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

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Welcome to Issue #22 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: Showers Fade, Sun Takes Over

Sponsored by Cabssmart – Your Local Ride, Anytime

Ipswich is in for a classic British summer mix this week—early showers giving way to brighter, warmer days as the weekend approaches.

🌡️ Highs & Lows: Daytime temps will hover between 21 °C and 23 °C, with overnight lows around 13–14 °C. No extreme heat, just comfortable summer warmth.

Early Week (Mon–Wed): Monday starts unsettled with showers and the odd rumble of thunder, easing by evening. Tuesday brings sunny spells before clouds return late on, and Wednesday stays mostly cloudy with the chance of light rain later.

Mid to Late Week (Thu–Sun): Thursday marks the turning point—just a passing shower in the morning, then brightening up. Friday and Saturday look perfect for outdoor plans: dry, sunny intervals, and warm without being sticky. Sunday keeps the pleasant trend, with a gentle mix of sun and cloud.

Ideal for garden BBQs, riverside walks, or a day out in town. Just keep a light jacket handy early in the week!

☀️ Heading out? Cabssmart’s here for you. From morning errands to safe rides after an evening out, book your journey in a tap.

🌟 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:

🐑 Woman Arrested After Sheep Killed in Dog Attack

Police have arrested a woman after a sheep was killed in a suspected dog attack in Assington Green, near Sudbury.

The incident happened on Monday, 21 July, and involved a dog reportedly entering private land and attacking livestock. The woman has been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and remains in custody for questioning.

Suffolk Police are reminding dog owners to keep pets under control around livestock, as attacks can lead to prosecution and serious consequences.

🐾 Search Underway for Stolen Golden Retriever Puppy in Ipswich

Police have launched an appeal after a Golden Retriever puppy was reported stolen from a property in Ipswich.

The theft happened on Monday, 21 July, and officers are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or has information about the puppy’s whereabouts to come forward.

Pet theft remains a serious crime, and police are reminding owners to keep dogs secure and monitored at all times.

🎥 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: Untamed (Netflix)

🔎 What’s the Story?

Untainted is a gripping psychological thriller set in the dark underbelly of London’s art scene. When rising painter Emma Clarke (Sophie Cookson) unveils a collection that catapults her to overnight fame, a scandal erupts: her work may not be her own. As whispers of fraud spiral into obsession and danger, Emma is forced to confront buried secrets—some of which could destroy her life.

✨ The Setup

The series opens with Emma’s meteoric rise in the contemporary art world, but fame brings scrutiny. A persistent journalist and a former mentor circle closer, digging into her past. Each episode peels away another layer, revealing a web of deceit, ambition, and trauma that blurs the lines between inspiration and theft. With each twist, Emma’s fight to protect her truth becomes more desperate—and more deadly.

🎭 The Vibe.

Think You meets Sharp Objects. Moody, tense, and atmospheric, Untainted pairs elegant visual storytelling with a pulsing undercurrent of paranoia. London’s galleries become labyrinths of power games and obsession, where beauty masks brutality.

🌟 Standout Performances

Sophie Cookson dazzles as Emma, delivering a performance that oscillates between vulnerability and ruthless resolve.

James Norton as the enigmatic art critic brings suave menace to every scene, making you question his motives at every turn.

Indira Varma commands the screen as Emma’s estranged mother, a character with secrets that could upend everything.

📋 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 Netflix

📺 TV Show Review: Too Much (Netflix)

🔎 What’s the Story?

Too Much is a sharp, contemporary romantic dramedy from creator Lena Dunham. It follows Ally (played by Megan Stalter), an American writer reeling from a breakup who impulsively moves to London to escape her chaotic love life. What starts as a bold reset quickly spirals into a whirlwind of messy entanglements, cultural clashes, and a search for real connection in a city that’s as unpredictable as she is.

✨ The Setup

Freshly single and nursing a bruised heart, Ally dives into London’s dating scene with optimism—only to find herself caught between old patterns and new possibilities. Along the way, she navigates career struggles, friendships, and the complex dance of vulnerability in the age of instant gratification. Each episode blends laugh-out-loud awkwardness with moments of piercing honesty about love, loneliness, and identity.

🎭 The Vibe

Think Girls meets Fleabag. Witty, self-aware, and unapologetically chaotic, Too Much captures the thrill and exhaustion of modern relationships. The London backdrop adds charm and grit, making the series feel intimate yet cosmopolitan.

🌟 Standout Performances

Megan Stalter shines as Ally, delivering both biting humour and raw vulnerability in equal measure.

