (IAA) welcomes applications for its small grants scheme from member organisations (do consider joining the Association). Deadline: 30th September 2026. For full details: https://ipswich-arts.org.uk/iaa-small-grant-applications/
The first of IAA’s autumn lectures features Sophie Flux talking about Suffolk Wildlife Trust on 10th September 1pm at the Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich. The Trust will be running its first ‘Festival of Nature’ 20 September – 11 October. This will be launched on 20th September at Seckford Hall Woodbridge with special guest artist Angela Harding. https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/news/festival-nature
Angela Harding & Curlew on the River Deben Credit: Contributor
Ipswich Institute’s leisure-learning programme for members and non-members begins its autumn term on 14th September. Topics include art, music, literature, languages, film, bridge, fitness, bookbinding or singing with the Birkbeck Singers. www.ipswichinstitute.org.uk
Music
Bungay Folk Festival runs from 3-6 September with headliners Chris Wood and Daria Kulesh, also Simone Sou with Oleg Fateev. https://www.bungayfolkfestival.co.uk/
Bungay Festival – Daria Kulesh (Credit: Contributor) & Simone Sou with Oleg Fateev (Credit MarcosHermes)
The Trianon Prom will be performed by Trianon Choir and Orchestra at Ipswich Corn Exchange on 12 September. The soloist is soprano Muriel Kwint. Tickets from www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk
Muriel Kwint Credit: Contributor
Stour Choral Society is running its postponed summer singing workshop, directed by Susie Rose, on 26th September 10.30am – 3.30pm in Mistley. To secure a place, contact angeladclarke1963@gmail.com
Chorus Productions presents ‘West End does: Lowestoft’, the best songs from West End musicals, at the Marina Theatre Lowestoft on 20th September. https://www.marinatheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/west-end-does-lowestoft/
Art and other exhibitions
The Arts Society South East Suffolk (TASSES) starts its autumn programme on 1st September with Raymond Warburton’s lecture on ‘Modern British Sculpture: Moore, Hepworth and others’. If you miss this, the next lecture is on ‘Marina Abramovich: Grandmother of Performance Art’ on 6th October. To join the Society contact: info@tassoutheastsuffolk.org
On 11th September, a new solo exhibition by Norfolk artist Ruth Bunnewell opens at Gallery East Woodbridge.
From 12-13 September Ipswich Visual Arts Community presents Ipswich Town Art Trail. This starts at the Buttermarket and takes in ten venues across the town, featuring exhibitions, art demonstrations and drop-in mini workshops and artists working ‘live’.
Heritage Open Days take place in Ipswich 11-20 September, organised by The Ipswich Society. Readers might also enjoy following Ipswich Art Society’s 2024 interactive art trail detailed on their website: https://ipswich-art-society.co.uk/arttrail/
If you are visiting Felixstowe, it is worth taking time to visit Felixstowe Museum at Landguard Fort as well walking in the nature reserve and watching the container ships. There is a treasure trove of social and military history housed there. https://landguard.com/felixstowe-museum/
Literature
Linked to the current Constable 250 major exhibition ‘The Hay Wain, Walking Constable’s Landscape’, I will run my next ekphrastic poetry workshop, ‘The Art of Landscape’, 12th September 10.30am – 1.30pm at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich. To book: https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/c250-poetry-landscape/
Flipside, a day-long festival of literature and ideas, takes place 3rd October at the Old Theatre, Framlingham with Colin Grant, Ian Patterson and Colin Thubron among others. Tickets now on sale: www.flipsideuk.org
Theatre
Eastern Angles present ‘The Go-Between’ based on the novel of L.P.Hartley and adapted by Ben Musgrave, at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich 4-5 September, also at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Jubilee Hall Aldeburgh, Fisher Theatre Bungay among other venues in East Anglia. https://easternangles.co.uk/event/the-go-between/
The Go-Between Cast Credit: Eastern Angles
Film
‘SUPER NATURE, A Love Letter to Nature on Super 8, directed by Ed Sayers, will be released in cinemas UK-wide from 4th September, with screenings at the Light Cinema, Thetford and the Light Cinema, Cambridge on 24th September. Sayers sent Super 8 cameras to 40 collaborators across 25 countries and 5 continents to create a ‘diverse tapestry of footage of the natural world – from white rhinos to weedy sea dragons, flamingos to snails. https://www.supernaturefilm.com/
(Super Nature) Barnacle Geese – Credit: Tom Cadwallender
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 18th August 2026
There is a busy bank holiday weekend ahead and then all too soon the holidays are over. We can however look forward to a wide-ranging cultural programme starting in September.
Firstly, I would like to let you know about a new initiative Culture Edit Suffolk, a searchable free not-for-profit website, which has just been launched. It aims to be a one-stop-shop for promoting cultural events in Suffolk. Arts organisations can apply to upload information themselves too.
Music
Spark! Singing for Parkinson’s, a free day-long event, takes place on 3rd September at the O’Hare Learning Centre, Snape Maltings This will bring together those with lived experience of Parkinson’s disease, loved ones, clinicians, researchers and artists to look at strategies for preserving facial mobility and will consider the impact of singing on facial expressions. Booking is essential: https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/book/instance/1010401
St Mary’s Church’s Church summer organ recitals continue on 22nd August 12 noon in Woodbridge with D’Arcy Trinkwon, international concert organist, and on 29th August with David Flood, organist emeritus, Canterbury Cathedral. Entry free with retiring collection for the organ fund.
Music at Rushmere commences its autumn series of Sunday afternoon concerts at Rushmere Church, Ipswich, 3-4pm on 13th September with Martlesham Brass intermediate band. Free entry with donations for Headway charity.
On Saturday 22 August, 7.30pm Orchestra Baobab give a rare performance at Snape Maltings with ‘Latin rhythms, soaring Wolof vocals and jazz-influenced guitar lines’, showcasing music from their new album Made in Senegal.
Bank holiday events
Summer Festival Suffolk 2026 presents a weekend of music and family fun 29-30 August at Framlingham College. Pixie Lott is a headliner. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/terrificevents/1905664
WAMfest by the Waves returns to the Spa Gardens, Felixstowe, on 30th August with more than twenty music acts and workshops. www.wamfestfelixstowe.art
WAMfest by the Waves Credit: WAMfest
Also in East Suffolk, Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music takes place again this year at Elmhurst Park, Woodbridge, on 30th August.
In Ipswich, the 14th One Big Multicultural Festival takes over Alexandra Park on 30th August 12noon – 6pm. This is a free family-friendly event.
Theatre and Film
The Tony award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen is being performed by Lowestoft Players 17-26 September at The Players Theatre, Lowestoft. https://playerstheatre.littleboxoffice.com/
Lowestoft Players Credit: Contributor
Calendar Girls, based on a true story, comes to the stage 10-26 September at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. Songs are written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth.
Abbeygate Cinema, Bury St Edmunds, hosts its Made in East Anglia Festival from 22nd August to 10th September. The wide-ranging programme celebrates films substantially shot in the region including Yesterday, The Dig, Alpha Papa and Tim Curtis’ The Life of the Deben.
Art
Artworks, an East Anglian collective of 28 artists, holds its 26th annual exhibition in Blackthorpe Barn. Rougham, Bury St Edmunds 12 – 27 September. 28 original artworks will be available to be won in their annual Prize Draw. This will fundraise for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and the Artworks Schools Programme. The fifteenth century thatched barn is worth seeing just for itself. https://artworkseast.com/.
Artworks Credit: Janet French
An international Mini Print exhibition and an exhibition by Mark Croxford, Recurring Narratives, are taking place at Wingfield Barns, Wingfield (an Events, Theatre, Arts Venue and Community Hub). https://www.wingfieldbarns.com
Recurring Narratives Credit: Wingfield Barns
Mark Croxford Credit: Contributor
If you are a cat lover, a Cambridge graduate, or just like something quirky, you may like to visit The Cats of Cambridge exhibition at the Museum of Cambridge (or Cat Meowseum, as they are calling it), running until 5th October.
Finally, a correction. In my article on 4th August, I incorrectly listed Robert Macfarlane as performing at Folk East this year. This in fact took place in 2025. For the correct 2026 Folk East line up, see https://folkeast.co.uk/festival.
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 4th August 2026
The summer continues with plenty of events to enjoy, whether you live in Suffolk or are just visiting the county and wider East Anglia.
Art
Summer Contemporary at Snape Maltings is a five-week visual art exhibition that celebrates artworks in a variety of mediums and disciplines. Open now, it runs until 30th August. The catalogue is available to see online. https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/exhibitions/summer-contemporary-2026
PotFest, which is taking place 7 – 9 August at Haughley Park, Stowmarket, sounds interesting. There will be over ninety ceramic artists displaying their wares. For entry tickets: https://potfest.co.uk
The Arts Club Aldeburgh Beach Open exhibition at The Aldeburgh Beach Look Out runs from 11-20 August, 11- 4pm daily, including during the Aldeburgh Carnival weekend and on Carnival Day 17th August.
Suffolk Open Studios hold their Summer Exhibition from August 21 – 31, at The Old Theatre,10 Church Street, Framlingham.
The Ipswich Orwell Rotary Club and Woodbridge Art Club have an art exhibition in aid of Cancer Support Suffolk on 17th and 18th August in the newly refurbished St Clements Art Centre, one of Ipswich’s beautiful medieval churches near the waterfront. Over thirty artists are taking part.
If you are an art lover and have not visited Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge, founded by art collectors Jim and Helen Ede, this is a must. As well as visiting the wonderful house and collection, you can also see an exhibition running over the summer until 6th September: Handpicked: Painting Flowers from 1900 to Today. This features works of flowers by artists from the 20th and 21st centuries and was given a four-star rating by both The Times and The Guardian.
Music
Organist Emeritus Peter Crompton gives an organ recital on 13th August, 1pm at Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich, the latest in Ipswich Arts Association’s 2026 series of lectures and concerts. Previously Director of Music at the Royal Hospital School, Peter presided over the school chapel’s manual organ for nearly forty years. Free entry but suggested donation of £5.
Peter Crompton Credit: Contributor
On 22nd August, Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra performs Mendelssohn’s Elijah at St Mary’s Church, Bury St Edmunds. Book via the Theatre Royal Box office tel:01284769505.
The final Suffolk Villages Festival programme takes place 28-31 August with four concerts over the Bank Holiday weekend in churches in Hadleigh, Polstead and Stoke by Nayland https://www.suffolkvillagesfestival.com/events/buy-tickets/
More Festivals
Sunrise Film Festival, fifth edition, at Marina Theatre Lowestoft 20-23 August, has two hundred and sixty-three film screenings from East Anglia, the UK and around the world. https://www.marinatheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/sunrise-film-festival-2026/
Folk East returns 21-23 August at Sotterley Estate, Beccles. https://sotterleyestate.co.uk. Harmonica and melodeon player Will Pound and classical percussionist Delia Stevens will join writer and campaigner Robert Macfarlane to perform Earth: The Silent Planet in a special première on the opening day of the festival. https://folkeast.co.uk/
Robert McFarlane Credit: Mark Wormauld
Theatre
Castle Park Theatre present their outdoor touring play ‘The Hay Wain’ August 19-22 on Christchurch Mansion Lawn, Ipswich. For tickets: https://castleparktheatre.co.uk/the-hay-wain-christchurch-mansion-lawn-ipswich/. The second major Constable 250 exhibition The Hay Wain: Walking Constable’s Landscape, is now on at the Mansion and includes The Hay Wain and many other notable Constable works. https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/constable250/
Packing Shed Theatre – The Hay Wain credit: Seana Hughes
On 31 August, ‘The Interpreter, presented by The Art Station, is an interdisciplinary performance work of music, dance, film and visual art specifically created for the woodland setting at Thorington Theatre. Animation is by Noriko Okaku and solo performers include Jin Theriault. To book: https://theartstation.uk/event/the-interpreter/
(The Interpreter ) – Noriko Okaku Credit: Miki Takahiri (The Interpreter) – Jin Theriault Credit: Jin Theriault
Dance
Applications are open for older dancers (over 50 years old) to work with internationally renowned choreographer Gailt Liss, organised by Encore East and Dance East at Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich. This four-day intensive course 18-21 August only offers 25 places: Pushing Boundaries: Experienced Movers Edition. www.encoreeastdance.co.uk/pushing-boundaries
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 21 July 2026
Ipswich Arts Association held its annual members meeting on 8th July (there are now over fifty members in the Association). The Trustees announced some exciting news. They will award a number of small grants to member organisations to promote the arts in Ipswich and Suffolk (up to £500 for each grant) from a budget of £2000 set aside for 2027.
Member organisations can apply online via the website https://ipswich-arts.org.uk/iaa-small-grant-applications/. The deadline is 30th September 2026 with results announced in November. Why not join the Association and help promote the arts?
Ipswich Arts Association Trustees Credit: IAA
The Association also had an excellent update from Kath Cockshaw about the progress of Ipswich’s City of Culture bid. One of only nine locations longlisted, Ipswich will submit further documentation on 10th August, with the aim of being among the shortlist of four. For further information and to feed in your ideas, visit www.ipswich.2029.com
To see back copies of my articles and to remind yourself of what I have flagged up, see https://ipswich-arts.org.uk/iaa-in-community-news-east-anglian-daily-time/. In each article I look forward to the month ahead and sometimes even further ahead when organisations have opened their ticketing early.
Music
Suffolk County Music Service (SCMS) runs a bespoke programme for Suffolk’s finest young musicians. Applications are still open to join Suffolk’s premier youth music groups in September. See the website for grade levels required: Suffolk Youth Orchestra (instrumentalists aged 18 and under), Suffolk Youth Wind Band (woodwind, brass & percussion players aged 18 and under) and Suffolk Young Strings (players aged 16 and under). (The Youth Jazz programme is not open) https://www.suffolkcountymusicservice.co.uk/take-part/county-music-groups/
Suffolk Jazz School runs a Start to Play or Sing Jazz course on 25 July at Castle Hill Community Centre, Ipswich with tutors Anna Brooks and Iwan Van Hetten. This is for players of all instruments as well as singers. Tickets from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolk-jazz-school/t-avrekgy
Music at Rushmere continues over the summer with a concert by Hitchin Concert Band at 3pm on 16 August at St Andrew’s Church, Rushmere St Andrews.
Literature
Poetry in Aldeburgh have announced their programme Infinite Worlds, 5-8 November, and tickets are now on sale. https://www.poetryinaldeburgh.org/. The headline poets are Malika Booker, David Morley, Joelle Taylor and Yomi Ṣode.
Suffolk poets launch the programme on 5th November: Suffolk Poetry Society’s Crabbe Poetry Competition winners followed by Wild Pages poets, (an environmental writers’ residency organised by Suffolk Community Libraries). I am running a poetry walk, Infinite Aldeburgh with Susan Mobbs.
On the afternoon of 18th July, at, you can see some rare old Suffolk farming films and hear about Robert Ashton’s latest book Let’s get Down to Earth. This event at Castle Community Room, Framlingham also supports the charity ‘You Are Not Alone’ which provides practical mental health help for farmers in Suffolk. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/leistonbookfestivalcic/2163242
Art
Suffolk SketchFest Credit: Art Safari
The Britten Pears Arts’ annual visual exhibition Summer Contemporary Art runs from 25 July – 30 August at Snape Maltings.
Theatre
Sudbury Dramatic Society presents Agatha Christie’ Witness for the Prosecution at Sudbury Arts Centre 15 – 18 July. https://www.ticketsource.com/sudbury-dramatic-society
Between 1 – 11 August, family theatre comes to three parks in West Suffolk: Brandon Country Park, Nowton Park and West Stow Country Park (Anglo-Saxon village). For example, The Plandits perform Big Bad Wolf on 1st August. https://www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk/festivals/theatre-in-the-parks.cfm
Theatre in the Parks – Big Bad Wolf Credit: Andy Davis
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich have announced that Caroline: A New Musical, is now available to stream until 19th September with captioned and BSL interpreted options available (an audio described version will be available soon).
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 7 July 2026
Exhibitions
Suffolk Archives hosts a touring exhibition by Bespoke Scientific at the Hold, Ipswich until 19 September: The Moon: Meet our Nearest Neighbour. It incorporates lunar discovery, the science and mythology of the moon, Suffolk space stories and much more. There is a pop-up planetarium and Let’s Get Crafty Session for youngsters.
The Moon: Meet Our Nearest Neighbour Credit: Suffolk Archives
A Day in May is an art exhibition at Spirit Studios Suffolk, Saxmundham, running from 4 July – 1st August. It is the outcome of a day in May when hundreds of artists made one painting on identical boards on single day of a landscape that mattered to them. At the same venue you can also see their Festival exhibition and work by Andrew Gifford. Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. https://jmlondon.com/suffolk/
A Day in May Credit: Richard Hoare
Craftco in Southwold, presents an exhibition, ‘All at Sea’, 2-14 July showing work by fifty East Anglian craft makers.
Music
Bures Music Festival take place 8-12 July with what looks like a very lively offer. The Festival is a not-for-profit event supporting local charities and organisations including St Helena Hospice and Ferriers Barn Day Centre. https://www.buresmusicfestival.com/
Bury St Edmunds concert band gives a free concert SummerMusic in the Park in Abbey gardens, Bury St Edmunds at 1.20pm on 12 July.
Noteriety Credit: Noteriety
St Peter’s by the Waterfront, Ipswich has two concerts in July. On 12th July, Noteriety Choir’s Summer Concert has a diverse mix of choral music ranging from pop and folk to classical. On 18th July, Suffolk Soul Singers and Cambridge Jazz Choir, both directed by musician Andi Hopgood, come together for their concert Rhythm of Summer. To book: https://www.stpetersbythewaterfront.com/whats-on
Rhythm of Summer Credit: Suffolk Soul Singers and Cambridge Jazz Choir
The always popular Latitude Festival takes place in Henham Park near Southwold 23-26 July. Tickets are still available. https://www.latitudefestival.com/line-up/.
