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Welcome to Ipswich Local – Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening in Town!

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Welcome to Issue #21 of Ipswich Local! 🎉

Your weekly guide to everything happening in Ipswich is here! Each week, we bring you:

✅ Local news updates – The stories that matter in our town
✅ What’s on this week – Events, theatre, gigs & more
✅ Cinema listings – The must-watch films in Ipswich
✅ Food & drink highlights – Where to eat & special deals
✅ Weather forecast – Plan your week with ease
✅ Exclusive offers & community perks – Just for our subscribers!

Why Stay subscribed?

Ipswich Local is completely free, and 100% of sponsorship revenue goes to charity. By reading and sharing, you’re not just staying informed—you’re helping support local Suffolk charities through the Operation Santa Appeal.

💙 Help Us Grow!
Enjoying Ipswich Local? Share it with a friend or family member who’d love to stay in the loop with what’s happening in our town! They can subscribe here: www.ipswichlocal.co.uk

Now, let’s dive into this week’s weather, top stories, events, and must-know updates…👇

🍽️ Win a £50 Voucher for The Mariners Restaurant — Dining on the Waterfront

REPLY "Mariners" TO EVERY NEWSLETTER FOR EXTRA ENTRIES.

We’re back with another mouth-watering giveaway—this time, it’s something a little special.

Just reply to this email and type the word: Mariners

That’s all you need to do to enter the draw for a £50 dining voucher at The Mariners Restaurant—a truly unique dining experience aboard a beautiful restored Belgian gunboat, moored right on Ipswich Waterfront.

🚤 Yes, it’s a restaurant on a boat! Expect a warm welcome, waterside views, and seasonal French-British cuisine served with flair and finesse.

🌟 Highlights from the menu include dishes like:

Wild Mushroom & Truffle Tortellini

Roast Rack of Lamb with Dauphinoise

Cornish Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce

Tarte Tatin with Calvados Ice Cream

Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a celebratory dinner, or just love the idea of eating excellent food on the water, The Mariners offers a setting like no other.

🎁 One lucky winner will receive a £50 voucher. Drinks not included. The voucher is non-transferable, has no resale value, and the winner’s name will be printed on it—proof of ID may be required when redeeming.

🗓️ Deadline to enter: Sunday, 28 July 2025

📢 Winner announced: Monday, 29 July 2025

View Mariners Restaurant Here:

☀️ Ipswich Weekly Weather: Sunshine, Light Winds & Summer Vibes

Sponsored by Cabssmart – Your Local Ride, Anytime

This week in Ipswich promises a quintessential summer vibe with a mix of sunshine, light breezes, and only occasional showers, especially early in the week.

🌡️ Highs & Lows: Daytime temps ranging from 22 °C to 28 °C, with the warmest day today at 28 °C, and nighttime lows between 12–17 °C.

Early Week (Mon–Wed): Expect warm sunshine today, cooling off a bit Tuesday and Wednesday with cloudy skies and scattered showers—mainly Tuesday afternoon.

Mid to Late Week (Thu–Sun): Mostly dry and pleasantly warm. Thursday through Saturday will sit around 25–26 °C, with a mix of sun and clouds. Sunday brings a chance of morning or afternoon showers, but overall stays mild.

Perfect conditions for alfresco dining, riverside walks, and evening BBQs. The only likely interruption: brief rain early in the week and possibly on Sunday.

☀️ Out and about? Cabssmart has you covered. Whether it’s a lift to town or a safe ride home after dinner, Cabssmart is just a tap away.

🌟 This Week’s Local Hero: Little Acorns Fostering

Every child deserves a safe, loving home—and Little Acorns Fostering is helping make that happen right here in our community.

If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now might be the time. With full training, 24/7 support, and generous allowances, it could be one of the most rewarding things you ever do.

Local News Highlights 📰

Stay informed with the latest updates from Ipswich. Here are this week’s top local stories:

📚 Suffolk Schools May Be Set for Shorter Weeks from 2027

In a move that’s already sparking strong debate, Suffolk is set to introduce a shortened school week starting from 2027. The proposal would see schools across the county shift to a four-and-a-half-day week—meaning no classroom lessons on Friday afternoons.

Supporters say it’s a step toward better work-life balance for teachers and improved wellbeing for pupils. But others warn it could put pressure on working parents and widen educational gaps. So, what’s really behind the change—and what might it mean for your family?

🏥 West Suffolk Hospital Faces £840,000 Cut as NHS Finances Tighten

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is facing what it calls a “challenging financial position,” with plans underway to cut £840,000 from its budget. Leaders say the trust must make “significant savings” this year while maintaining safe care and patient access.