Will Sharpe adds understated charisma as Ally’s complicated love interest, grounding the series with quiet intensity.

Supporting roles pop with authenticity, giving the show a lived-in, relatable texture.

🎥 Worth Watching?

Absolutely—especially if you love psychological thrillers with a stylish edge and morally complex characters. Untainted hooks you with its mystery and keeps you guessing until the final frame, where truth and illusion collide in a jaw-dropping reveal.

📸 Image: mage: Courtesy of Netflix

📺 TV Show Review: Mr Bigstuff (Sky Max / NOW)

🔎 What’s the Story?

Mr Bigstuff is a darkly funny British dramedy about two estranged brothers—Glen (Ryan Sampson), a mild-mannered man trying to build a stable life, and Lee (Danny Dyer), a loud, unpredictable whirlwind who crashes back into Glen’s world after years apart. Their reunion sparks chaos, exposing old resentments and forcing both men to face who they really are.

✨ The Setup

Set in a working-class Essex backdrop, the series follows Glen’s fragile attempt at normality being bulldozed by Lee’s big personality. What begins as a family reconnection quickly spirals into an exploration of masculinity, pride, and the invisible scars left by upbringing. Each episode blends sharp humour with moments of real emotional weight.

🎭 The Vibe

If This Is England met Catastrophe in a pub, you’d get something like this. Gritty but tender, Mr Bigstuff serves up East End swagger, biting dialogue, and plenty of raw, relatable tension. It’s funny, it’s messy, and it feels real.

🌟 Standout Performances

Danny Dyer is in peak form—charismatic, chaotic, and layered with vulnerability that sneaks up on you.

Ryan Sampson brings nuance as Glen, capturing the quiet desperation of a man who wants peace but keeps inviting storms.

The supporting cast adds texture, making the world feel authentic and lived-in..

🎥 Worth Watching?

Absolutely. Mr Bigstuff is more than a comedy—it’s a smart, emotionally charged look at family, identity, and the cost of always having to be “the big man.” Equal parts funny and heart-breaking, this one will stick with you long after the final episode.

📸 Image: mage: Courtesy of Sky TV

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: FREE Summer Holiday Activities

Hosted by: Fresh Start Charity

📅 When: 5 weeks starting Monday, 28th July 2025

📍 Where: Fresh Start Charity Shop, 29–31 Carr Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1HA

🎵 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 22 July

🎨 Paint & Sip Night: Stargazer Hare II

📅 Tuesday, 22nd July 2025 | 🕡 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

📍 The Hidden Garden Café (at The Puzzle Boutique), Ipswich

🌟 Unwind. Create. Sip. Repeat.

Step away from the ordinary and dive into an evening of creativity, colour, and fun! The Funky Easel brings you an unforgettable Paint & Sip experience where your inner artist takes centre stage.

Join us for “Stargazer Hare II” – a magical piece that you’ll paint step by step with the guidance of professional artist Becca. She’ll lead you through the process with tips and encouragement, so you leave with a unique artwork you’ll be proud to hang at home.

✅ No experience needed – all skill levels welcome

✅ All materials provided

✅ Just bring your imagination and your favourite drink in hand!

Whether it’s a fun night with friends, a creative date, or some well-deserved ‘me time’, this event promises laughter, relaxation, and memories that last.

✨ Food & drinks available for purchase on the night (ticket price excludes this).

📍 Venue: The Hidden Garden Café, The Puzzle Boutique, 15 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich, IP1 1XF

Click the button below for more info

📅 Tuesday 22 July - Thursday 31 July

🐑 Woolly’s Water Trail

📅 Ongoing through Summer 2025

📍 Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich

Help Woolly the Mammoth on a Splash-tastic Adventure!

Woolly needs your help! 🐘💦 Dive into this family-friendly water trail around Christchurch Mansion and discover fascinating facts about water through fun challenges and activities.

Perfect for kids and families, this self-guided trail combines learning with adventure – explore, solve puzzles, and see if you can complete Woolly’s watery quest!

✅ Included with general admission

✅ Suitable for all ages

📍 Location:

Christchurch Mansion

Christchurch Park, Ipswich

📅 Friday 25 July

🎸 Live at Briarbank: Big Joe Bone

📅 Friday, 25th July 2025 | 🕗 From 8:00 PM

📍 Briarbank Brewery, 70 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LB

A Night of Raw, Foot-Stomping Roots Music!