BrittenPears’ Summer at Snape season runs from 30 July – 31 August. The diverse programme includes Laura Mvula, Everette, Suffolk Youth Orchestra, the UK and USA National Youth Orchestras, masterclasses and ‘A Classical Black Weekend’ 14-16 August celebrating ‘Black and Global Majority artists’.
Literature and Poetry
Ipswich Children’s Book Group celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year. It is a member of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, which aims to bring children and books together. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in children’s books. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram https://www.facebook.com/IpswichCBG .
The Book Group shares information on activities by other organisations e.g. Suffolk Community Libraries are running The Blank Page project with almost seventy artist-led creative workshops in July and August in many libraries in the county. There is also a Reading Quest for 5 – 15-year-olds and a short story competition. https://www.facebook.com/SuffolkCommunityLibraries
Tickets are now on sale for the Flipside Festival at Framlingham’s Old Theatre on 3rd October with writers on the theme of ‘Travels in Time and Space’ including Colin Grant, Colin Thubron, and Booker Prize-winner Samantha Harvey. https://www.flipsideuk.org/
Theatre
Red Rose Chain is back with Theatre in the Forest with an outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night 22 July – 22 August at the National Trust’s Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge. Performances take place Tuesdays to Saturdays. https://www.redrosechain.com/twelfthnight/details
Theatre in the Forest Credit: Red Rose Chain
The Gallery Players, Ipswich have an all-teenage cast performing the musical Hadestown: Teen edition 22 July – 1st August with a live on-stage band. The opening night has sold out but tickets are available for other nights: www.gallerystudiotheatre.co.uk
Tickets for The Black Shuck Festival at the Fisher Theatre in Bungay 31 July – 2 August are now available online. Check the calendar to find out about groups performing: https://fishertheatre.org/FisherTheatre.dll/Home
For those who like a bit of nostalgia, Beccles Public Hall and Theatre present an in-house production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music 17- 25 July. https://www.ticketsource.com/becclespublichall/the-sound-of-music/e-ovxgej
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 23 June 2026
In this week’s article, I am also including mention of several events in the autumn on the basis that ‘the early bird catches the worm’ – many of these events are now taking bookings.
Music
Suffolk Singers have their summer concert of secular and sacred music at St Michael’s, Framlingham on 27 June. Tickets: WeGotTickets.
Suffolk Singers Credit: Suffolk Singers
Ipswich Music Day, known as the largest free outdoor music festival in the UK, takes place in Christchurch Park on 5th July. Ipswich Arts Association runs ‘classical stages’ in nearby St Margaret’s Church, Ipswich Masonic Hall and Bethesda Baptist Church. Groups include South Suffolk Youth Jazz, Suffolk Men’s Chorus and St Elizabeth Hospice Community Choir. You can also listen to ‘The Music of Poetry’ (poems about music) presented by Suffolk Poetry Society in Christchurch Mansion. https://ipswich-arts.org.uk/event/ipswich-music-day-iaa-stages/
South Suffolk Youth Jazz Credit: Contributor
On 11th July, join London Concert Choir at St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh for their concert Best of British. The evening will feature a varied programme of British choral music conducted by Mark Forkgen with organist Martyn Noble. Proceeds will support the ongoing preservation and maintenance of the church. Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/londonconcertchoir/best-of-british-choir-music/e-rbyqol
Book ahead for Trianon Choir and Orchestra’s The Trianon Prom on 12th September at the Corn Exchange, Ipswich, with leader Steve Browne and guest soloist Muriel Kwint (soprano). The programme includes Zadok the Priest (Handel), The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (Britten) and many Prom favourites.
The Roman River Festival 20-25 October has an exciting programme with a focus on talented young musicians. Bookings are now open: https://wildarts.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/event-categories/426500718
Art
The second Constable 250 exhibition runs from 11 July to 4 October at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich: The Hay Wain: Walking Constable’s Landscape. This features loans from the National Gallery, Tate, V&A, Royal Academy and National Galleries of Scotland with the highlight being Constable’s The Hay Wain. https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/constable250/. There is a wide range of accompanying activities including a conference, talks, arts and crafts as well as workshops. https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/
On 19th July, an arts festival, Boundless Creativity, run by Sakura Studio Gallery, takes place at Stonham Barns Park, Stonham Aspal. It is described as ‘a vibrant celebration of creativity, connection, and community in the heart of Suffolk’. Artists, musicians and creatives are invited to apply to take part by completing a form online: https://www.sakurastudiogallery.shop/boundlesscreativity2026
Literature and Poetry
The 14th Felixstowe Book Festival runs from 26-28 June. Authors include Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Harriet Tyce, Sarh Perry, Susan Owens and Blake Morrison who will talk about his book On Memoir – An A-Z of Life Writing on 28 June. https://felixstowebookfestival.co.uk/
Blake Morrison Credit: Felixstowe Book Festival
Essex Book Festival continues with events across the county, ending with a Harlow weekend 27-28 June https://essexbookfestival.org.uk/events/
On 3rd July at The Old Grocery, Wivenhoe, there will be a joint poetry reading by myself and Antony Johae on the theme of ‘Two Countries in Crisis’ – Sudan and Lebanon. £5 entry includes a glass of wine.
Tickets for Bury Lit Festival 8-11 October 2026 are on general sale from 3rd July. The Festival has a creative writing competition for adults and for children (closing date 26 July) so do spread the word https://www.burylitfest.co.uk/creative-writing-competition-2026
Film
National Theatre Live presents Les Liaisons Dangereuses starring Aidan Turner and Lesley Manville from 25 June in cinemas and venues across the region.
Theatre
Eastern Angles Theatre Company will give a lecture, Grow, Nourish, Wonder, about their development for Ipswich Arts Association at the Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich 1pm on 9th July. Free entry with suggested donation of £5.
Thorington Outdoor Theatre has a busy lineup over the summer including Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey performed by Moving Parts Theatre Company on 11 July. Anna Blackburn plays the lead, Catherine Morland. https://www.thoringtontheatre.co.uk/events/northanger-abbey
Northanger Abbey Credit: Jason Harris
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 9 June 2026
Festival season is now upon us and we are truly spoilt for choice in June, whatever our interests might be.
Music
On 11th June at 1pm, quartet Clarinet Connection performs in the Ipswich Arts Association’s series of lunchtime concerts and lectures at Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich. Free entry but with suggested donation of £5.
Clarinet Connection Credit: Chandra Grover
From 12-14 June, Felixstowe Folk & Shanty Festival 2026 takes place. ‘The Brawlers’ launch the festival on 12th June at the Two Sisters Arts Centre in Trimley. On Saturday, there is live music @The Triangle all day in Felixstowe centre and Felixstowe Festival Orchestra at 11am. The Arts Centre runs a poetry café and open mic on 14 June (morning) where I will be reading along with other local poets on the theme of the sea. In the afternoon there is a shanty café. http://twosistersarts.co.uk/2026/04/11/the-brawlers/
Suffolk Windrush and Ipswich Borough Council will bring a buzz of energy and excitement to the Cornhill, Ipswich, on Monday 22nd June with the 78th celebration of National Windrush Day, Suffolk Windrush, with Cherise Phillips, Nero Diamante, and Sound of Steel (Steelband) as well as stalls 12 noon – 4.30pm.
On 27th June at Needham Community Centre, Castletown Brass performs a concert with guest soloist Mark Glover, Principal Euphonium of the famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band (famous for the film Brassed Off). Tickets: https://ticketsource.co.uk/castleton-brass
Mark Glover Credit: Sam Johnston (Grimethorpe Colliery Band)
Art
Thompson’s Galleries, Aldeburgh, open their 44th annual exhibition on 13th June which runs until 5th July, always a pleasure to visit, including their small sculpture garden.
Gallery East Woodbridge opens their new exhibition, The Lightness of Being, an Abstract Quartet, on 20th June featuring Alex Ayliffe PS, Neil Canning, Miles Cole and Jean Noble RI, SWA.
Literature and Poetry
Suffolk Poetry Society holds their twelfth annual Festival of Suffolk Poetry at the John Peel Centre Stowmarket on Saturday 20th June. There are workshops and readings including by Louis de Bernières, Julia Webb, Dide, Julia Bird and Michael Simms on Keats. Paul Stephenson presents the awards for the 2026 Crabbe poetry competition. Tickets from https://suffolkpoetrysociety.org/
Louis de Bernières Credit: Contributor
Foreword Festival takes place in Eye 19-21 June. At The Bank Arts Centre, the lineup includes poets Ashley Hickson-Lovence, John Hegley and James Domestic. At the Hexagon, the focus is authors writing about country life, folklore and food and at the Community Centre, there is a teenagers’ and children’s book fair. https://forewordfestival.uk/
Arts Festivals
The Art Station runs Sax Arts Fest on 13th June atSt John’s Church and at the Library in Saxmundham. There are creative workshops, poetry readings, theatre, BBC Introducing music sessions and author events. There is plenty on offer for children. https://theartstation.uk
Ely Arts Festival (13-27 June) offers a range of creative opportunities and free lunchtime concerts. The festival also has a concert by Bellowhead founder and frontman Jon Boden on 19th June. https://elyartsfestival.org
First Light Festival is a free multi-arts festival on Lowestoft South Beach 20-21 June with ‘music, dance, story telling, art, science, workshops, well being sessions and family adventures’. Highlights include Jamz Supernova, Seth Lakeman, comedian Simon Day, singer-songwriter Lizzie Berchie, poet Inua Ellams, DanceEast and many others. https://firstlightlowestoft.com
Theatre
It Comes in Waves, written by Norwich-based scriptwriter and poet James McDermott, supported by Eastern Angles and Seagull Theatre, tours 19th June -11th July, includingLowestoft, Southwold, Ipswich, Peterborough, Orford, Framlingham, Bury St Edmunds and elsewhere. It is described as ‘a big-hearted community-spirited coastal comedy drama that laughs in the face of loss, explores how grief comes in waves and asks how we can help each other’. https://easternangles.co.uk/event/it-comes-in-waves/
It Comes In Waves Credit: Jess Baker & James McDermott Credit: Louis Catliff
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 26 May 2026
With June around the corner, readers would be wise to book some of the stellar cultural offerings on the horizon. June is also a time, weather permitting, to enjoy a range of the arts showcased in gardens.
Music
The Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts runs 12-28 June. Full of musical treats, it includes a semi-staging directed by Roy Kinnear of Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande 12th and 13th June and the Sphinx Piano Quintet on 14th June, performing American and British Chamber Music in the Britten studio https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/landing-pages/aldeburgh-festival. There are also Festival art exhibitions running from 23rd May at Snape Maltings, featuring Ryan Gander, Fiona Lewis and Kate Giles.
The lineup has just been announced and general booking for Summer at Snape (30 July – 31 August) opens at 10am on Saturday 30 May. Events take place in both Snape and Aldeburgh. https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/landing-pages/summer-at-snape
On 6th June at 4pm at St Andrew’s Church, Rushmere, Ipswich Chamber Choir perform a concert. Kings and Queens: opera choruses and arias. Soprano Tara Bungard will sing the Queen of the Night aria from The Magic Flute. Tickets include a buffet tea: www.ipswichchamberchoir.org.uk and https://wegottickets.com/IpswichChamberChoir
Tara Bungard Credit: Dion Gallichan
Ipswich Symphony Orchestra have their summer concert on 20th June with a programme featuring symphonies by Prokofiev and Brahms and also a violin concerto by Bruch with soloist Benjamin Baker. Tickets from www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk and on the door.
ISO: Benjamin Baker credit: Ipswich Symphony Orchestra
Art
First Site, Colchester, is showing an exhibition by Godfrey Donker, ‘It’s a Numbers Game’ until 30th August. Described as ‘a powerful, immersive exploration of the shared histories between Britain, West Africa, and the Caribbean’, it reveals ‘how Colchester’s own past is deeply intertwined with Ghana’s’. The exhibition includes large-scale collages, paintings, textiles and installation. One space is even converted into a boxing ring (a key theme of the artist).
Suffolk Open Studios, which is a collective of over 200 artists, open their doors over four weekends in June. For full details, visit https://suffolk.openstudios.org
If the weather is good, I suggest following the sculpture trail at MarksHall estate near Coggeshall, Essex https://www.markshall.org.uk/sculpture/
Following a major project involving over 300 supporters, artist-plantsman Cedric Morris’ walled garden in Benton End is opening for a limited number of visits 4 June to 19 July (not the house). Bookings: https://www.gardenmuseum.org.uk/benton-end/visit-the-walled-garden-at-benton-end/
The University of Suffolk’s Arts Degree Show 2026 runs from 19- 26 June with graphic design, graphic illustration, fine art, photography, architecture, digital film production and screenwriting.
If you have never heard of Old Jet Arts Centre, Bentwaters Park, Rendlesham (the ex-US Air Force base), I recommend looking at their offer. Old Jet is a hub for creativity; they hire out spaces and have recording studios. There are life drawing workshops, pottery classes and they have gigs from time to time. https://www.oldjet.co.uk/
Theatre and Dance
The New Wolsey Theatre runs its free annual community event ‘The Big Afternoon’ on 30th May from 2pm with ‘live music, roaming cosplay characters, arts and crafts, face painting, and a fire performance’.
You can still catch The Gallery Players’ production of A Little Night Music, music by Stephen Sondheim, at The Gallery Studio, Ipswich until 30 May. www.gallerystudiotheatre.co.uk
Northern Ballet, in a co-production with Finnish National Ballet, present Gentleman Jack, the story of Anne Lister, at Norwich Theatre 27-30 May.
As well as the outstanding gardens, enjoy outdoor theatre at Helmingham Hall on 29 May 7- 9pm when The Three Inch Fools bring ‘an epic tale of Arthurian adventure and medieval mayhem’, King Arthur and the Holy Fail, as part of their extensive UK tour. They also perform at Old Palace Garden, Ely 30th May and Butley Priory 28th May https://www.threeinchfools.com/.
Three Inch Fools Credit: Three Inch Fools
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 12 May 2026
It is hard to believe that this is my first anniversary of writing this column. I have enjoyed researching the wide range of events taking place all year around the county and beyond and hope the column has stimulated some readers to go along to some of the events.
Music
On 15th May, 2 Sisters Arts Centre Trimley, as part of its always varied programme, hosts folk music duo Kip Winter & Dave Wilson and then on 16th May Quattro Amici perform ‘light classical, musical theatre and pop’. https://www.ticketsource.com/whats-on/felixstowe/two-sisters-arts-centre.
Quattro Amici Credit Quattro Amici
Joanna Songi and Matthew Fletcher explore the archived works of Imogen Holst in a one-hour recital celebrating their new recording of her Art Song at the Red House, Aldeburgh on 19th May at 1pm and 4pm. Imogen Holst’s music sets poetry by English Renaissance writers and folksongs from the Appalachian Mountains. The programme also includes pieces by her father Gustav Holst, Benjamin Britten and by a new generation of composers.
On 22 May, Woodbridge Festival launches a new Spring Festival (22 May – 14 June), Civil Nights, celebrating Thomas and John Clarkson, ‘founders of historic civil rights campaigns against the slave trade and for global peace who lived in Woodbridge’. Lee John Jazz Quartet plays at St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge, kicking off the campaign for a place to celebrate the Clarksons’ legacy. https://noiseofart.org/2026/04/07/civil-nights-noise-of-art-woodbridge-festival-launch-new-spring-event/
Thomas Clarkson Credit: Ellen Gibson Wilson & John Clarkson Credit: Wisbech & Fenland Museum
Suffolk Singers will give two recitals in Norfolk as part of their Spring Tour — one in Wymondham Abbey on 23rd May at 4pm and one in Binham Priory on 24th May at 3pm. ‘The programme is an eclectic mix of sacred and secular works celebrating the enduring power of the human voice, from the luminous polyphony of the Renaissance to the rich, expressive music of modern composers’. https://www.wymondhamabbey.org.uk/ and https://binhampriory.org/
Recently there has been a cultural visit to Ipswich by about forty-five visitors from Arras, Northern France. Ipswich Choral Society visits Arras 27 – 31 May to perform concerts in L’eglise Saint-Vaast, Rivière on 29th May and in L’eglise St Jean Baptiste, Arras on 30th May. If you have contacts in Arras, do let them know.
Art
Ipswich Arts Society has their 147th open exhibition of paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics, sculpture and textiles by nationally known professionals and submitted by the public at St Clements’ Arts Centre, Ipswich, 16 May – 6 June. Members include Valerie Armstrong.
Valerie Armstrong El Jardin de Los Sueños Credit: Valerie Armstrong
Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury has a new exhibition, Gainsborough, Turner and Constable: Inventing Landscape which runs until 11 October. The exhibition explores the emergence of landscape painting in Britain through these artists. There are accompanying exhibitions by David Dawson and Kate Giles, ‘inspired by the art work of Constable and his contemporaries’.
Abstract Artist Mary Webb has an exhibition at Wingfield Barns, near Eye, until May 30th. This is followed by an exhibition by Liam Hennessey, another abstract artist, 4 – 27 June. https://www.wingfieldbarns.com/art-and-exhibitions.html
Poetry
Tickets are now on sale for Suffolk Poetry Society’s 12th annual Festival, this year on 20th June at the John Peel Centre, Stowmarket. Guest readers include Dide, Julia Bird and Mike Sims, Louis de Bernières, Julia Webb and Paul Stephenson. There are also two workshops. Paul Stephenson adjudicated the 2026 Crabbe Poetry Competition and the winners will be celebrated at the Festival. Tickets (member and non-member) available from https://suffolkpoetrysociety.org/news/
Theatre
On 19th May at The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, Menagerie Theatre Company presents Albatross, ‘an epic new East Anglia-set drama by award-winning Suffolk playwright Martha Loader’. There will be a 20-minute post-show talk.