The move comes amid rising operational costs and wider pressures across the NHS. So what exactly will be cut, and what does it mean for patients and frontline staff? We’ve got the key details…

📍 Read the full warning and find out how to protect yourself:

To read the article, you can either click subscribe on the Suffolk news page or remind me later.

🎥 Watchlist Picks of the Week

Each week we spotlight two of the most talked-about shows or films streaming right now — and let you know if they’re worth your time.

📺 TV Show Review: Dexter – Resurrection (Paramount+ / Sky Atlantic)

🔎 What’s the Story?

🔪 He survived the bullet. Now he’s chasing redemption. Dexter: Resurrection picks up just weeks after the events of New Blood, with Dexter Morgan somehow alive—and more haunted than ever..

✨ The Setup

Awakening from a coma in a New York City hospital, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) discovers Harrison has vanished. Reeling from the pain of betrayal and loss, he sets out to find his son—but he’s not the only one with unfinished business. Miami Metro’s Angel Batista is hot on his trail, and Dexter’s old sins are catching up fast.

As father and son navigate their own darkness in the city that never sleeps, their paths spiral toward a dangerous collision—one that could destroy them both or finally bring closure.

🎭 The Vibe

Gone is the suburban calm of Iron Lake. Resurrection trades snow for skyscrapers, blending noir-style grit with psychological tension. It’s faster-paced than New Blood, but still leans heavily on emotion, memory, and moral reckoning.

🌟 Standout Performances

Michael C. Hall returns with raw vulnerability—this isn’t the cold, calculating Dexter of old, but a man cracked open by guilt. Jack Alcott’s Harrison gets a darker arc of his own, stepping out of Dexter’s shadow and into his own troubled identity. The chemistry between them is both heartbreaking and magnetic..

🎥 Worth Watching?

Definitely—especially for fans who thought New Blood ended too soon. Resurrection gives the story room to explore the cost of violence, the hope of redemption, and whether darkness is truly inherited or chosen. With the return of familiar faces and fresh tension in a new setting, Dexter’s second second chance might be his most compelling yet.

📸 Image: mage: Courtesy of Showtime

📺 TV Show Review: Ballard (Prime Video)

🔎 What’s the Story?

From Bosch creator Michael Connelly comes a gripping new spin-off starring Maggie Q as Detective Renée Ballard—a cold-case specialist with a relentless drive to solve the unsolvable. Intelligent, emotionally rich, and steeped in moral complexity, Ballard expands the Bosch universe in all the right ways.

⚡ Why It Stands Out

Ballard leads an under-resourced, volunteer-run unit tucked away in the LAPD basement. Their job? Reopen forgotten murders. But Ballard’s latest case—a dormant serial killer investigation—triggers far more than paperwork. As she unearths layers of corruption, institutional resistance, and personal demons, she’s joined by retired detective Harry Bosch, returning as both guide and challenge.

🎭 The Vibe.

Think Bosch with a sharper edge and a more introspective lead. Ballard offers slow-burn procedural storytelling, gritty realism, and a noir-like focus on the personal cost of justice. There’s less action, more consequence.

🌟 Key Strengths & Drawbacks

Maggie Q delivers a standout performance—tough, principled, but deeply human.

The chemistry between Ballard and Bosch is rich without being sentimental.

The cases feel layered and grounded, with emotional stakes that build over time.

🔻 Some viewers may find the pacing slower than expected—this isn’t your average cop drama. But if you’re here for character, complexity, and credible tension, it more than delivers.

📋 Final Verdict

If you're into smart, character-driven crime dramas with emotional grit and narrative depth, Ballard is a must-watch. It honours the legacy of Bosch while carving out a compelling identity of its own.

📸 Image: mage: Courtesy of Prime Video

What’s On This Week in Ipswich 🎭🎶

Looking for something to do in Ipswich this week? Here are some of the top events happening around town. If you have an event, and would like it added please email info@ipswichlocal.com

🌌 Featured Event: Aethoria – Live at The Smokehouse, Ipswich

Saturday 19 July | Doors 7:30pm | Tickets £6 advance / £8 on the door

Get ready for an immersive night of cinematic post-rock, soaring vocals, and powerful live energy as Aethoria headlines The Smokehouse for one unforgettable evening.

🎵 What’s On?

🔥 Aethoria – Known for their atmospheric soundscapes and emotional intensity, blending post-rock, ambient, and alternative influences.

🎸 Akrobat – A high-energy indie-rock trio bringing dynamic riffs and infectious grooves.