Raconteur Theatre Company bring Suffolk Spectresto Beccles Public Hall & Theatre on May 17th. There will be traditional and poetic story telling of ‘monsters, ghosts, myths and truths’. https://www.ticketsource.com/becclespublichall/suffolk-spectres/e-yzjrbe
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 28th April 2026
It is good to see arts organisations standing side by side for the ‘In the Works Festival’, enhancing the reach of our thriving arts community in Suffolk. Ipswich Arts Association also has a role to help promote the arts across Suffolk, not just in Ipswich, and welcomes new members.
Literature and Poetry
Head along to Diss Corn Hall 1-3 May for the inaugural ‘DissCover Book Festival’ with readings, a quiz, literary walk and pre-loved book sales. https://www.thecornhall.co.uk/disscover/
Two family showings (age over 4) of Grandad Anansi by award-winning children’s author Elayne Ogbeta – ‘filled with original songs and classic Jamaican folk tales’ ‒ take place at the New Wolsey Theatre’s NW2 venue opposite the theatre on the afternoon of 10th May.
Also on 10th May, ‘Folk n’ Spoke, an Afternoon of Spoken Word’ takes place at The Rising Sun, Bury St Edmunds, 12.30 – 5.30pm with free entry.
On 16th May, Suffolk Libraries in Ipswich offers ‘an exciting evening of poetry featuring the BOUND/UNBOUND collective’ — six emerging voices: bitemarks, Gabrielle Cracknell, Sarah Hudis, Karl Knights, Phoebe Sung and Cameron Tricker.
This event is part of the ‘In the Works Festival’ 11-29 May which features ‘bold new writing works‑in‑progress, experiments, and one‑off events’ from The New Wolsey Theatre, SPILL, King Street Cinema, Brighten the Corners, Gifted Melon, Eastern Angles, and Suffolk Community Libraries. Full details: https://suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk/programmes/in-the-works-festival/
Exhibitions
‘Beyond Labels, Celebrating Disability in Suffolk’ continues at Suffolk Archives, The Hold, Ipswich until 30 May. ‘The exhibition explores themes of visibility, independent living, discrimination and making things happen.’ There is a free talk on the morning of 1st May about St Audry and St Clement’s Hospitals, Suffolk’s psychiatric hospitals, 10.30- 12.30 (for age over 15).
Art for Cure, a charity which raises money to support research into breast cancer, holds an outdoor sculpture exhibition at Wyken Vineyards, Bury St Edmunds from 1st May till 28 June (open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays.). No dogs allowed.
Falling Leaves by Paul Richardson Credit: Paul Richardson
Suffolk Archives’ Archives on Tour exhibition, exploring the life and work of John Constable, visits Hadleigh Show on 16 May. https://www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/constable-250/
Music
The Fisher Theatre in Bungay welcomes the Masters of Swing on 30th April ‘with their much-loved tribute to the Golden age of Swing sophistication’.
Legendary Irish folk music band, Dervish, play at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds on 7th May. They have been described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music”.
Join Trianon Music Group for a special afternoon performance in the newly renovated Ipswich Museum on 9th May. String players from Trianon’s Symphony Orchestra perform works by Handel, Grieg and Jenkins. The concert will be followed by a tour of the museum’s newly transformed galleries. Tickets: https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/
Ravenscroft Consort, an Early Music Group playing wind and string instruments from the time, have a concert ‘A Hanseatic Journey’ at St Botolph’s Church, Culpho on 10th May in the afternoon. Tickets: https://culphomusic.uk
Ravenscroft Consort Credit: David Ferguson
Film
For those who love puzzles, Ipswich Film Society is showing ‘Puzzle’ (2018) from the director of Loving and Little Miss Sunshine, Marc Turtletaub, at King Street Cinema on 11 May. Kelly Macdonald plays Agnes, a put-upon suburban mother who discovers a passion for jigsaw puzzles.
Theatre and Dance
HOST, in its fifth year, is a biennial celebration of dance and age, co-produced with EncoreEast. Afternoon and evening showcases on 5th May will shine a spotlight on film and live performance work produced and created by companies of older dancers. Day tickets or tickets for particular showcases are available. https://www.danceeast.co.uk/performances/host-sp26/
Lowestoft Players present Cole Porter’s musical Anything Goes, ‘featuring heart-warming romance, farcical fun and spectacular dance routines’,21 – 30 May at the Players Theatre, Lowestoft. www.playerstheatre.info
Lowestoft Players – Anything Goes
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 14th April 2026
April sees some of the first festivals in the 2026 calendar. Others will soon be celebrating May Day and the festival of Beltane.
Literature and Poetry
Cambridge Literary Festival runs from 22-26 April with a host of well-known authors such as Sarah Perry, Elif Shafak and Caroline Lucas giving readings and talks. Harry Baker performs poems from his moving collection ‘Tender’ which charts the first 100 days of his experience as a father on the birth of his son. Book via https://www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com/whats-on/spring-festival-2026/.
For those who enjoy quick-fire poetry prompts, join Michael Laskey and Dean Parkin in a Zoom ‘Cut Loose’ session 18 April https://www.cornerstreet.co.uk/ticketoffice.
The next Ipswich Arts Association lecture on 14 May 1pm at the Methodist Church, Ipswich, ‘Telling Tales’, features Brian Morron, chair of Suffolk Book League 1999-2016. Brian will share his anecdotal memories of writers as diverse as Alexander McCall Smith, Louis de Bernières, Hillary Mantel, Elizabeth Jane Howard, Rose Tremain, Ronald Blythe, Brian Keenan and Michael Foot. Free entry but with a retiring collection.
Brian Morron Credit: Sue Blything-Smith
Theatre
The INK Festival, Halesworth, celebrates its tenth birthday 16-19 April. Seventy brand new short plays will be performed across venues in the town e.g. in pubs, theatres, barns and the food bank. In the evenings, the Cut Theatre welcomes stars such as Hugh Bonneville and comedian Alistair McGowan. Suffolk Shorts presents films and Luke Wright headlines the poetry offer.
Ink Festival Credit: Contributor
Art
Moyses Museum, Bury St Edmunds, has an exhibition running until 10 May which invites visitors to enjoy their portrait collection: ‘Faces: The people behind our portraits’. Featuring varied styles of artwork, they are showcasing ‘abstract pieces, classic portraiture, precious miniatures, humorous sketchbooks, and collected photographs’.
Music
On 26 April, Snape Maltings hosts ‘Apollo’s Fire: Fencing Match, led by Jeannette Sorrell. Together with English Baroque Soloists members, they perform a programme of duelling double concertos including concertos by J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann and ending with Vivaldi’s ‘La Folia’.
Two other choral concerts also sound interesting at Snape Maltings, firstly on 9 May, the University of Essex Choir, accompanied by The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, sings works by Mozart and Handel in ‘An Evening of Sacred Splendour’.
Secondly, on 16 May Beccles Choral Society, Phoenix Singers and The Lambeth Orchestra perform Elgar’s ‘The Dream of Gerontius’.
The Unitarian Meeting House in Ipswich (a beautiful historic building well worth visiting) hosts the launch of a new album ‘Curiosa, Lost and Found Tunes’ by baroque violinist Jorge Jimenez and Joy Smith on harp and percussion on 8 May at 7pm. Tickets from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/jorge-jimenez/t-zooyydv or on the door.
On 9th May, the Community Light Orchestra holds its spring concert at St Michael and All Angel’s Church, Martlesham Heath with young guest flautist Lottie Knight. Entry is free but with a retiring collection for Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans. https://www.communitylightorchestra.co.uk/
Lottie Knight Credit: Marcus Knight
Bury Community Orchestra presents ‘Spring Surprises’ on 26 April 3pm at Great Whelnetham Community Centre. Free entry with a livestream also. https://burycommunityorchestra.co.uk/
Film
Creative Arts East have a useful website listing films being shown in a wide range of villages in Suffolk, so do look up a screening near you https://www.creativeartseast.co.uk/whats-on/
To mark its 25th anniversary, the film ‘Moulin Rouge’ starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, will be shown at the Marina Theatre Lowestoft 24 April at 2pm and 7.30 pm.
Finally, Ipswich Charter Hangings reopen for the summer season May 5th at St Peter’s Church by the Waterfront. Opening times are: Tuesdays 10-4pm, Wednesdays12-2pm and Thursdays 10- 4pm. Do go along to see this history of Ipswich crafted in embroidery. Contact Ann Cloke, charterhangings@ipswich-arts.org.uk , if you would like to volunteer to help supervise.
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT- 31st March 2026
I would like to wish a very Happy Easter to all readers. It has been lovely to see the roads lined with daffodils and buds opening on the trees.
Music
On 7th April 1.30pm at the New Music School, Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, the tutors of Suffolk Jazz School’s Spring Jazz course have a gig with a mixed repertoire – a chance to hear ‘some of the UK’s top jazz musicians’. Tickets from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolk-jazz-school/t-avrekgy
Well-known Trianon Choir and Symphony Orchestra have a concert ‘Enchanting Music for a Spring Evening’ conducted by Adrian Brown on Saturday 18 April 2026 at St. John’s Church, Ipswich. The programme includes Elgar, Butterworth, Vaughan Williams and Dvorak. Tickets: (no charge for U18s & full-time students) from: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FFHQ
Adrian Brown Conductor Credit: Trianon Music Group
The last weekend in April is a popular one for concerts so there is something for all tastes. On Saturday 25 April Martlesham Brass play at St. Michael & All Angels Church Centre, Martlesham Heath: www.martleshambrass.co.uk.
On 24th and 25th April, Ipswich Gilbert and Sullivan Society has a showcase featuring ‘opera, stage and screen’ at “The Little Theatre, Ipswich School,” Tickets: https://springshowcase2026.eventbrite.co.uk/
Gilbert and Sullivan Society showcase Credit: Lewis Kirby
Also on 25th April, Stour Choral Society members have their spring concert ‘Mozart Requiem’ at 2.30pm at Mistley Parish Church. Email: info@stourchoralsociety.co.uk
Art
In Aldeburgh, The Red House is showing an exhibition about ‘the people who shaped Benjamin Britten’s final years and legacy’ from 2 April until 30 June. The Red House is open Thursdays – Sundays and daily during the Aldeburgh Festival. https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/exhibitions/before-life-and-after.
Aldeburgh Gallery has an exhibition ‘Natural elements’ 2-8 April which sounds promising. It features Nicola Mountney (fine art, prints and cards), Louise Sant (silver pearl and gem jewellery) and Felicity Jones (contemporary ceramics).
The Needham Market 50th Anniversary Art Exhibition will take place over the Easter weekend from April 3, at 10am, until April 5 at 5pm. Community Centre, Needham Market. £2 entry on the door.
The Corn Hall Gallery, Diss is displaying an exhibition ‘Between River and Sea’ by artist Katarzyna Coleman until 2 May — landscape paintings reflecting the industrial harbour, South Denes, Great Yarmouth.
Theatre and Dance
Also at the Corn Hall, Diss, Barefaced Theatre bring Henrik Ibsen’s iconic Hedda Gabler to life in a new adaptation on 17 April. Established in 2025, the theatre group aims ‘to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked voices of women in classic theatre.’ To book: https://www.thecornhall.co.uk/shows/hedda-gabler/.
Hedda Gabler Credit: Barefaced Theatre & Contributor
Interestingly the Corn Hall posts articles and reviews by David Vass on their website about past events there which make for interesting reading. For example, I enjoyed an article about poets Luke Wright and Holly McNish who had a gig there in February. https://www.thecornhall.co.uk/news/
DanceEast at Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich, welcomes back the National Youth Dance Company on 11 April for a world premiere of ‘Memory Keepers’ with Guest Artistic Directors Sadé and Kristina Alleyne, founders of Alleyne Dance
Literature and Poetry
Lamorna Ash is the writer featured by Suffolk Book League on 16 April at Ipswich Institute. Her latest book, Don’t Forget We’re Here for Forever: a New Generation’s Search for Religion explores ‘why, in an age of apathy and disconnection, many young people are turning to faith for spiritual sustenance.’ To book: https://www.suffolkbookleague.org/events-1/lamorna-ash
Lamorna Ash – Credit: Contributor
The Social Bar, Saxmundham (https://www.visitsocialbar.com) now has monthly poetry evenings hosted by Tamar Yoseloff, Chair of ‘Poetry in Aldeburgh’. Eliza O’Toole, winner of the East Anglian Book Awards Poetry Category is guest reader on 21 April 7pm, £5 entry fee. No need to book, but email chair@poetryinaldeburgh.org if you wish to read a poem.
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 17th March 2026
Planning ahead is always a wise move. There is plenty going on in the run up to an early Easter this year and some exciting events after Easter and in the summer which are already taking bookings.
Art
On 28th March the first of three major exhibitions to celebrate the 250th anniversary of John Constable’s birth opens at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich. ‘Constable 250: A Cast of Characters’ ‘introduces people to those who inspired and supported Constable’, including Thomas Gainsborough and George Frost. Sasha Constable, international sculptor and Constable’s direct descendant also has work showcased. To book: https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/constable250/#characters
On 11th April at the Mansion, as part of the Constable 250 engagement programme, I am running a poetry workshop for adults, ‘Capturing the Essence’, which focuses on responding to portraits. https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/events/c250-poetry-essence/
First Site, Colchester, has multiple showings of the film ‘Exhibition on Screen: Constable and Turner’ until 22 March linked to the exceptional Tate Britain exhibition ‘Turner and Constable: Rivals and Originals’. The London exhibition ends on 12 April with most days sold out so this is a good alternative. https://www.visitcolchester.com/event/exhibition-on-screen%3a-turner-and-constable/253420101/
Music
Folk and jazz group, Moscow Drug Club, have a gig at Glemsford Village Hall on 21st March. Interestingly, they are named after the BB Gabor song about an underground jazz club during the Cold War. Their programme is described by Creative Arts East as ‘an evening where 1930s Berlin Cabaret, Hot Club de France, Nuevo Tango and Gypsy Campfire meet’.
Museum Drug Club – Credit: Emma Holbrook @theholpicture
Black and White productions, with Music in Felixstowe, present ‘The Coming of Messiah’ written by Suzanne Hawkes 24-27 March at the Two Sisters Arts Centre, Trimley St Mary. This looks at the story behind the creation of Handel’s masterpiece with live music from Hattie Bennett’s string quartet and oratorio extracts performed by three of Christina Johnston’s students. www.ticketsource.co.uk/two-sisters-arts-centre. For tickets for performances in Bucklesham, Culpho, Felixstowe and Ipswich on later dates: www.ticketsource.co.uk/black-white-productions.
Suzanne Hawkes – Credit: Richard Hawkes & Table and quill , Handel’s House, London – Credit: Suzanne Hawkes
The next concert by Ipswich Choral Society will be on Saturday 25th April at St John the Baptist Church Ipswich. The choir will sing the lovely Mozart Mass in C Minor accompanied by the ICS Festival Orchestra and guest sopranos, tenor and bass. To book: ipswichchoralsociety.org or 07852 531379.
Bookings are now open for ‘The Marriage of Figaro’, Wild Arts Summer Opera Festival 5-7 June at Layer Marney Tower Essex, with musical director Orlando Jopling. https://wildarts.org.uk/figaro
The Marriage of Figaro – Credit:Wild Arts
Theatre
The Gallery Players, Ipswich, open their new season with ‘Beautiful Thing’ by Jonathan Harvey 23- 28 March https://gallerystudiotheatre.co.uk/
‘Caroline: A New Musical- the pirate station that rocked the airwaves’ written by Vikki Stone is presented by the East Anglian Touring Consortium 17 April – 2 May at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. This musical is bound to be popular so book now.
Film
There are some wonderful local independent cinemas in Suffolk – Leiston Film Theatre was first to be established in 1914, Riverside Cinema, Woodbridge, in 1915, Aldeburgh Cinema in 1919 and Abbeygate Cinema Bury St Edmunds in 1924. The Regal, Stowmarket, in its Art Deco building, first opened in 1936.These cinemas all provide varied programmes including screenings of National Theatre Live, The Royal Ballet & Opera and Exhibition on Screen. Several village halls also show films regularly e.g. Wenhaston’s ‘Pics in the Sticks’ (advertised in the village hall) and Wyverstone Picture Palace (see their Facebook page).
10-Year Cultural Strategy Survey
Finally, there is a new 10-year Culture & Heritage strategy consultation, alongside Ipswich’s bid to be UK City of Culture in 2029. For the survey link, please email kath@wolsey550.co.uk, or attend Ancient House, Ipswich on Saturday 4th April 10am – 4pm, where there will be a free drop-in ‘Community Conversations’ event.
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 3rd March 2026
March brings an eclectic mix of events which will interest readers. Several events support charities or communities, showing the vital role the arts play in both inspiring and helping others.
Music
On 20 March, Woodbridge Rotary Club has a Pop Quiz with all proceeds in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. This will feature music from the 1970s to 1990s and will be hosted by Lee Thompson who composes the questions for BBC Radio’s Ten to The Top, Vernon Kay’s pop quiz. Teams can buy tickets from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ROTARYPOPQUIZ.
Lee Thompson – Credit: Emma Thompson
Ipswich Chamber Choir will perform an evening of poignant music in the chapel at St Joseph’s College, Ipswich on 21st of March. This concert and fundraiser include a new choral work, ‘Carry me Home’ by Ben Ponniah, commissioned by Sir Nick and Lady Young, to celebrate the life of former Ipswich schoolboy Alex Young, who died tragically in 2014, aged just 31. Pianist Andrew Leach and Felixstowe Festival Ensemble, led by Nicholas Ward, accompany the choir. Ged Flynn, CEO of the young suicide prevention charity Papyrus will say a few words and welcome donations.
Ipswich Chamber Choir – Credit: Chris Stephens
On 7 March Bungay Folk Festival runs a fundraising event for their 2026 festival (4-6 September) with Scarborough duo ‘The Blow-ins’ who play acoustic music with Celtic harp, guitar and voices. https://www.bungayfolkfestival.co.uk/.
WAMfest celebrate ‘Words and Music’ at the Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe, on 8 March 10am-5pm, on International Women’s Day. Events include a song and singing workshop, WAMjam session, author interviews, University of Suffolk’s MA Creative and Critical Writing students and a ‘Shakespeare’s Ladies Tea Party’. The WAMfest youth competition will also be launched. Tickets available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/felixstowefestivalevents.
Brighten the Corners, a not-for-profit youth-focussed live music organisation, has a varied programme coming up in its three Ipswich venues, see https://www.brightenthecorners.co.uk/whats-on. This includes an interview and Q&A with Mike Joyce, drummer of The Smiths, touring his new book ‘The Drums’ at The Church, on 4March, and a gig by French-American indie noise-pop duo Special Friend on 5 March at The Smokehouse.
Art
The next Ipswich Arts Association lecture, ‘Mud to Metal, creating bronze statues’, takes place on 12 March 1pm at the Methodist Church Ipswich. The speaker is renowned sculptor Laurence Edwards. Free admission with a retiring collection. His ‘Reclining Figure (1000 Tides) 2/5’ has just been installed on the Henry Moore Lawn at Snape Maltings. There is an exhibition of his smaller works at Gallery 21.
The Creek Men – Credit: Laurence Edwards
The Ferini Gallery in Wakefield, Lowestoft, currently has its 26th Annual Spring Exhibition and also ‘Great Yarmouth Pottery’ featuring commemorative tankards by Ernie Childs. Both exhibitions end on 22 March. The Gallery produces an informative newsletter ‘Artistry’, available online.
Performances and Poetry
Tall Stories present daytime performances of ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’, ‘suitable for ages 3-103’, at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. The theatre also hosts poet Lemn Sissay’s ‘My Name is Why’ on 24th March. Lemn Sissay also appears at the University of Suffolk the day before, 23rd March, with ‘Let the Light Pour in’. To book the latter: https://www.uos.ac.uk/about/events/2026/lemn-sissay-an-evening-of-poetry-and-conversation/.
‘Rite of Spring’ and ‘Mirror’ will be performed by the Alexander Whitley Dance Company 6 – 7 March at Dance East, Ipswich. This double bill unites ‘dance, live motion capture and AI, exploring the tension between human autonomy and forces that shape our fate’. In ‘RONiN’, on 20th March. Yukiko Masui combines dance, swordplay and digital projections to tell the story of a woman sword fighter.
Looking ahead to April, online bookings are open for the Ink Festival 2026 with sixty new short plays performed over a 4-day festival in Halesworth 16-19 April: https://www.inkfestival.org/buy-tickets.
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 3rd February 2026
Music
Martlesham Brass have a concert on 7th February 7pm at St Michael and All Angels Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL, which includes the full Wallace & Gromit: ‘A Grand Day Out’ film, accompanied live.
There is still time to get a ticket for an afternoon of music performed by members of Trianon (strings and choir), Ipswich Choral Society, Ipswich Gilbert & Sullivan Society and the Suffolk Organists Association (all members of Ipswich Arts Association) to celebrate the work of former IAA Chair and co-founder Chris Green. This takes place on 14th February at 4pm at St Margaret’s Church, Ipswich. Free admission with a retiring collection.
Ipswich Symphony Orchestra has what promises to be a lovely family concert on 1st March at 2.30pm at the Corn Exchange, Ipswich. The event aims to introduce young people to the orchestra and features Gusford Primary School Choir. The programme includes dances from Hungary, bells from Kyiv, conjures up the Toreadors of Spain and the wild demonic dance of the Firebird. Tickets available from: www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk / Box Office – 01473 433100 and on the door.
Ipswich Symphony Orchestra Family Concert Credit: ISO Design
FlipSide has announced a new series of eight evening talks by John Mercer and Robert Stein on contemporary classical music. ‘SOUND BEGINNINGS: The Whys and Hows of Contemporary Classical Music’ will run on Thursdays at 7pm from 5 March – 23 April 2026 at Printroom studio, Yew Tree Farm, Sweffling. For more information and to book: www.flipsideuk.org/about-sound-beginnings.
Theatre
Rabble Theatre presents ‘Glitch — the true story of the Post Office scandal’, 13- 14 February at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. ‘Glitch’, commissioned by the University of Reading, is based on the experiences of postmistress Pam Stubbs and her colleagues.
Also at the New Wolsey Theatre, on 21st February, HighTide Theatre Company presents a Playwrights Showcase, with seven short readings from new plays by Louis Catfliff, Hazel Fattorusso, Grace Waga Glevey, Julie Mayhew, Sonny Nwachukwu, Aisling Towl and Katie Trollope. During the day there are workshops and industry talks for emerging and experienced playwrights.
Written and performed by Martin Figura, ‘The Shed’ is a multi-media theatre piece commissioned by Théâtre Volière and Norwich Arts Centre on at the Centre 15th February and in Lowestoft 27th February. https://norwichartscentre.co.uk/event/martin-figura-shed/
Literature
The closing date of Suffolk Poetry Society’s Crabbe Poetry Competition is 20th February 2026. There are excellent prizes. This year the adjudicator is Paul Stephenson. Entrants should either have been born, or educated, currently work or be resident in Suffolk, Norfolk or Essex or be a current member of Suffolk Poetry Society. To enter the competition, visit https://suffolkpoetrysociety.org
The seven category winners for the East Anglian Book Awards 2025 now compete for the Book of the Year Award. The result will be shared at a celebratory event on 12 February at the National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall, Norwich. Tickets are available from https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/events/a-celebration-of-new-east-anglian-writing-2025/
The first-ever City of Literature Award, supported by Norwich UNESCO City of Literature, will also be announced that evening. This award recognises individuals and organisations ‘making an outstanding contribution to the region’s literary life through community engagement, publishing innovation, or literary advocacy’. Decided by public vote, the shortlisted nominees are Mai Black, Lotte L.S., Norfolk Reading Project, Poets in the Cellar, and George Szirtes.
Exhibitions
The ‘Colour, Shape, Pattern’ exhibition at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich closes 22nd February.
The Apex Gallery at the Apex, Bury St Edmunds, has a photographic exhibition by Bury St Edmunds Photographic Society 17 February – 15 March. This spans local interest, architecture, landscape, wildlife, sport, close up and abstract images.
Bury St Edmunds Photographic Society Credit: Richard Ellis – Three Bridges
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association
Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 20th January 2026
Theatre and Dance
There is still some Christmas theatre about. Puzzle House Pantomimes present afternoon performances of ‘Red Riding Hood’ in a range of venues in second half of January and early February: Hoxne, Thorndon, Framlingham Crowfield and Wingfield Barns. Box office 01379 384656.
On 6 February Dance East, Jerwood House. Ipswich hosts ‘Tellus’ choreographed by Olivier-award winner Dickson Mbi, with a story based on his Cameroonian heritage.
Music
Britten Pears Arts lunchtime concert series continues with Ensemble Jackalope, a piano quartet led by Junyan Chen, winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition 2024, performing on 23rd January at Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh at noon. Extended Music Collective perform at the same time and place on 30th January and 6th February. There is a Snape Session on 24th January with Zakia, presenter of the weekly programme ‘Dream Time’ on BBC Radio 6 Music – this is an evening ‘dance/standing’ session in the Britten studio, Snape.
Zakia Credit: Contributor
Wolsey Orchestra’s next concert takes place at The Apex Bury St Edmunds on 7th February with music by Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky on the theme of Romeo and Juliet as well as Saint-Saën’s Symphony no 3 (organ).
The Rogues Shanty Chorus perform traditional shanty songs and The Black Deek Band perform songs of Ireland at Beccles Public Hall on 8th February. The concert aims to raise money for Beccles Hospital Palliative Care Unit. Tickets from Ticketsource.
Talks
Also at Beccles Public Hall, Matt Rendell, ITV Tour de France commentator, is giving a talk on stories about the Tour de France on 28th January. Tickets from Ticketsource.
On 3rd February at 10.45 am at Kesgrave Community Centre, The Arts Society South East Suffolk hosts a talk by distinguished music commentator and musician Sandy Burnett on ‘The Age of Jazz’. For more information and to enquire about becoming a member or attending as a visitor, email southeastsuffolk@theartsociety.org. On 27th January I am doing talk myself for new members together with artist Sula Rubens, discussing our poetry and art collaboration.
Sandy Burnett Credit: Ben Ealovega
Film
‘Becoming Victoria Wood’, a film about comedian Victoria Wood, told in her own words, is on in the morning and evening of 4th February at The Corn Hall, Diss.
At King Street Cinema Ipswich, 30th January – 5th February, ‘Song Sung Blue’ by writer-director Craig Brewer and starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson sounds a heartwarming (true) story about a couple who form a Neil Diamond tribute band.
Exhibitions
From 24th January – 20th February, there is a free exhibition ‘The Heart of Suffolk – Witch Trials’ at Wingfield Barns. The project focuses on the accused rather than the perpetrators.
The Food Museum in Stowmarket reopens after Christmas on 16 January. Their exhibition ‘Akenfield Revisited’ tells the story of the late Ronald Blythe’s book Akenfield, the film and those behind the scenes. The Museum also runs events for young children including the weekly Toddler Time and Forest School one day a month.
If you venture to Cambridge (a good day out), visit the Fitzwilliam Museum which has an exhibition ‘Made in Egypt’ exploring ‘ancient Egypt through the lives of its craftspeople, bringing together jewellery, ceramics, sculpture and more, including spectacular objects never before seen in the UK’.
Made in Ancient Egypt Exhibition, Fitzwilliam Museum: Decorative spoon with an elaborate handle and swivel lid, 1327–1186 BCE, wood (carob and tamarisk) and paint. Credit: © Musée du Louvre, Dist. GrandPalaisRmn. Photo Christian Décamps
Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge is one of my favourite galleries, together with the house which shows the permanent collection of John and Helen Ede. Currently an exhibition of Harold Offeh’s work: ‘Mmm Gotta Try a Little Harder, It Could Be Sweet’ is running until 1st March. This encompasses the artist’s videos, performance and projects that have taken place internationally.
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association
Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 6th January 2026
A very Happy New Year to all readers! I hope everyone is ready to be tempted by a wide range of cultural delights in January.
Music
‘The Music of Ed Sheeran by Candlelight’ comes to St. Edmundsbury Cathedral on Friday 16 January at 7:30 pm (the cathedral is the venue not the organiser and cannot answer any queries or take bookings) https://boxoffice.concertsbycandlelight.com
Suffolk Singers, directed by Claire Weston, have a charity concert on Sunday 17th January at 7.30pm in Woodbridge Community Hall in aid of FIND (Families in Need). The programme will include contributions from the West Tones, an ensemble of singers from Woodbridge School.
If you enjoy jazz, the Andi Hopgood Trio has a gig at the Orwell Hotel Library, Felixstowe on 28th January at 12 noon (book via Eventbrite).
Looking ahead, Stowmarket Choral Society, celebrating 125 years, offers a ‘come and sing’ event on 14th February at the John Peel Centre, Stowmarket. Details to be announced. www.stowmarketchorale.org.uk
Art
I visited the wonderful White House Farm which had Christmas exhibitions in December featuring Ian Sedge, Claudia Silver and silk scarves by Jenny Nutbeam. You can read about the artists and see their work on the website www.aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk.
St Botolph’s Lantern by Ian Sedge Credit: Ian Sedge
If one of your new year resolutions is to gain a skill, perhaps you could consider becoming a better photographer. Have a look at the varied courses and events on offer from Ipswich Photography Group https://ipswichphotographygroup.co.uk/
Theatre and Dance
The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, hosts the Guildford Shakespeare Company that performed an excellent version of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ last year with only three actors. This time nineteen characters from Dickens’ ‘David Copperfield’ are portrayed by three actors. The performances run from 27- 31 January.
Eastern Angles – The last few performances of ‘Treasure Hunt’, ‘a voyage to the lost town of Dunwich’, take place at Seckford Theatre Woodbridge 7th – 10th Jan. Tickets available from https://easternangles.co.uk/event/treasure-island-2025/
For something a bit different, there is ‘An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret’ with ‘fun, feathers and fabulous costumes’ at the Spa Pavilion Felixstowe on 24th January: boxoffice@felixstowespa.co.uk
Omid Djalili performs at the Cut Halesworth on 17th January – there are only a few tickets left so hurry to book if you want to see this: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thecut
Literature and Lectures
You may have sung ‘Auld Lang Syne’ on New Year’s Eve. The words were written by Scottish poet Robert (Robbie) Burns who was born on 25th January 1759 in Ayrshire. As someone with a Scottish family background myself, Burns Night is always rather special. There are myriad events around Suffolk to mark his birthday each year. For example, Venue 16 in Ipswich has an event on 24th January with a piper www.venue16.co.uk/events.
‘A Mammoth Makeover’, the first talk in the spring programme of Ipswich Arts Association’s lunchtime lecture and concert series at Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich, takes on place 8th January at 1pm. Alison Hall (Ipswich Museums Manager), Philip Wise and Carrie Calver speak about the redevelopment project at Ipswich Museum.
Mammoth Credit: Ipswich Museum
Ipswich Institute’s spring programme starts the week of 12th January with a varied offer of daytime courses for members and evening courses open to non-members. You can download the programme at https://ipswichinstitute.org.uk/
The University of Suffolk’s ‘Suffolk Centre for Culture and Heritage’ is planning events to mark the National Year of Reading ‘Go All In’ in 2026. The Centre runs events to ‘connect cultural practitioners, the community, staff and students. These include workshops and seminars, creative showcases and more informal networking opportunities. You can feed in your ideas to culture@uos.ac.uk.
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association. Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 9th December 2025
I would like to wish all readers of my arts events page a very happy Christmas and look forward to letting you know after Christmas about more exciting cultural events in January. December also has much to offer.
Music
Ipswich Chamber Choir celebrates ‘A Baroque Christmas’ with J S Bach’s Oratorio Part 3 and Christmas carols with The Geldart Ensemble and soloist Will Searle on 16th December at Ipswich Minster. www.ipswichchamberchoir.org.uk
Ipswich Chamber Choir and The Geldart Ensemble (credit: Chris Stephens)
Looking ahead to January, a highlight is sure to be Trianon Choir and Orchestra’s concert ‘A Musical Gift Unwrapped’ on 10th January at Ipswich Corn Exchange. This concert celebrates the life and musical legacy of co-founder Chris Green OBE (who was also Chair of Ipswich Arts Association). Maggie McDonald, Julie Roberts and Mark Saberton are the soloists. The programme includes a wide variety of music. https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/trianon-a-musical-gift-unwrapped-2/
Trianon Choir and Soloists – Julie Roberts (credit: Geoff Rogers, Ideas Into Print), Maggie McDonald (credit: Contributor), Mark Saberton (credit: Geoff Rogers, Ideas into Print)
Suffolk Jazz School has just joined Ipswich Arts Association. The Jazz School will run a residential course for intermediate and advanced jazz musicians in April 2026. Its next event is the opportunity to take part in a pop-up jazz choir with jazz vocalist Ian Shaw on 17th January at Copdock Village Hall.
Art
The Hunter Gallery in Bury St Edmunds has what looks like a lovely exhibition of works by a wide range of Suffolk artists in their annual Christmas exhibition running until December 31st. Still life, florals, land and seascapes as well as blown glass ornaments are on sale.
Every December, cultural hub The Cut in Halesworth offers local artists the opportunity to exhibit their work. This year the exhibition runs from Thursday 4th December to Thursday 15th January.
Theatre and Dance
Significant work on the Regent Theatre Ipswich has now been completed. The official grand reopening is on Friday 12th December when the festive pantomime Cinderella takes to the stage.
Following Protein’s award-winning family show ‘The Little Prince’, Luca Silvestrini presents a new dance-theatre adaptation of Mozart’s opera, ‘The Magic Flute’ at Dance East, Ipswich 12 – 14 December.
Also at The Cut in Halesworth, 12-13 December, are shows by MiniMouth featuring puppetry, dance, film and much more. Guest tutors have helped students at The MiniMouth’s Children’s Theatre Club to create ‘a wacky version’ of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’.
Minimouth (credit: Beth Keys-Holloway)
Literature
Tuesday 16th December 2025 is the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. There will be a day of ‘talks, readings and music at the Jubilee Hall, interspersed with film, art, poetry, hot chocolate, Bath buns and dogs in bonnets in locations around the town’. Morning events include Dr. Nicholas Clark from The Red House, investigating an opera planned by Benjamin Britten based on Mansfield Park, and Kate Drayton speaking on ‘Jane Austen at the Seaside’. In the afternoon, there is poetry, also a performance of ‘Becoming Mr Wickham’ starring Adrian Lukis and the film ‘Sense and Sensibility’, the latter at Aldeburgh cinema.
Being Mr Wickham (credit – Contributor)
The National Writing Centre partners annually with The Literacy Consultancy (TLC), supported by Arts Council England, to give free manuscript assessment for up to ten low-income writers from the East of England. The deadline for applications is 12th January: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/get-involved/writers/free-reads/
Suffolk Poetry Society’s annual Crabbe Poetry Competition is now open (earlier than usual). The closing date is 20th February 2026. Paul Stephenson is the adjudicator. Winners will be featured in the annual Festival of Suffolk Poetry, this year on 20th June 2026. For details and to enter online visit https://suffolkpoetrysociety.org/.
Ipswich as City of Culture 2029 – find out more about this exciting opportunity for Ipswich from the FAQs hosted here: https://www.danceeast.co.uk/city-of-culture-2029/
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association. Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 25th November 2025
The Christmas lights have been switched on in many places and so the festive season is fully upon us. For some this can be a difficult time of year but hopefully the range of cultural activities on offer across the county can bring some cheer.