✨ Special Guests – To be announced!

🎟️ Tickets: £6 in advance / £8 on the door

Book online to guarantee entry.

✅ Why You’ll Love It

A unique soundscape from one of Ipswich’s most exciting rising acts

Intimate venue with a legendary live music reputation

Affordable night out for serious music lovers

Discover new talent before they break through

📅 Tuesday 15 July

🎬 The Showbiz Quiz – Douglas Bader Pub, Ipswich

Tuesday 15 July | 7:30pm start | £1 entry

Think you know your TV, film, music, theatre, and adverts? Prove it at this week’s Showbiz Quiz, hosted by the ever-entertaining Andy Leach.

🎉 What to Expect:

Just £1 to enter

A brand-new Higher or Lower bonus game

£95 starting jackpot

Big laughs, big prizes, and a great pub night out

📍 Douglas Bader Pub, 147 Clapgate Ln, Ipswich IP3 0RF

No booking needed — just turn up and play!

📅 Wednesday 16 July

🎨 The Art & History of Studio Ghibli – Talk at St Peter’s by the Waterfront

When: Wednesday 16 July | Starts 7:30pm

Where: Ipswich Corn Exchange, King Street, Ipswich IP1 1DH

Step into the magical world of Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbour Totoro and more as art historian Dr. Monia Andrea Gattini guides you through the origins, symbolism, and cultural legacy of Studio Ghibli.

This engaging talk explores the animation studio’s influences, from Japanese folklore and post-war history to environmentalism and feminism — all woven into the studio’s breathtaking visual style.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or just curious about the world of anime, this evening promises fascinating insight and stunning imagery.

📍 St Peter’s by the Waterfront, College St, Ipswich IP4 1BF

🎟️ Tickets available via their website

📅 Wednesday 16 July

🍷 Portugal Wine & Food Pairing Evening – Three Wise Monkeys Ipswich

Wednesday 16 July | Starts 7:00pm | £35 per person

Embark on a flavourful journey through Portugal as Three Wise Monkeys teams up with Street Wines for a night of expertly paired food and wine.

Enjoy a carefully curated tasting menu, where each course is matched with a specially selected Portuguese wine. You’ll learn about the region, the vineyards, and what makes these pairings so special — all while indulging in great company and even better flavours.

🍇 Hosted on the restaurant floor at Three Wise Monkeys Ipswich

🎟️ Advance booking essential – limited places available

📍 Three Wise Monkeys, 22 Lloyds Ave, Ipswich IP1 3HD

📅 Thursday 17 July

🧙‍♂️ Harry Potter Quiz Night – Duke of Marlborough, Somersham

Thursday 17 July | 7:30pm start

Think you know your Horcruxes from your Hippogriffs? Gather your team of wizards (or Muggles) and test your Hogwarts knowledge for a chance to win some magical prizes!

🎁 1st Place: Cash & themed Harry Potter hamper

💰 2nd Place: Cash prize

👥 Max 6 per team

💷 £2 entry per person

📝 Booking essential – reserve a table via Facebook Messenger or through the website (add QUIZ in the notes):

📅 Friday 18 July

🎸 Chemistry: A Tribute to Rush – Live at The Smokehouse

Friday 18 July | Doors 7:30pm

Step into the world of progressive rock with Chemistry, the ultimate tribute to Canadian legends Rush. Expect epic instrumentals, soaring vocals, and note-perfect renditions of hits like:

🎶 Tom Sawyer • The Spirit of Radio • Limelight • YYZ

Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering Rush, this high-energy show will have you air-drumming all the way home.

📍 The Smokehouse, 6 South Street, Ipswich IP1 3NU

🎟️ Tickets available via The Smokehouse

Friday 18 July

🤠 Country Club Night – What Would Dolly Do?

Friday 18 July | 8:00pm – Midnight

Where: Three Wise Monkeys, Ipswich

It’s time to dust off your cowboy boots and channel your inner Dolly! 🎀 Join Three Wise Monkeys for a boot-stompin’, hat-tippin’ Country Club Night, featuring the best of country anthems, honky tonk vibes, and a celebration of all things Dolly Parton.

Expect a feel-good mix of modern country legends like:

🎵 Luke Combs • Taylor Swift • Miranda Lambert • Luke Bryan • Kacey Musgraves

…and of course, the queen herself – Dolly Parton.

🎟️ No booking required – just show up and party like it's Nashville

📍 Three Wise Monkeys, 22 Lloyds Ave, Ipswich IP1 3HD.