Theatre and Dance
The Red Rose Chain has a Christmas adaptation of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ by Joanna Carrick 6th December to 4th January 2026 at the Avenue Theatre, Ipswich. To book: https://www.redrosechain.com/alice-in-wonderland/details
If you would like some help getting into the Christmas mood, the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich has ‘There Will Be Tinsel’ on 30th November presented by John Osborne with a selection of festive poems, moments and stories.
Crown Ballet, Swan Lake Credit: Amande Concerts Ltd
Crown Ballet, a Moldovan based ballet company, present that all-time favourite ‘Swan Lake’ at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft on Wednesday 26th November.
Music
‘Folk at the Froize’ (at a restaurant with a monthly folk offer on the road to Orford) features the Tamsin Elliot Trio on 28th November. Suffolk Coast website comments: Tamsin is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and film-maker with roots in the traditional dance tunes of the British Isles.
Tamsin Trio Credit: Kate Griffin
Handel’s ‘Messiah’ is being performed by The Choir of Ipswich Minster and Ipswich Choral Society on 13th December at Ipswich Minster with a great line-up of soloists and the Gibbs Ensemble. www.eventbrite.com/e/handel-messiah-tickets-1362165105499 .
There is still time to get tickets for Ipswich Symphony Orchestra’s concert on 29th November at the Corn Exchange, Ipswich with Jeneba Kanneh-Mason performing Beethoven’s ‘dramatic and beautiful third piano concerto’. https://ipswichtheatres.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173662528
Castleton Brass is performing ‘Christmastime Sparkle’ in a Christmas concert with Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir on Friday 12th December at Eye Town Hall. www.ticketsource.co.uk/castleton-brass
Film
The Corn Hall Diss, in collaboration with Creative Arts East is showing the documentary film ‘Caravaggio’ on 26th November at 10.30am and 7.30pm. The film is by award-winning filmmakers David Bickerstaff and Phil Grabsky and is sponsored by Mattressman.
Arts
Suffolk Open Studios have a members’ exhibition ‘Christmas@Clare’ 28 November – 7 December which is held at The Old Goods Shed, Clare Sudbury.Flatford Christmas Craft Fair takes place 29-30 November at Flatford, East Bergholt.
A statue of Benjamin Britten as a fourteen-year-old was unveiled recently in Lowestoft by composer Sir John Rutter. Designed by sculptor Ian Bank-Broadley, the figure stands opposite Britten’s place of birth in Kirkley Cliff Road, and gazes out to sea.
Perhaps not so Christmassy, but fascinating, is Suffolk Archives’ new exhibition at the Hold, Ipswich ‘Behind Bars – Suffolk’s Criminal Past’ running till January 2026. Margaret Catchpole’s story as a horse stealer is featured.
Portrait of Margaret Catchpole Credit: Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service
First Site, Colchester, has an exhibition organised with The Hepworth, Wakefield in collaboration with First Site: ‘Into Abstraction: Modern British Art and the Landscape’. This loan exhibition of 75 works from the Wakefield Art Gallery runs until January 18th 2026 and includes a number of East Anglian artists such as Edward Bawden and Keith Vaughan alongside work by world-renowned artists Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Duncan Grant, and L.S. Lowry among others.
Decorations
Fresh air, hot drinks, and imaginative light installations beckon visitors to celebrate the festive season. Christchurch Park, Ipswich, hosts ‘Illuminate’ for the first time; this opened on 15th November and runs through till 4th January. Helmingham Hall, with its moat and historic gardens designed by Lady (Xa) Tollemache, also has an Illuminated Garden Trail from 14 November to 19th December.
The annual Christmas Tree festival lights up Ipswich Minster 28th November to 7th December. To end the festival, there are carols and readings on 7th December with BBC Radio Suffolk.
Sue Wallace-Shaddad is a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association Contact via: https://suewallaceshaddad.wordpress.com/
EADT – 11th November 2025
The nights may have drawn in but there is plenty to entice everyone out before Christmas is fully upon us.
Ipswich Arts Association (IAA)
Today, 11th November, ‘The pirate radio revolution of the 1960s’ is the subject of a talk by Charles Wright and Brian Nichols at Museum Street Methodist Church 1pm. This is bound to bring back memories for some. The final concert in IAA’s lunchtime series is by the Orwell Singers on December 11th. The 2026 series of lectures and concerts has just been announced, so keep an eye on the IAA website. The lunchtime events are free but with a retiring collection.
Orwell Singers credit: David Verlander
The Association’s AGM and quiz take place on 14th November at St Andrews’ Church Hall, Rushmere St Andrew. If your arts organisation would like to become a member, attend the AGM and field a quiz team do contact secretary@ipswich-arts.org.uk.
Ipswich Institute, an IAA member, continues its wide range of activities with a talk by Chris Ellis on 28th November 13.30 – 15.30: Before the Pyramids: The Rise of Civilization in Ancient Egypt. Book here: https://ipswichinstitute.org.uk/. The Institute’s Spring brochure will be available to browse from late November/early December and booking opens on 16th December.
Arts and Crafts
Gainsborough House, Sudbury opens a new major exhibition 15th November – 22nd March 2026 in partnership with Stanley Spencer Gallery: Love &Landscape: Stanley Spencer in Suffolk. The exhibition will include major loans from Tate, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Leeds Museums and Galleries, and other public lenders and from private collections.
Britten Pears Arts celebrate Maggie Hambling’s 80th birthday in November with the opening of War Requiem in the Dovecote Studio, Snape. Alongside this exhibition, a collection of rarely seen pieces of her work can be seen across their other galleries.
The Suffolk Craft Society is back at Bury St Edmunds Guildhall 7-23rd November celebrating over ninety of the region’s talented makers. It is an ideal opportunity to pick up a Christmas gift whilst supporting high-quality craft and design.
Art for Cure has a pop-up Festive Art Exhibition at New Street Market, Woodbridge from 20th November – 2nd December in aid of breast cancer.
Music
Aurora Orchestra performs memorised Mendelssohn, alongside Prokofiev’s second concerto with violinist Chloë Hanslip at Snape Maltings on Saturday 22rd November. Book at: boxoffice@brittenpearsarts.org
To celebrate Benjamin Britten’s birthday, The Red House and Archive will be open for a special free autumn open day and guided tours on 22nd November. Booking is essential: https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/events/brittens-birthday-red-house-open-day
If you like to dress up, you might like to get out your black and gold outfits and buy a ticket for Arlington’s Black & Gold affair on November 29th at 13 Museum Street, Ipswich, featuring singer songwriter MJ Soul, Irie J (former Jah Warriors lead singer) and international songwriter /recording artist Ricky Hanley.
On 23rd November at Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre, Zeb Soanes (Classic FM) teams up with conductor and comedian Rainer Hersch (BBC Radio 4) and his ‘Orkestra’ to ‘enjoy, poke fun at and generally celebrate that jewel of the British concert season, the Last Night of the Proms.’
Theatre
The ever-popular and talented Co-op Juniors Theatre Company present ‘Magic at Christmas’ at Snape Maltings Friday 5th – 14th December.
Co-op Juniors Theatre Company Credit: Contributor
Film
Open Field Arts and Chapel Hall Creative have the premiere of ‘The Space Between Days’, a film installation by acclaimed filmmaker Bill Jackson exploring consciousness and dreams, at Chapel Hall Arts, Fressingfield, on 6th December at 7.30 pm. It features live music performed by composer Esbe, a former winner of the prestigious Julian Bream Prize for Guitar.
Bill Jackson credit: Clare Park Photography
EADT – 28th October 2025
All the rehearsals by musicians and choirs since the summer now bring us a feast of concerts. It is really important to support such concerts, not just because of the wonderful music but also because of their contribution to communities and well-being. The organisers also have significant costs putting on such events.
Woodbridge Choral Society – Credit: Contributor
Woodbridge Choral Society have a concert at Snape Maltings on 1st November. The programme features Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem and Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man – a mass for peace. The soloists are soprano Claire Weston and baritone Philip Smith.
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason Credit: John Davis
The autumn concert of Ipswich Symphony Orchestra, supported by the Vaugan Williams Foundation, is on Saturday 29 November 2025 at the Corn Exchange Ipswich. The soloist is Jeneba Kanneh-Mason. If you haven’t read the book about the extraordinary musical family to which she belongs, I recommend it: House of Music: Raising the Kanneh-Masons by Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason published by Oneworld Publications. The programme includes Wagner, Beethoven and Vaughan Williams.
The John Peel Centre in Stowmarket always has an eclectic line-up of events. Heron Valley, a Scottish folk band, has a gig there on 15th November. You can get a taste of their foot tapping music on the YouTube video featured here: https://johnpeelcentre.com/JohnPeelCentre.dll/WhatsOn?f=362771
Felixstowe Harmonies Credit: Felixstowe Harmonies
The Community Light Orchestra welcomes Felixstowe Harmonies to its next concert at St John’s Church, Ipswich on Saturday 22nd November. Under the baton of Vincent Taber, the orchestral programme includes light classical music and songs from various shows. Felixstowe Harmonies offers a unique blend of voices and harmonies, performing music from all eras and genres. Admission is free with a retiring collection in aid of ‘Communities Together’.
Community Light Orchestra Credit: Paul Laughlin
Literature
Following the Poetry in Aldeburgh weekend, Southwold Literary Festival takes place 8-10 November at Southwold Arts Centre with a mix of fiction and non-fiction authors. These include Alison Weir, Sophie Hannah, Sarah Perry and Jasper Fforde among others. Weekend and day tickets are available.
Art
Fall, Decay, Light, Renewal – Staverton Thicks Credit:Richard Bavin
If you love trees and have heard of the ancient woods of Staverton Thicks on the road out to Butley and Orford, you should catch Gallery East’s exhibition in Woodbridge: Looking into Staverton Thicks with the Arborealists and guest artists. You will see trees in all sorts of wonderful shapes, like living wild beasts (which they are of course). An example is Richard Baldwin’s work. https://www.galleryeast.co.uk/coming-up-next.html
From November 22nd to 11th December you can see Ipswich Art Society’s prestigious Anna Airy Award Exhibition at the University of Suffolk’s Waterfront building, sponsored by The Arts Society, South East Suffolk. This an annual exhibition for young artists aged 16-20 which showcases the outstanding work produced in local schools. In the past, several artists have then gone on to be selected for exhibition in London and recognised nationally by The Art Society.
Theatre and Dance
Beccles Public Hall and Theatre has Halloween Howls and Halloween Horrors on 30th October.
Tickets always sell fast for the New Wolsey Theatre’s Christmas pantomimes ‘packed full of magical adventure, hilarious jokes and incredible rock and pop music all played live’. Beauty and the Beast runs from 21st November to 17th January in Ipswich.
The National Dance Company of Wales performs a triple bill Surge/Gwefr at Dance East, Ipswich November 21st – 22nd.
Film
The 30th Aldeburgh documentary film festival runs 21-23 November. Tickets go on sale to Friends of Aldeburgh Cinema on 29 October and to the public 3rd November. The opening night film ‘Prime Minister’ is about Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand. Later films include accounts of Gaza, Russia and Leni Riefenstahl.
EADT – 14th October 2025
Autumn is fully upon us with the clocks changing on 26th October. There is a feast of cultural offerings over the next few weeks. Both half-term and Halloween are also coming up.
Art
Distinguished artist Eileen Cooper R.A. has an exhibition of new paintings opening on 18th October at Aldeburgh Beach Look Out, then viewable by appointment until 14 November.
Eileen Cooper R.A. Credit – Contributor
Twelve local artists show work on the theme of light in the exhibition Light at the Old Theatre Framlingham 25 October – 2 November.
Ipswich Arts Society’s Small Works exhibition by members takes place at Artspace in Woodbridge 24th October to 2nd November,
Drama
The Quay in Sudbury has a busy programme in the second half of October with plenty on offer – drama, comedy, film and music. There are family and child-oriented performances such as The McDougalls’ Halloween Party on the afternoon of 28th October.
Music
Ipswich Chamber Music Society presents the Fitzroy String Quartet on 25th October at Ipswich School Main Hall (tickets on the door). Their programme includes Haydn’s well-known ‘Emperor’ quartet and work by Bartók, Debussy and American Jessie Montgomery.
The Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir has a joint concert, ‘The Beat Goes On’, with Essentially Swing on 18th October at St Peter’s by the Waterfront, Ipswich. Music from the swing era, 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll and favourites from musical theatre will be featured. Tickets from: https://stpetersbythewaterfront.com/whats-on/the-beat-goes-on. Money raised from the concert will be donated to Ipswich Community Media.
Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir Credit: SCMVC
Celebrating its 95th year, Ipswich Gilbert and Sullivan Society starts the season with a presentation of The Yeoman of the Guard 29 October – 1st November at Seckford Theatre Woodbridge. Book at https://www.ipswichgands.co.uk/what-s-on/
Ipswich Gilbert & Sullivan Society Credit: Tom Newman
Literature and Poetry
The Friends of the Unitarian Meeting House has just joined Ipswich Arts Association. They run events in their beautiful grade 1 listed building in the centre of Ipswich. On Wednesday 22nd October, Spooky Stories will be read by Adam Whybray at 7.30 pm in a free event (donations for Suffolk Refugee Support).
It is clearly the season of literary festivals. After a very successful first Ipswich Book Festival recently, readers can now enjoy Lavenham Literary Festival 1-3 November and Norwich Book Festival 24-31 October.
Poetry in Aldeburgh returns 6-9 November with an explosion of contemporary poetry on the theme of ‘The Book and Beyond’. People often book accommodation months in advance for their annual pilgrimage for this poetry weekend. The two Gala Evening poets reading in Jubilee Hall on Saturday 8th November are Clare Pollard and Richard Scott. Tickets are still available for workshops, readings and walks. Full details here: https://www.poetryinaldeburgh.org/.
Clare Pollard (credit Sophie Davidson) and Richard Scott (credit Faber)
There is a terrific paid writing residency opportunity organised by Suffolk Community Libraries, National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Wildlife Trust 24-28 November 2025 (the deadline for applications is 20th October). They are looking for six emerging short-form writers to spend a week engaging creatively with nature, the landscape and communities. This will primarily be based at Felixstowe Library but participants may visit other locations. For full information see: https://suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk/programmes/creative-communities/early-career-artists/wild-pages-writers-residency/.
Dance
Dance East has a Platforma ‘Community Takeover’ event 12noon – 6pm at Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich on 18th October to showcase artists and artworks made by or with migrant and refugee communities. On 24th October, Tjimur Dance, ‘Taiwan’s premier contemporary dance company’ performs Bulabulay Mun? there.
Finally
Creative Arts East work with rural and disadvantaged communities across Norfolk, Suffolk and wider East Anglia supporting local arts and cultural events and also developing bespoke projects. For more information, see their website. They can be contacted at info@creativeartseast.co.uk.
EADT – 30th September 2025
Exhibitions
For something a bit different, visit the historic Moyse’s Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds which presents its Annual Sci-Fi & Action Exhibition. This features The Art of Cinema Exhibition by Kudos Memorabilia and runs from Saturday 25 October 2025 – Sunday 22 February (with extended opening hours 26 October and 2nd November).
I enjoyed Caroline Mackintosh’s recent exhibition of paintings at The Courtyard in Aldeburgh. Her work, together with work by Sarah Cannell, Helen Derbyshire and Louise Dougherty will now be on show in another exhibition ‘Rooted in the Landscape’ at The Fisher Theatre Gallery in Bungay from 29 September to 8 November. The theatre also runs fundraising events to support itself, for example there is a second-hand book fair 24th – 28th October.
If you are venturing down to London soon, do make time to visit the National Portrait Gallery’s Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award exhibition. This includes the wonderful portrait of Suffolk sculptor Laurence Edwards by Dide Siemmond (Portrait of a Sculptor, 2024). The exhibition finishes on 12th October.
Literature and Poetry
Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival takes place 5-19 October with wide-ranging author events, creative workshops, film, events for children and outreach to schools.
The award ceremony for Suffolk Poetry Society’s Crabbe poetry competition will be held at Eye Bowls Club at 3pm, 18th October. The adjudicator, Elizabeth Cook, will be presenting the awards and reading some of her own poems. Tickets can be obtained from the online shop at https://suffolkpoetrysociety.org/.
The 8th Platforma Festival brings together arts organisations working with migrants, refugees and those who have experienced forced migration. Taking place in the East of England this year, it includes some 35 arts events across music, theatre, film exhibitions, and more. For full details and to book see https://counterpoints.org.uk/upcoming-events/. Locations include Cambridge, Colchester, Diss, Ipswich, Diss, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Norwich, Peterborough and Snape.
As part of this Festival, on 6th October at Great Yarmouth Library, poets George Szirtes and Marjorie Lotfi are reading and celebrating the launch of a new collection of poems on the theme of ‘welcome’ written by visitors to Norfolk’s libraries in association with the National Centre for Writing. I am running a poetry workshop on 17th October at The Hold, Suffolk Archives, Ipswich, reflecting on the challenges of belonging.
Music and Theatre
Suffolk Singers’ autumn concert ‘Fall into Harmony’ takes place on 18th October St at Michael’s Church, Framlingham: The programme is predominately from the 20th and 21st centuries. It includes ‘music that recalls poignant memories, searches for peace and looks to the future with positivity and yearning’. You can buy tickets from https://wegottickets.com/event/672925/ or on the door.
Suffolk Singers Credit: Hannah Parnell photography
Sudbury Arts Centre has a vibrant programme including a regular Song Writers’ Circle (the next one is on 4th October) and a Craft Fair on 12th October. One event I would like to highlight is Stockard Channing’s production of Krapp’s Last Tape by Samuel Beckett starring David Westhead, on 26 October.
The SPILL Festival, Ipswich, 23-26 October offers a range of exciting and innovative performance, art and music events. In collaboration with Brighten the Corners, contemporary jazz band Ebi Soda perform on 24th October at St Stephen’s Church. For tickets: https://www.spillfestival.com/whats-on.