📅 Friday 18 July

🤠 Jax & Co

Friday 18 July | From 7:30pm | Free Entry

Where: Briarbank Brewery, 70 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1LB

Grab a pint, pull up a seat, and enjoy an evening of upbeat country, Americana, and blues as Jax & Co. bring their high-energy sound to the Briarbank taproom.

🎶 What to Expect

Foot-stomping country and blues classics

Originals with a Southern twist

Great vibes in one of Ipswich’s most loved independent breweries

No tickets needed — just turn up, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.

✅ Why You’ll Love It

Free live music from a top regional act

Relaxed, intimate setting with freshly brewed beer

A great Friday night out without breaking the bank.

📅 Saturday 19 & 20 July

🧘‍♀️ Mind Body Spirit Wellbeing Festival – Trinity Park, Ipswich

One of East Anglia’s most popular wellbeing festivals returns for a weekend of inspiration, healing, and personal growth. Whether you're new to holistic health or a seasoned spiritual seeker, there’s something here for everyone.

🌿 What to Expect

Over 60 exhibitors offering crystals, essential oils, psychic readings, natural skincare, handmade goods, and more

Free daytime workshops on meditation, mindfulness, healing, and self-discovery

Live performances including sound baths, chanting, and yoga

Access to a peaceful outdoor healing area and quiet indoor chill-out space

Fresh, healthy food and drink options are available on site

🎟️ Tickets: Adults £5 (1 day), £8 (weekend), under 16s free

💸 All profits support St Elizabeth Hospice

🎥 Watch the event preview

🔗 More info & tickets

📍 Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich IP3 8UH

📅 Saturday 19 July

🎶 UB4T – Tribute to UB40 Live at The Black Horse

Saturday 19 July | 7:00pm | Outdoors in the garden

Get ready for a night of reggae rhythms and classic hits as UB4T bring the sound of UB40 to life in this lively three-piece tribute show.

🎤 Performing all your favourites, including:

Red Red Wine

Kingston Town

Can't Help Falling in Love

Expect a laid-back summer vibe, great drinks, and plenty of room to dance — all in the beautiful garden at The Black Horse.

📍 The Black Horse, 23 Blackhorse Lane, Ipswich, IP1 2EF

🗓️ Free entry | No ticket needed – just turn up and enjoy!

📅 Saturday 19 July

🎸 The Paul McCartney Project – Live at St Peter’s by the Waterfront

🎤 Saturday 19 July | Doors 7:00pm, Show 7:30pm

From Hey Jude to Live and Let Die, experience the music of a legend like never before with The Paul McCartney Project – a world-class live tribute celebrating the iconic career of Sir Paul McCartney.

🎶 Expect a setlist packed with classics from:

The Beatles

Wings

McCartney’s solo hits

With top-tier musicianship, stunning vocals, and an unforgettable atmosphere, this is the ultimate live experience for fans of all generations.

📍 St Peter’s by the Waterfront, College St, Ipswich IP4 1BF

📅 Sunday 20 July

🎷 The Soul Lounge: Soulicious Vibes (Part 2)

Sunday 20 July | Doors 2pm, Music from 2:30pm

WJazz vocalist Zoe Gilby returns to Ipswich for an afternoon of captivating live music. A firm favourite with local jazz lovers, Zoe wowed audiences at her last visit — and now she’s back with two stunning sets and no support, so you’ll get the full experience.

🎶 Expect soulful vocals, clever songwriting, and a tight band featuring:

Andy Champion on double bass

Mark Williams on guitar

John Bradford on drums

Zoe’s critically acclaimed album Aurora continues to earn praise across the UK jazz scene — and this is your chance to hear it live.

🗓️ Two sets only – book early to guarantee your seat

📍 Venue 16, 312 Tuddenham Road, Ipswich, IP4 3QJ

📅 Sunday 20 July

🎸 Fooasis – Tribute to Foo Fighters & Oasis

When: Sunday 20 July | From 3:00 pm

Where: Isaacs on the Quay, 7 Wherry Quay, Ipswich IP4 1AS

Get ready for a summer Sunday session packed with anthems as Fooasis bring their high-energy tribute to two of the biggest rock bands of all time — Foo Fighters and Oasis.

🎶 What to Expect

Rock favourites from Foo Fighters

Britpop sing-alongs from Oasis

A lively outdoor atmosphere by the waterfront

✅ Why You’ll Love It

Free live music with a view

Great drinks, great vibes, and a perfect Sunday wind-down

Ideal for fans of 90s and 00s rock

No tickets needed — just turn up, grab a drink, and enjoy the show!