Spill Festival, Ebi Soda Credit: Ebi Soda
Cultural links
Ipswich-Arras Association promotes cultural and educational links between the two towns, with regular exchange visits in both directions. You can join the association here: https://www.ipswicharrasassociation.com/. The next member events take place in Ipswich on Friday 10th October (a French soirée: Tales and Tastings of France) and on 29th November (a 25th anniversary party).
Ipswich Arras Association Credit: Contributor
EADT – 17th September 2025
Music
This year’s programme of free Sunday afternoon Autumn Concerts at St Andrew’s Church, Rushmere will be held in support of St Elizabeth’s Hospice. Refreshments are provided and voluntary contributions are invited after each event. The first concert on 28 September is by popular music group ‘Essentially Swing’ playing music of the big band era, from the smooth sounds of Swing to the energy of Rock. It promises to be a ‘foot-tapping, feel-good celebration of music’.
Essentially Swing. Credit: Carol Goates
Just over the Suffolk border with Essex, the 25th Roman River Festival runs 19-28 September and has an abundance of classical music delights in venues around Colchester. The opening concert is on 19th September by Norway’s Engegård Quartet at St Andrew’s Church Fingringhoe featuring Grieg, Mozart and Norwegian folk melodies. To see the festival programme and buy tickets, visit https://romanrivermusic.co.uk.
Literature
Flipside runs its one-day literary festival, ‘Un/Making the World: Art, Life and Meaning’, on 27 September at The Old Theatre, Framlingham. In the afternoon, well-known author Geoff Dyer gives a talk on ‘Life- Writing or A Writing Life’. His most recent book ‘Homework: a Memoir’, published by Canongate, was reviewed by Blake Morrison in The Guardian in May.
Geoff Dyer Credit: : Larry D.Moore, CC by 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
The first Ipswich Book Festival has a packed programme 3 -5 October. A tremendous effort has clearly gone into the planning. The New Wolsey Theatre is acting as ticket agent for the festival, so visit their website to see the full list of authors. One event is Larry Lamb in discussion with Camilla Barnes at the Hold on Friday 3rd October. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be authors’ stalls 10am- 3pm in the Ancient House. I will be selling my own poetry books there on the Saturday and doing a brief talk/workshop at some point. Suffolk Poetry Society has a stall on Sunday.
Art
The Arts Society South East Suffolk (TASSES) has its next lecture at Kesgrave Community Centre on 7th October: ‘Now You See It, Now You Don’t’ given by Bertie Pearce. There is a study day about British Empire art in India in November and a group of members will visit Holland this month to see world-famous art and buildings. For more information about joining or attending lectures as a visitor, readers can e mail southeastsuffolk@theartssociety.org or check the website: tassoutheastsuffok.org.uk
On 20th September an exhibition of new paintings, ‘FRESH’, by Tessa Newcomb and Jude Hardy, opens at Aldeburgh Beach Look Out 11am-4pm.
Roger Hardy’s new exhibition of sculptural pieces in wood, ‘Wood’, takes place 13 September to 19 October at Snape Maltings Gallery 21and the Dovecote Studios.
Theatre/Film/Dance
Tickets are available from TicketSource for the National Theatre Live’s production of ‘Inter Alia’, a new play from Suzie Miller, which will be shown at Suffolk Archives’ The Hold on 18 September. Full information on venues is available from https://interalia.ntlive.com/
As the nights start to draw in, in the run up to Halloween, the New Wolsey Theatre with Salisbury Playhouse present a thriller at the New Wolsey Theatre 9-25 October. ‘Don’t Look Now’ is based on a Daphne Du Maurier story adapted by Nell Layshon. Set in Venice, premonitions, visions and sinister forces are promised. There is also a post- show talk on 23rd October.
Dance East’s autumn programme includes Lost Dog’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ on 26 September, ‘a blend of dance, theatre and comedy’, with a preceding dance workshop for the over 50s on 24 September. Also, on 20th September there is a day of hip hop dance and South Asian dance events from Hip Hop and Street Dance Company Elemenz. Performances, classes and workshops are free but places must be booked.
EADT – 2nd September 2025
With the beginning of September upon us, diaries should fill up fast, reflecting a surge of energy as cultural groups begin their autumn season.
Ipswich Art Trail is a new initiative timed to coincide with Heritage Open Days the weekend of 13-14 September. The trail starts at the Unitarian Meeting House in Friars Street and then takes you to nine other venues including the Minster, St Clement’s Arts Centre and art galleries. This has been organised by Ipswich Visual Arts Community (IVAC) who support and provide a platform for artists living and working in Ipswich.
ArtEast is back 11-16 September 6pm to 10pm at the lovely Framsden Hall Barn, IP14 6HL. Sculpture, contemporary art paintings, prints and ceramics will be shown.
The winner of Suffolk Poetry Society’s annual Crabbe Poetry Competition has just been announced: Lizzi Thistlethwayte with her poem ‘Wild Man of Orford’. Second prize went to Fran Reader and third prize to Pam Job. These winning poems, together with the highly commended and commended poems, will be featured in a special broadsheet in the next edition of Suffolk Poetry Society’s biannual magazine, Twelve Rivers, available from the Society’s online shop late October.
Lizzi Thistlethwayte Credit: Katherine Thistlethwayte
There will be a celebration of distinguished and well-loved Suffolk poet Michael Laskey 13-14 September at the Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh. Michael is eighty-one this year and his actor son Jack has created a theatre show ‘Thinking of Happiness etc’ centred on Michael reading his poetry with live music, video and dance. It promises to be a very special couple of performances.
Michael Laskey Credit:Emma Holbrook
The second Leiston Book Festival takes place on Saturday 20 September at Leiston Film Theatre. It features six authors writing about the changing landscape from different perspectives, an important topic for East Anglia as well as more broadly.
Gallery Players at The Gallery Studio Theatre in Ipswich have an interesting September programme. Firstly, from 5-13 September, they present the highly acclaimed ‘The Way Old Friends Do’, a play by Ian Hallard described as ‘a tender, laugh-out-loud comedy about devotion, desire and dancing queens’ (adult themes and humour).
Secondly on 19th September, they have ‘Fresh Knickers (and a Gin and Tonic)’ a new musical by Heather Davis, which considers the perimenopause – an important under-discussed area of female health and well-being which has ramifications for individual’s families and society. It is a pity there is only one performance. The play has Arts Council England support; it has a trigger/ content warning concerning health issues.
Choirs are starting up again after the summer break. Ipswich Choral Society will start rehearsing for a concert on 22nd November at St Joseph’s College, Ipswich, entitled ‘Elements’, ‘a soundscape of compositions representing the landscape of our planet and the four Greek elements Earth, Wind Fire and Water.’ If you sing and this sounds interesting, you can always join this friendly choir which welcomes new members. See their website for contact details.
There are a host of other choirs in Ipswich and Suffolk to suit all tastes. Pop Chorus (popchorus.co.uk) have set up seven groups in Suffolk including in Kesgrave, Framlingham and most recently Wickham Market. They sing pop songs in multi-part harmony, raising money for charity and with a focus on well-being through singing. They are finalists for the BBC’s ‘Make a Difference Awards’ in September.
Credit: ‘Shobana Jeyasingh © Chris Nash’
Shobana Jeyasingh Dance appear at Britten Pears Arts, Snape Maltings on 20th September with a unique take on Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ . ‘We Caliban’ looks at the story from the point of view of Caliban. It is a co-production with Sadlers Wells, with the support of DanceEast and DANSOX.
EADT – 19th August 2025
There is plenty to do over the Bank holiday, only some of which I list below, but I am also flagging up some events later in the autumn which you would be wise to book now.
WAMfest, an inspirational ‘festival’ in Felixstowe, promotes the creativity of women. Their next event is ‘WAM by the Waves’ on 24th August in Felixstowe Spa Gardens. The free programme includes music, yoga, dancing, also writing, singing and art workshops. Laura Locke will be doing a lunchtime talk about WAMfest for Ipswich Arts Association on 11th September at the Methodist Church: ‘Women and Creativity: Sharing the Love’.
Some of the WAMfest Team – credit: WAMfest
Another free Felixstowe event over the Bank holiday is ‘Proms on the Prom’ on 25th August 2pm – 9pm in the Seafront Gardens. This features, among others, The Felixstowe Festival Orchestra and Felixstowe Community Choir.
Framlingham College hosts The Summer Festival with folk and country music 23rd and 24th August 12pm – 8.30pm. On 29th August, Honey and the Bear (Lucy and Jon Hart), favourites of folk music lovers in Suffolk and beyond, play a gig at Thorington Theatre.
Honey and the Bear, John and Lucy Hart. Credit: Nick Ilot
Trianon Music Group swings back into action after the summer with ‘Classic Pops’ on Saturday 13 September at 7.30pm at The Corn Exchange Ipswich. This is the only non-professional symphony orchestra and choir in the region with 220 performing members. The programme includes music across a range of genres and music to celebrate 200 years of public railways in the UK.
Credit: Trianon Music Group
Suffolk Open Studios have an exhibition by members in the setting of Holton Lodge Barn Gallery outside Halesworth 21- 31 August.
There are constant rumours in the press about who will be the next James Bond. On 26th August, the New Wolsey Theatre brings a hit from the Edinburgh Fringe, ‘Bonding’, which ‘explores the myth, legend and legacy of Bond’. It sounds intriguing.
Also on 26th August, Orford Museum welcomes The Three-Inch Fools for a musical performance of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at the wonderful Butley Priory, a rather hidden away venue on the coast. The event will take place outdoors, so those attending should bring chairs, rugs and a picnic. If the weather is bad, the event will be rescheduled to a later date.
Shake Festival brings ‘Akenfield’, adapted for the stage by Glenn Wilhide to the Eastern Angles Centre, Ipswich 2nd -3rd October, the Food Museum, Stowmarket 5th October and Saxmundham Market Hall 11th October. Based on Akenfield: Portrait of an English Village by Ronald Blythe and directed by Jenny Hall, this is bound to be very popular. Sculptor Laurence Edwards has designed the set, with costumes by Constance Mackenzie and music by Finn Collinson.
James Crawley (Ronnie Blythe) & Jenny Hall (director/producer) and Liz Cook (co-producer) with Dean Sore in rehearsal at Charsfield village hall. Credit: Rupert Edgcombe
Suffolk poet Rachael Boast will be giving a talk and reading for Suffolk Poetry Society at The Guildhall, Hadleigh 7th September 3-5pm. Tickets are available from https://suffolkpoetrysociety.org. Rachael has four published collections. She recently edited the anthology ‘Versus Versus’, published by Bloodaxe Books, which brings together deaf, disabled and neurodivergent poets together from across the world.
Poetry in Aldeburgh have just announced their exciting programme for 6-9 November. To book festival passes, workshops and individual tickets, go to https://www.poetryinaldeburgh.org/. Suffolk Poetry Society has two events – a reading by four members with distinguished poet Annie Freud and a poetry walk which I will be running with Susan Mobbs on 7th November.
Finally, if you are interested in film, you could take out annual membership for King Street Cinema, The Corn Exchange, Ipswich, which would give you a number of benefits. Membership fees support the work of the Ipswich Film Theatre Trust, a non-profit organisation, in bringing independent and repertory cinema to Ipswich.
EADT – 5 August 2025
There is plenty to do in Suffolk during August whether you live here or are just visiting. It is also a quieter time when residents might start to think about what they might do after the summer.
Caroline Wiseman, who runs her contemporary art gallery The Art House and the South Look Out on Aldeburgh beach also runs a creative hub, The Arts Club. This offers Suffolk creatives and others opportunities to connect, both in-person and by sharing information online. If you are a visual artist, musician, poet, writer or scientist you can join this club for a very modest fee. You get a monthly bulletin with information on all the upcoming events organised by members; it is an impressive list. Caroline also organises a wealth of events where people network together and even go abroad together for painting retreats.
A forthcoming arts event is The Arts Club Open, an exhibition of members’ works which runs 12-19 August at the South Look Out. Another is Summer Contemporary, a six-week art exhibition at Snape Maltings celebrating artworks with a strong Suffolk connection. Some 150 established and emerging visual artists across mediums and disciplines are taking part 26 July – 31 August.
Southwold & Aldeburgh Summer Theatre by the Sea is here for their 2025 summer season with Gaslight, the psychological thriller by Patrick Hamilton, firstly at the Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh 28th July – 9 Aug then at Southwold Arts Centre 13-16 Aug. Plays by Alan Ayckbourn and Terrence Rattigan follow in the programme after that.
Credit: Southwold and Aldeburgh Theatre Ltd
Thorington Theatre, an open-air theatre near Saxmundham, has a varied programme over the summer.On 8th August, Wild Arts presents Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love set in a seaside town and on 9th August, Scratchworks Theatre Company presents The Mushroom Show (age 5 plus)– fun with fungi.
Credit: Scratchworks Theatre Company
Festival season continues with Folk East the weekend of 15-17 August, this year in a new venue, the Sotterley estate near Beccles. This is always a family-friendly festival. The line-up includes Kathryn Tickell and her band The Darkening which plays Northumbrian traditional tunes, on the Saturday.
The next lunchtime concert at the Methodist Church, Ipswich under the Ipswich Arts Association series is by Semibreves on 14th August 1pm. Three singers and a pianist, the group sings trios, duets and solos across a wide range of popular genres. These IAA concerts are free but there is a retiring collection for donations to help defray expenses.
Credit: Mark Ellis
On 30th August Stowmarket Chorale, another member of IAA, have a ‘Come and Sing’ at the Blackbourne Community Centre, Elmswell. This is an ideal opportunity to have a lovely day of singing Mozart, Gershwin, Arlen and Chilcott, get to know a choir and consider whether you might join them in future. You can book a ticket on their website.
At Snape Maltings on 10th August, there is an exciting concert by the Balimaya Project, a London-based collective – a 16-piece band playing West African music – presented in partnership with Wooden Roots.
Finally, Ipswich Institute’s August programme still has places available for non-members across a wide range of talks and learning opportunities. You can also book a town guide visit around Ipswich on their website and book a place for the New Angle Prize Awards dinner 25 September at Hintlesham Golf Club. The Institute’s autumn programme is about to be announced (the day programme is for members only but the evening programme is open to all), so now is the time to decide if you are going to indulge one of your creative passions over the winter months, for example — learning a language, enjoying music, poetry, history and art.
EADT – 22 July 2025
School holidays are upon us this week, so parents will be looking for things to do with their children. One museum to visit is the Long Shed Museum in Leiston which shows off the engineering heritage of the Garrett family, agricultural machinery and Suffolk farming. Also at the museum is a lovely exhibition by the Lettering Arts Trust, a different form of craft where words are carved into slate and stone.
Credit: John Heald
Ipswich has a wide range of sculpture and street-art, often quite hidden away. Wild Walls, who created giant murals last year, have created a trail map which brings together existing and new murals and street art. The route is 5 miles long. The website visiteastofengland.com/post/art-in-the-open highlights this and also Banksy’s work in the region.
Magpie Performers bring Alice in Wonderland to The Studio, Eastern Angles 24-26 July. This Ipswich drama group, founded in 2016, aims to be inclusive and welcomes anyone to join them, whatever their circumstances and background, from age eight upwards.
Credit: Magpie Performers
I would also like to highlight Eastern Angles’ new platform, ‘Play, Pizza, Pint’ which showcases new writing from emerging playwrights across East Anglia. Each event features a rehearsed reading of a new play – the next one is Getting Closer by Rohan Gotobed on 29th July: ‘a haunting, surreal, and poetic journey through childhood, adolescence, and motherhood, set against the backdrop of the climate crisis.’
Credit: Eastern Angles
Red Rose Chain’s ‘Theatre in the Forest’ has a production of Hamlet at Sutton Hoo 23 July – 23 August. Music and large-scale ghost puppetry feature. There is also the opportunity to explore this National Trust site before the performance. If you haven’t already seen the film ‘The Dig’, about Basil Brown’s discovery of the Anglo-Saxon ship and treasure, this is available on Netflix.
Foreword Festival, billed as the UK’s ‘first Fringe Literature Festival’, takes place 9th -16th August in Stowmarket. There is a poetry and spoken word event on Friday with Mark Grist supported by James Domestic, Amy Wragg, Sam Marsh and Laura McKinnon at the John Peel Centre. A range of authors and small presses will take part in a book fair on Saturday 16th at the same venue, including Suffolk Poetry Society. See the festival website for full details of all events.
Mark Heyburn gives a piano recital, Music for a Summer Afternoon on 22nd July and Mark Blatchly an organ recital of music by French composers, Music from Ste-Clotilde & Nôtre-Dame on 29th July in the lunchtime concert series at the Minster (St Mary Le Tower, Ipswich) – both are well worth supporting.
Jools Holland, a favourite with many, appears at Felixstowe Spa Pavillion 26 July. At Snape Maltings the Estonian Philharmonic Choir performs on 1st August and Suffolk Youth Orchestra performs Mussorgsky’s Night on the Bare Mountain and Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld on 4th August.
On the dance front, DanceEast announced in June that Brendan Keaney OBE was stepping down this summer. Antony Missen will be the new Chief Executive and Creative Director in October 2025, relocating from Manchester where he was Co-Artistic Director of Company Chameleon.
DanceEast are at Latitude all weekend 24-27 July where Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures will present a piece centred around wondering what the world would look like if imagined by children – just one item in a varied programme of dance.
Ipswich Society’s 2025 photography competition on the theme of ‘Architecture’ has a deadline of 31 July. Details on how to apply are on their website under the news section. This will be followed by an exhibition of works submitted taking place 20-21 September at St Clements Arts Centre near Ipswich Waterfront.
EADT – 8 July 2025
July is a time to be outdoors (without a heatwave ideally). Many cultural events take place in the open. In Bury St Edmunds, you can watch ‘As You Like It’ in the Abbey Gardens, part of ‘Shakespeare in the Park’ 22-27 July.
Latitude takes over Henham Park 24 – 27 July with a wide offer of music, literature, dance, film, theatre and comedy. As a poet myself, I was pleased to see the poetry line up this year included poet Ellen McAteer with the National Poetry Centre. Another upcoming event is Ed Sheeran’s three day ‘homecoming event’ at Portman Road, Ipswich, 11-13 July.
On a much smaller scale, there are always gems of cultural activity going on in villages and towns around Suffolk. Woodbridge Music Day takes place in Elmhurst Park on 19th July. ‘Concerts at Cratfield’ (near Halesworth) hosts the Barbican Quartet on Sunday 20 July 3pm. This young string quartet’s debut album, ‘Manifesto on Love’, came out last summer with GENUIN.
The Britten Pears Arts ‘Summer at Snape’ programme runs from 26 July to 31 August. One concert that caught my eye is contemporary Scottish folk with Peatbog Fairies on 2nd August. If you fancy a bit of jazz in Ipswich, IAA member ‘St Peter’s by the Waterfront’, hosts contemporary jazz from the Horn Factory on 18th July. For those who love Swing classics, The Seagull Theatre in Lowestoft presents In Full Swing’s concert ‘Masters of Swing’ on 18th July.
Photograph of Tom Crisp with his family. 1176/2/1/3/569. Credit Suffolk Archives
Suffolk Archives at The Hold, Ipswich have opened a new exhibition ‘Anchors Away, Suffolk and the Sea’, which runs till 27th September. This focuses on Suffolk’s maritime history and includes smuggling, sea rescues, shipbuilding, coastal communities, and historic ports. There is a full programme of talks, walks, workshops, and family events to accompany the exhibition. One fascinating story is that of Lowestoft skipper, Tom Crisp, who was awarded the Victoria Cross. Early in 1917 he sank a German submarine and later fought a U-boat, going down with his fishing smack.
Their travelling exhibition, ‘Following the Fish’, created in collaboration with archives in Scotland and Norfolk and supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, is going on tour soon. This tells the story of the women who followed the herring fleets from Scotland to Suffolk and Norfolk. Venues include Felixstowe Museum, Landguard Fort 2nd -18th August immediately followed by Lowestoft and later Woodbridge, Norfolk Record Office and Whitby Museum.
I recently attended the talk and reading by Julia Jones at Felixstowe Book Festival. Her new book ‘Stars to Steer by’, published by Adlard Coles, is likely to interest sailors in the region. It celebrates the lives of around 100 women sailors from the nineteenth century to the present.
Herring girl at Lowestoft. 1300/72/18/37. Credit Suffolk Archives
Herring Girls knitting. 1300/72/18/19. Credit Suffolk Archives
Ipswich Arts Association’s next lunchtime talk is ‘Picture Books for All’ on 10th July 1pm at the Methodist Church. University of Suffolk lecturer, children’s picture book illustrator and author Rob Ramsden, together with Head of Arts and graphic designer Nigel Ball will talk about the importance of Cowell’s of Ipswich in the development of the picture book industry in the UK.
Ipswich Arts Association has supplied a photo of Rob Ramsden and Nigel Ball who are doing the next lunchtime talk. Credit Nigel Ball.
I always enjoy visiting the art galleries in the High Street, Aldeburgh. Thompsons’ next exhibition opens on 12th July and features animal works (mainly horses) in mixed media by Jo Taylor. There is a beautiful sculpture garden at the back of the gallery. Aldeburgh Gallery is showing Honor Surie and Dan Hussey 17th to 23rd July. I have known Honor for many years and love her paintings of Suffolk marshes and waterways. Dan Hussey is a chair maker and ‘uses steam-bent local coppiced ash and sweet chestnut for his own designs’.
EADT – 24 June 2025
Ipswich is lucky to have so many lovely parks with summer activities and great children’s play areas: Christchurch Park, Alexandra Park, Holywells Park, Bourne Park and Chantry Park. Music Day, a free all-day festival of music, takes over Christchurch Park on 6th July. The annual Indian Summer Mela is part of Music Day this year as well.
One of the performances to catch on Music Day is by Ipswich Hospital Choir at 3.55pm at St Margaret’s Church. This choir was formed in January 2013. It has 54 members made up of hospital and NHS staff and members of the local community. The repertoire is broad ranging and no previous choral experience is required to become a member. Further information can be found on the choir’s website at https://www.ipshospchoir.
Ipswich Hospital Community Choir who will perform on Music Day credit: Kevin Clarke
On 28th June the Orwell Singers will be performing their summer concert Here Comes the Sun at 7.30pm at St Andrews Church, Rushmere. The entrance fee (cash on the door) includes a cream tea and summer cocktail which sounds enticing. Their programme ranges from ‘Bach to the Beatles and from Gershwin to Bob Chilcott’. Also on the music front, I would like to highlight the Tuesday lunchtime concert programme at Ipswich Minister (St Mary-Le-Tower church) in the town centre which continues over the summer months. A cool place to spend your lunch hour.
The Elizabeth Hospice trail this year features hares in the Hop to It! Suffolk 2025 Art Trail created in partnership with Wild in Art. Thirty- eight colourful sculptures of hares are being hosted by Ipswich, with two large sculptures and smaller ones in other towns including Woodbridge, Felixstowe, Lowestoft and Beccles from 21 June to 29 August.
The installation of the exhibition at Gainsborough House credit © Gainsborough’s House | Jackie Mellor Photography
Sudbury is always a lovely place to visit and since Gainsborough House was reconfigured and developed with National Lottery Heritage funding, that venue is always a highlight for me. Their latest exhibition, from May 3rd to October 19th, is a loan exhibition from the Iveagh Bequest, Kenwood House, London: Masterpieces from Kenwood: The Splendour of British and French Painting, put on with the support of English Heritage. The exhibition includes work by Sir Joshua Reynolds, George Romney, Angelica Kauffmann, Jean-Baptiste Pater and François Boucher as well as six masterpieces by Thomas Gainsborough. If you are interested in portraiture, this is an exhibition you should not miss.
Thomas Gainsborough (1727–88). Mary, Countess Howe, c. 1764. Oil on canvas. Iveagh Bequest, 1929. © Historic England Archive via English Heritage.
With regard to theatre, upcoming events at The New Wolsey Theatre include Shoddy Detective presenting A Shoddy Detective 27-28 June and The Co-op Juniors Theatre Company performing Rent 2-5 July. The New Wolsey Theatre always has an exciting programme and it is also already selling tickets for the Christmas pantomime.
Red Rose Chain will be performing Hamlet in their ‘Theatre in the Forest’ series at Sutton Hoo 23 July – 23 August; bookings are open now. On the other side of the river Deben, you can visit the ambitious project run by The Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company. Their website explains that ‘the King’s ship will be resurrected to its full ninety-foot length’. The ship being is built by volunteers by hand using traditional methods at the Longshed, Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge. This is a fascinating example of craftsmanship across the centuries. The public can visit to see progress and donations are welcome.
If you haven’t got your tickets yet for the two major concerts at the Corn Exchange this coming weekend, there is still time to buy them. The Charter825 concert on 26th June will include the premiere of ‘The Gipping Weaves’ composed by music teacher Matthew Heyburn especially for the 825th anniversary of the Ipswich Royal Charter. Ipswich Symphony Orchestra’s concert takes place on 28th June.
EADT – 10 June 2025
It is festival season now. Latitude, of course, is on the horizon. But before then, Lowestoft South Beach is the place to be with the First Light Festival taking place21st and 22nd June. This is a free beachfront festival with a programme that ranges across the arts. You can see Laurence Edwards’ bronze sculptures ‘Shimmer’ and ‘Borrowed Breath’. Exciting music groups include Nubiyan Twist and Blue Machine’s Ocean Songs. DanceEast brings Ayna by Ceyda Tanc Dance (influenced by Turkish contemporary and traditional folk dance), as just one of their dance offers over the weekend.
Also, back in Ipswich, on 20th and 21st June, Jerwood DanceHouse hosts Limelight Performers performing ‘9 to 5 The Musical’, Dolly Parton’s ‘smash-hit musical’. This is billed as ‘the most fun you’ll have at the theatre all year!’. DanceEast runs a wide range of classes throughout the year at the DanceHouse for all levels from ‘tots’ to ‘over 50’s’ (full information on their website).
credit: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown
On the visual arts front, the University of Suffolk’s arts degree show will be open to the public from Friday 20 June until Friday 27 June 2025 at the Arts Building on the other side of the road from the university’smain Waterfront building. You can view work from Graphic Design, Graphic Design (Graphic Illustration), Fine Art, Photography, Architecture, Digital Film Production and Screenwriting students. It is always good to see the range of new talent emerging.
When visiting Suffolk County Library recently, I was impressed by their lovely space for young children. The Library is, as many will know, in the throes of changing hands and I hope there will continue to be a commitment to the wide range of activities which have supported the community in the past. The week of 16-20 June is National Refugee Week and on 19th June 2-3pm at the Library, I will be doing a poetry reading and talk with Suffolk artist Sula Rubens, discussing our collaboration on the theme of refugees. The event is free and open to all.
Ipswich Symphony Orchestra’s summer concert takes place at the Corn Exchange, Ipswich on Saturday 28 June 2025. The concert celebrates Adam Gatehouse’s 25 years as the orchestra’s conductor and features work by Brahms, Rachmaninov and Shostakovich. The Orchestra always fields exciting new talent when they choose their soloists and this time is no exception. Soloist Junyan Chen, silver medal winner at the recent 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition, will be playing Rachmaninov’s 3rd Piano Concerto.
credit: Junyan Chen
Ipswich Arts Association held a very successful event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Charter Hangings on 6th June. There are opportunities for volunteering at St Peter’s by the Waterfront to greet visitors to the Church where the hangings are displayed. If you have a few hours to spare on the occasional Tuesday morning or afternoon and would like a quiet space with wifi, and someone else alongside you, please contact me for more details (see below).
On 25th June the Friends of Ipswich Museums hold their summer party at Christchurch Mansion. It is well worth joining the Friends. They organise some lovely events including private views of new exhibitions, publish an informative newsletter and support the museums in many ways. The latest exhibition at Wolsey Art Gallery, Christchurch Mansion, ‘Colour, Shape and Pattern’ opened recently and runs till 22nd February 2026. This exhibition showcases work by well-known contemporary artists held by Ipswich including work by Henri Matisse, Ben Nicholson, Elizabeth Frink (to name just a few) as well as ten loan items from Fitzwilliam Museum’s print collection. The Mansion is now open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
EADT – 27 May 2025
It is hard to believe that it is less than a month to go until the summer solstice. There are plenty of opportunities to catch an exciting exhibition or concert before then. This is the final week of the exhibition ‘Departures: Exploring Emigration From Suffolk’ (ending 31 May) at the Hold, Ipswich, home of Suffolk Archives. Their exhibitions are always very well researched and curated. Of course, the Suffolk Show is running 28th and 29th May at Trinity Park showground, Ipswich and always includes an art exhibition and many stalls with rural crafts as well as fine examples of flower arrangement design.
On 3rd June, 7.30pm at Northgate Arts Centre, Ipswich Choral Society is inviting singers interested in the choir or just wanting a lovely singing experience to join in an open rehearsal led by ICS choral director Chris Borrett. You can book via the Society’s website. An open rehearsal is how I first learned about the Society and have enjoyed being a member for over ten years. The focus is on choral classics that will be featured in the major Charter825 concert at the Corn Exchange, Ipswich on 27th June at 7.30pm (tickets now on sale from Ipswich Theatres). The concert includes St Margaret’s Primary School, Funky Voices, Alina Dolgopolova and Nataliya Lawrence, The Choirs of Ipswich Minster, Ipswich Choral Society and the Charter Festival Orchestra. It is certain to be a highlight of the summer.
Ipswich Choral Society. Photo: contributed.
Ipswich Arts Association (IAA) elected their new Chair at a special EGM on 19th May – Mike Motteram, a recent trustee. Mike has a strong interest in the arts with a particular interest in poetry, novels and photography. He looks forward to getting to know Ipswich Arts Association members and to welcoming new members.
This year IAA is celebrating 25 years of the Ipswich Charter Hangings. Commissioned by the Association in 2000, these eight large embroidered panels were designed, researched and directed by Suffolk embroideress Isabel Clover to commemorate the granting of the Royal Charter to the town in 1200 AD. The panels are on display at St Peter’s by the Waterfront on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays till the end of September (see opening times on St Peter’s website).
Ipswich Charter Hangings
On the literature and poetry front, poets should note Suffolk Poetry Society’s Crabbe Poetry Competition deadline of 13 June 2025. This is open to anyone who was either born, educated, working or resident in Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk (or is a Suffolk Poetry Society member) and has good prizes. Amy Wragg, a champion of inclusivity and the spoken word, has recently formed a Community Interest Company ‘Soapbox Spoken Word CIC’ and puts on a range of events and activities in Ipswich to support creatives, such as her monthly e-zine and funding workshops. She is also well known for her installations made from recycled textile products, often shown at festivals.
A film that I am looking forward to seeing soon is The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson, Jason Isaacs and James Lance, on at the King Street Cinema in the Corn Exchange building in central Ipswich 6-19 June. The cinema used to be run by Ipswich Film Theatre and is down in the bowels of the building. It shows a range of independent films. The Salt Path is inspired by the book of the same name by Raynor Winn which tells of a difficult and emotional journey by Raynor and her husband Moth walking the South West coastal path; the book is excellent so it will be interesting to see how the film measures up. I am sure there will be plenty of stunning coastal views.
EADT – 13 May 2025
It is an honour to be writing this column as a trustee of Ipswich Arts Association (IAA), following on from the regular column by the Association’s Chair, distinguished conductor Emeritus Professor Christopher Green. I would first of all like to pay tribute to all that Chris did to raise awareness of the arts scene through his column at a time when the arts seem to be perpetually squeezed on all fronts. It is very good to have the opportunity to share some of the range of creativity in Suffolk.
A recent development in the Association has been the reworking of the IAA website https://ipswich-arts.org.uk/ ; this is now a ‘go-to’ place for finding out about local events in Ipswich and also more broadly in Suffolk. The Association is very keen to welcome new member organisations from across different art forms and members can upload their events onto this site.
An upcoming event is the 11th Festival of Suffolk Poetry at the John Peel Centre, Stowmarket on Saturday 17 May preceded by additional online events on 16 May. Headline readers are Lewis Buxton, Co–Director of TOAST poetry in Norwich, and Catherine Smith (tutor for the Poetry School); a few places are still available for Lewis’s morning workshop. Book via the Suffolk Poetry Society website https://suffolkpoetrysociety.org/. Also on a literature theme, Suffolk Libraries have their DiscoveReads book promotion 24-25 May at the Hold in Ipswich in collaboration with Suffolk Archives and the University of Suffolk, the well-loved Felixstowe Book Fair takes place 25-29 June and a buzz is being created on social media about a new initiative, Ipswich Book Festival, 3-5 October.
Lewis Buxton Photo: David Vincent
On the music front, Britten Pears Arts’s Aldeburgh Festival gets underway in 13- 29 June with an enticing ‘Festival Extra’ including jazz and folk, often at the more intimate Pumphouse. A recital by Martin Jones will take place on 25th June at The Red House, home of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, a wonderful place to visit with a stunning art collection. It is not long to go until Ipswich Music Day on 6 July with its wealth of free music gigs all day in Christchurch Park, Ipswich and also the Ipswich Arts Association’s ‘classical’ stages in St Margaret’s Church, Bethesda Baptist Chapel, The Wolsey Gallery (Christchurch Mansion) and The Masonic Hall. There are still some places available on the IAA stages so contact events@ipswich-arts.org.uk urgently if you are a music group interested in taking part.
Other venues to highlight that you might not immediately think of visiting are: Two Sisters Arts Centre, Trimley which has an active programme encompassing music, drama and poetry all year round and St Peters by the Waterfront in Ipswich which has Twin Lizzy (a tribute band to rock band Thin Lizzy) on 17 May. At the other end of the music spectrum, if you have always fancied trying out for a part in a Gilbert and Sullivan production, auditions are being held for Yeoman of the Guard on 26 May (see IAA website for details).
The 146th annual open exhibition of Ipswich Arts Society takes place at St Clement’s Church, Ipswich, 17 May – 7 June. Over June weekends, you can also visit artist studios in Suffolk Open Studios’ 2025 programme. One of my favourite places in Suffolk for seeing art is White House Farm, Great Glemham. Jason Gathorne-Hardy regularly showcases artists who have had residencies on the farm on his website www.aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk/. If you are interested in making new creative friends, take a look at Caroline Wiseman’s Arts Club, Aldeburgh Beach. There are regular gatherings and events and members can advertise their events online.
COMMUNITY NEWS, Tuesday 17 December 2024
Ipswich Arts Association with Chris Green
It has been an exciting week by any measure, with a very unexpected but highly restful stay in Ipswich Hospital for me, only punctuated by two “procedures”- what we would have called “operations” in the past. Life outside goes on, and I have been fortunate to be continually updated by my family. However, just before my enforced admission, I learnt of the death of Felixstowe artist, Ken Cuthbert. I had only met Ken on a couple of previous occasions, but I well remember my late mother always enthusing about the weekend courses that he oversaw at Belstead House, Ipswich.
Kenneth E. Cuthbert was born in Ipswich in 1929 and began his art training in 1950 with the Ipswich-based Dutch artist and tutor Cor Visser. The dock area of Ipswich provided subject matter for his early work and influenced the development of his painting style. Ken started teaching in the evening and, giving up his “day-job” in 1972, took up art as a profession with a studio in Waterworks Street. He married Mavis Izzard in 1983. Impressed by the colour and landscape of the Dordogne, Ken and Mavis purchased a cottage in 1985 to use as a base for painting when in France, returning in 2000 to live in Felixstowe. Ken was a founder member of ‘8+1 Suffolk Group’; a Life Member of the Ipswich Art Club, and elected President of the Ipswich Art Society in 2002. Ken exhibited at the John Russell Gallery and the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, amongst others. Thank you for the pleasure you gave to so many people, Ken.
As we approach the holiday period, you may expect plenty of opportunities to join in with seasonal music, although today’s events start with a lunchtime recital at StMary-le-Tower Church when Jeffery Wilson (saxophone) and Christopher Weston (piano) join for a 45-minute programme starting at 1.10pm. Refreshments are served from 12.45pm, and admission is free with a retiring collection. Later this evening at St Peter’s by the Waterfront IP4 1BF at 8pm, the Ipswich Chamber Choir invite you to join them for some Christmas Crackers (and music, mulled wine and mince pies). Joined by the Raedwald Ensemble, the programme includes audience participation. Tickets cost “12 with under 18s going free.
To round off the week you can enjoy what is described as “a fabulous night of East Anglian entertainment” featuring local music and spoken word on Friday 20th December, 7.30pm at the Two Sisters Arts Centre, High Street, Trimley St. Mary, IP11 0SP. Titled Lady J’s Winter Marvels, this is sure to live up to the promise. Tickets are £15 (inc. donation to help support the performers) or £12 general admission. To book, phone 01394 279613 or visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/two-sisters-arts-centre/lady-js-winter-marvels/e-bvmdla
It was not until quite recently that I found out that the Carols of the Bells was Ukrainian in origin. John Williams had used it effectively in Home Alone, but of course it had been around for much longer. Christmas music features as a vital part of the musical landscape of this war-torn country and so it was with interest that I put a new CD on to the player and sampled Ukrainian Christmas. What a pleasure with the Lviv National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra conducted by Serhii Khorovets. Solomiya Ivakhiv is the violin soloist in this compendium of a dozen arrangements by Bohdan Kryvopust – imaginative, foot-tapping and, although the album is orchestral, it serves as a reminder that Ukrainian people are, to quote from the sleeve-liner, “a singing people who will not be silenced, No matter what difficulty befalls them..” (Naxos 8.574677).
COMMUNITY NEWS, Tuesday 10 December 2024
Ipswich Arts Association with Chris Green
It has been a funny old week. It started with me explaining to a young person how music and well-being are related and ended with me providing a practical demonstration. I had better explain: I was delighted to be able to return to conducting last Tuesday, and enjoyed just over two hours of music-making with members of the Trianon Symphony Orchestra in preparation for the group’s concert on 11 January at the Corn Exchange.
The concert will include music by a composer capable of writing heart-breaking melodies. Ennio Morricone was a jazz musician who hit the headlines when his scores for a series of spaghetti Westerns starring Clint Eastwood played to a wider public across many continents. Towards the end of the Trianon rehearsal, we were playing the Love Theme from Cinema Paradiso when the mood of the moment caught me unawares and it was heart break for me. The consequence? An ambulance ride to Ipswich General Hospital for a lengthy stay. That is how music can affect the individual.
Anyway, enough of this, so I must turn to a crowded lead up to the Christmas season starting today with the lunchtime concert at St. Mary-le-Tower (soon to be the Minster). The cello duo of Sue Smith and Belinda Shave performs a varied programme from Telemann through to Bartók. Admission for the concert, which starts at 1.10pm, is free with a retiring collection, and refreshments are served from 12.45pm.
Two days later, it is a similar pattern for the final event of 2024 organised by the Ipswich Arts Association. Starting at 1pm, the concert features the Kesgrave Singers directed by Ed Dewson who took over as Musical Director in 2023. This concert is also free with a retiring collection and refreshments are served from 12.30pm.
There was a time when performances of Handel’s The Messiah would come thick and fast. More recently, there have been fewer outings for the work leading up to Christmas, so it is encouraging that Ipswich Choral Society has chosen this wonderful oratorio to end their 200th anniversary year. For the performance, they will be joined by Ipswich Chamber Choir, itself celebrating 40 years. The concert, at the Ipswich Corn Exchange, starts at 7pm this Saturday. Tickets are available from Ipswich Theatres and cost £22 with concessions for under-16s.
2025 marks the 25th anniversary of several IAA Millennium projects including the Ipswich Charter Hangings and the Ipswich Town Lectures (the concerts followed later). At Thursday’s concert, you will be able to collect a copy of the 2025 brochure featuring both series which start on Thursday 9th January when Tim Edmunds talks about Ipswich Town FC – Putting the Story into our History. That history started in 1878 by Old Boys of Ipswich School and, in its time, was to attract two managers who played a significant role in the history of post-War English football: Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.
From Suffolk Archives website. Photo credit: Not given.
Looking further ahead, the first Ipswich Town Concert on Thursday 13th February features musicians from the Royal Hospital School. This is the first time they have appeared in the Ipswich series and will provide a reminder as to why they feature in so many high-profile events such as the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Show.
A couple of weeks ago in this column, I mentioned the anarchic performance by Eric Morecambe of the opening bars of Grieg’s Piano Concerto when André Previn was reduced to jumping up and down on the rostrum in desperation, and finally taking over from where Eric stopped. However, for the real thing, I can recommend the complete performance of the Piano Concerto along with three other works by the same composer in a remastered 1975 performance with Grant Johannesen as soloist and the Utah Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maurice Abravanel (VOX-NX-3040CD).
Source: English Heritage. Credit: Estate of Emil Bieber / Klaus Niermann / Getty Images
COMMUNITY NEWS, Tuesday 19 November 2024
IPSWICH ARTS ASSOCIATION with Chris Green
I have attended more Annual General Meetings than I care to remember, chairing many of them and can honestly say that I have run the gamut from ones distinctly stormy to those that are a joy to hold. Last week Ipswich Arts Association held its 2024 AGM with a large number of societies joining in by Zoom, and it was a pleasure to re-engage with colleagues. The icing on the cake for many of us was the launch of the new IAA website. Demonstrated by Mike Motteram, IAA’s Publicity Officer and Paul Smith who has overseen the existing site, the redesigned portal enables groups to better promote their activities, and that seems to becoming a common theme- the need to generate interest in local activities.
Officers for the next year were elected as were other Trustees with the addition of Stephen Foster who will be joining the Management team bringing his knowledge of folk and jazz to the work currently being undertaken, and the meeting was also reminded that 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the Ipswich Charter Hangings and Ipswich Town Lectures. Both were Millennium projects in which I am proud to have been involved and which still bring a great deal of pleasure to many people.
So, what is in store in the coming couple of weeks? The Ipswich Chamber Music Society has good cause to celebrate because it has reached the 100 years of music performances this season, and the second of the concerts is on Saturday 23 November at 7.30pm at the Ipswich School when it is a case of four hands at two pianos. Charles Owen and Katya Apekisheva perform five works in a truly varied programme that opens with Mozart and ends with Polish composer Lutoslawski and his celebrated Variations on a Theme by Paganini – a theme used by Rachmaninov in equally inventive form.
Credit: W. Pniewski & L. Kowalski.
The same evening at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh (Suffolk) the Hadleigh Choral Society and Colchester Symphony Orchestra conducted by Christopher Phelps perform two Coronation anthems by Handel including Zadok the Priest, and parts I and 2 of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Joined by a quartet of soloists, this should be a lively programme. Tickets cost £18, although those in full-time education can come free. Visit The Idler in Hadleigh’s High Street or phone 01473 823791. Of course, tickets will be on sale at the door on the night.
Turning to the following Saturday 30 November, the Ipswich Symphony Orchestra present an attractive programme at the Ipswich Corn Exchange at 7.30pm with Dvorak’s Cello Concerto and Beethoven’s Symphony No 5 as the main works, whilst in Essex I will be conducting the Anglia Singers joined by children from Colne Engaine County Primary School; in a one-hour concert at 4pm in St Peter’s Church, Bocking End. The programme starts with some of Howard Goodall’s “big tunes” for Mr Bean, The Vicar of Dibley and Blackadder and finishes with a selection from Oklahoma!
Trianon Music Group welcome any member of the public who want to have a “good sing” for the price of £10, or free if you are in full-time education. The occasion is a Singing Workshop on Saturday 8 February 2025 at Cauldwell Hall Road Baptist Church, Ipswich. The morning session is devoted to exploring Poulenc’s celebrated Gloria, and the afternoon to John Rutter’s Mass of the Children. The reason I mention it now is that places have to be pre-booked and booking has opened. The charge includes the loan of music and liquid refreshments on the day. Visit the Trianon website or phone 07312 125456.
COMMUNITY NEWS, Tuesday 12 November 2024
IPSWICH ARTS ASSOCIATION with Chris Green
Another Annual General Meeting, and a new session for Ipswich Arts Association. The Annual General Meeting held last Friday evening enabled long-time member groups and new entrants to review the work of the Association during the previous year and be reminded that 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of three major initiatives launched and managed by IAA- the Ipswich Charter Hangings, Ipswich Town Concerts and Lectures. Of course, the current series of lectures and concerts has not yet ended, and the next is on Thursday 14 November when the superorganism – the bee- is the topic of the talk by John Quinlan starting at 1pm at Museum Street Methodist Church, Blackhorse Lane, Ipswich. Admission is free with a retiring collection.
November is a month brimming over with events so if I have not got space to cover all those being held locally, forgive me, but remember the Ipswich Arts website is there to promote your event. Amongst those events is the final of four community-based concerts by Trianon Music Group on Saturday 16 November when members of the Wind and Brass sections repeat a programme that won much praise earlier this autumn. They perform at St Andrews Church in Felixstowe with a one-hour programme starting at 4pm. The programme is light and varied including ‘Spring’ from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Elgar’s Morning Song and a selection of Scott Joplin ‘rags’. The concert will be raising money for Tearfund which partners with churches in more than 50 countries to support sustainable projects aimed at tackling poverty and inequality. Tickets cost £7, £4 for under-18s and students, and are available from The Card Centre, Hamilton Road, or on the door. Refreshments will be available after the concert.
Last week I mentiond that the Ipswich Jazz and Blues Club had joined IAA. And another welcome new member is the Trimley Arts Venue. Situated in the High Street it is managed by Suzanne Hawkes who has managed to provide an exciting programme in this intimate venue. November is a busy month and on Thursday evening you can hear IAA Trustee and poet Sue Wallace-Shaddad reading from her newly-published book- Once There was Colour. She will be joined by guest poets focusing on poetry on the theme of Conflict. The session starts at 7.30pm, whilst the following evening – again starting at 7.30pm the popular Lowestoft group the Testota Tones return with a night of doo-wop and the sounds of the ‘50s. Tickets can be reserved on 01394 279613 or bought online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/two-sisters-arts-centre
Finally, back to Saturday 16 November when the Ipswich Chamber Choir presents a programme chosen by members reflecting the 40 years of the choir’s existence. The contents provide a “must “list of anthems from Tallis to contemporary Eric Whitacre. Conducted by Benedict Collins Rice, the concert at St Mary-le-Tower church starts at 7pm with wine and soft drinks available from 6. 30pm.Tickets cost £18 reserved in the nave, £16 unreserved in the side aisles, half price under 30 and free for 18 and under. These are available from choir members, ipswichchamberchoir@gmail.com and via WeGotTickets unreserved only, at www.ipswichchamberchoir.org.uk and from Music World, Ipswich and Woodbridge Violins.
I am in the throes of rehearsing for a concert at the end of the month which includes two pieces by Ennio Morricone – surely the master of heart-tugging tunes, and to sample his immense output for the cinema then I can recommend a double-CD album containing 30 tracks- some instrumental and others for orchestra (Warner 5101 12304-2). Favourites? They have to include Gabriel’s Oboe, Deborah’s Song and Cinema Paradiso. No wonder that you will be able to hear all of those in a concert in Essex on 30 November or Ipswich on 11 January next year.
COMMUNITY NEWS, Tuesday 5 November 2024
IPSWICH ARTS ASSOCIATION with Chris Green
What a choice of topics this week – well even more if one includes last week’s budget statement and the impact that may have on so-called “cultural” activities. So, what is it to be Guy Fawkes and his conspirators, or the Presidential elections? Actually, neither. Instead, I have been prompted by the fact that the Ipswich Jazz and Blues Club will be joining Ipswich Arts Association which means that nearly 50 organisations from across Suffolk are now in membership. Ipswich Jazz and Blues meets at Venue 16 Tuddenham Road, Ipswich.
The next gig is on Sunday 10 November when Pete Long Salutes Benny Goodman. Doors open at 2pm with a 2.30pm start, and to book, phone 07732 022 396 or via the website (www.ipswichjazzandblues.com) – and that leads me neatly to reminiscence of the time when I nearly interviewed Benny Goodman. I was at Snape Maltings waiting to do a radio interview with the winner of a major singing competition. Competition over, I escorted her to the Green Room where I had set up my equipment to record the interview, only to find a man sleeping on the couch. He had not been there 30 minutes earlier, and when I approached the Stage Manager, she threw up her hands and exclaimed “Please don’t wake him!”. What was so special about him? Well, it was Benny Goodman, so here I was in the same room with one of the world’s greatest jazz musicians and not able to interview him. Ironically, the biopic about him was also being screened on television that afternoon.
So, my current distraction led me to concentrate on another famous jazz musician – Duke Ellington. A concert I am conducting later this month includes some of his music. In anticipation of that event, I put on a CD, Tribute to Duke Ellington in which Daniel Barenboim steps down from the rostrum and plays the piano with other artists who, together provide 15 great arrangements of standards such as Mood Indigo, In a Sentimental Mood and Take the ‘A’ train (Teldec 3984-25252).
I have a neighbour who keeps bees. However, that should make me all the more of this “superorganism” which is the subject of the Ipswich Town Lecture on Thursday 14 November. Jeremy Quinlan is the Guest Speaker. He has been keeping bees since 1985, and is President of the Suffolk Beekeepers’ Association. This unusual talk is scheduled to start at 1pm at Museum Street Methodist Church, Blackhorse Lane, Ipswich. Admission is free with a retiring collection. And from swarms, to human gatherings and the Annual General Meeting of Ipswich Arts Association which is taking place by Zoom on Friday 8 November. Following the business part of the meeting, there will be a presentation and launch of the new IAA website which should certainly contribute to the publicity options for member societies.
The following day, give a thought to the Band and Corps of Drums Display Team from the Royal Hospital School. Members will be taking part in the Lord Mayor’s Show in London which starts at 11am from the Royal Courts of Justice through to Mansion House.
The following day, the school will host a Remembrance Service in the RHS Chapel with a service at 9.45am followed by the spectacle of Divisions on the parade Ground at 11am in support of the school’s chosen charity, the Greenwich Hospital.
As is customary, there will be such services throughout the region, but the one that I always felt brought me closer to my ancestors is that held in Christchurch Park on Sunday 10 November. As usual there will be a parade to the park starting from Elm Street at 10am.
COMMUNITY NEWS, Tuesday 29 October 2024
IPSWICH ARTS ASSOCIATION with Chris Green
Two of my friends have just returned from Italy where they visited Rome and Venice- including I think the convent where Vivaldi, the master of the Italian concerto taught during the eighteenth century. His pupils were girls residing at the school. His quartet of concerti called The Four Seasons has long been a firm favourite in the Classical Charts, but I reckon that no one has managed to perform it like the ensemble, The Red Priest. They re-imagined the concertos with an abandon that is infectious, turning some of the movements into ale-house dances and providing some fascinating instrumental techniques to conjure up a rich vein of colours including vocal shouts at times. Vivaldi may be turning in his grave, but this is a real tonic, and makes up for me not being able to follow in my friends’ footsteps instead of repeated visits to our local hospitals (Red Priest RP003).
I wonder what members of the audience of the Ipswich Chamber Music Society would make of this version of Vivaldi’s music? I hope it would get them out of their seats and dancing around the Great School of the Ipswich School where concerts are held. Instead, the second of their 2024-2025 season marking 100 years of programmes is somewhat more restrained with music for two pianos including works by Mozart and Brahms and scheduled for Saturday 23 November at 7.30pm.
And on the subject of seasons, Music In Felixstowe’s autumn season starts with three very contrasting concerts. The first is a return of well-known local singer, Emily Bennett, with actor Brian Theodore Ralph in a programme of words and music describing the season “of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness”, including a nod to Halloween. The concert is tomorrow. Wednesday 30 October at midday at the Orwell Hotel. Tickets for the concert are £12 (children are admitted free). Booking these lunchtime concerts is advised on 01394 670633 or through www.ticketsource.co.uk/music-in-felixstowe
It is my birthday on 3 November, as it was for my maternal grandmother. I am not sure I was the birthday present she expected! However, that is a long time ago, and more important is that on this day in 2024 the Suffolk Concert Band conducted by Vincent Tabor will be performing the afternoon concert at Rushmere St Andrews Parish Church. Originally formed as the Suffolk Military Band more than fifty years later has developed into a versatile ensemble of musicians from the Ipswich area. Expect a rousing finale to this year’s series of concerts at Rushmere. There is no admission charge but there is a retiring collection with refreshments available after the one-hour programme which starts at 3pm.
Finally, another reminder that the Annual General Meeting of Ipswich Arts Association will be held by Zoom on Friday 8 November. Formal notice and relevant papers are posted on the IAA website and have been sent out to all member societies, but the meeting is open to any member of the public who wish to join in. The formal business section of the meeting will be followed by the launch of the new IAA website. This is one of two general meetings held each year and gives an opportunity for the dozens of societies who are in membership to share their mutual interests and concerns- and there are plenty of those at present. But it is not all talk -well, not quite- because on Thursday 14 November, the Ipswich Town Lecture focuses on The Honey bee- a superorganism. Jeremy Quinlan is the speaker with proceedings starting at 1pm at Museums Street Methodist Church, Ipswich.