Get ready for a powerful live performance as Big Joe Bone (Danny Wilson) brings his unique “Blues-Grass” sound to Ipswich! Combining Delta Blues, Bluegrass, Oldtime, Gospel, and Hillbilly, this is roots music with grit, soul, and energy.

🎶 Expect:

Raspy vocals

Hard-driving harmonica rhythms

Bottleneck slide guitar on steel-bodied resonators

Lightning-fast fingerpicking on 5-string banjo

And a stomping boot that sets the pace!

Big Joe Bone’s set features songs from legends like Son House, Robert Johnson, Skip James, and Bukka White, alongside his own original tracks that stay true to the roots tradition.

🔥 Why You Can’t Miss This:

A high-energy, authentic roots experience

A performer who has been touring the UK non-stop since 2012

A sound that’s as real and raw as it gets!

🍺 Enjoy the incredible atmosphere at Briarbank Brewery – home to great beer, great vibes, and great live music.

📅 Friday 25 July

🎵 Music Bingo Night at The Hidden Garden

📅 Friday [Insert Date] | 🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

🎟 Tickets: £3.96 per person

Get Ready to Groove & Play!

It’s bingo… but with a beat! Join us for an unforgettable Music Bingo Night at The Hidden Garden. Instead of numbers, you’ll be listening to song snippets – tick them off your card and get ready to shout BINGO! when you win!

🎶 How It Works:

Arrive from 6:00 PM for a 6:30 PM start

Teams of up to 6 players (bring your crew!)

One phone device per team required to play

💡 Prizes up for grabs – so bring your A-game!

Eat, Drink & Enjoy the Tunes

While you’re grooving and marking those tunes, treat yourself to:

✅ Chilli bowls

✅ Fresh salad bowls

✅ Toasted sandwiches

Plus, our bar will be stocked with Prosecco, wines, Pimms, and beers to keep the party vibes flowing.

🎉 All this fun for just £3.96 per person!

Grab your friends, warm up those vocal cords, and get ready for a night of music, laughter, and friendly competition.

📍 Venue: The Hidden Garden Café (at The Puzzle Boutique), 15 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich, IP1 1XF

Friday 25 July

🌈 Now That’s What I Call Drag Bingo!

🕒 Doors: 3:00 PM | Show: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 Three Wise Monkeys, 22 Lloyds Avenue, Ipswich

Bingo Just Got Fabulous!

Join us for an afternoon of glamour, glitter, and outrageous fun as drag queens bring their sass to the bingo stage! Expect big laughs, brilliant performances, and plenty of prizes in a show that’s part bingo, part drag spectacular, and 100% unforgettable.

🎤 Hosted by amazing queens bringing the best vibes and tunes

🎶 Dance breaks, singalongs, and outrageous antics included

🎁 Prizes up for grabs throughout the event

💃 Grab your tickets now and get ready to play bingo like never before!

📅 Friday 25 July

😂 The Anglia Comedy Allstars – Live in Ipswich

📅 Friday, 25th July 2025

🕡 Doors Open: 6:30 PM | Show Starts: 7:30 PM

📍 Ipswich Corn Exchange

An Unmissable Night of Stand-Up Comedy!

Get ready for an evening of belly laughs as The Anglia Comedy Co. brings you a stellar lineup of top comedians, all performing live in Ipswich:

🎤 Featuring:

Mark Watson – The witty mastermind behind some of the UK’s best comedy moments

Tom Davis – Star of King Gary and Murder in Successville

Angela Barnes – BBC favourite with sharp, hilarious storytelling

Harriet Kemsley – Stand-up star bringing laughs to every stage

🔥 This is your chance to see four incredible acts in one night!

📅 Saturday & Sunday 26 & 27 July

🎖 Suffolk Military Show 2025

An unmissable weekend celebrating the armed forces, past and present, with action, history, and family fun all in one place. Perfect for enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.

🎖 What to Expect

Thrilling arena demonstrations showcasing military skill and precision

Authentic living history displays from WWII to modern-day scenarios

An impressive lineup of military vehicles, from classic tanks to current models

Trade stalls packed with collectibles, memorabilia, and themed merchandise

A family-friendly zone with kids’ activities and plenty of refreshments

🎟 Tickets: Available online – book early to secure your spot!

📅 Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July

📍 Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park, Ipswich

🔗 For more info and tickets, please click the button below:

📅 Saturday 26 July

🎸 Live at The Black Horse: Beautiful Dangerous

Saturday 26 July | 8:30pm
📍 The Black Horse, 23 Black Horse Lane, Ipswich

FREE ENTRY

Rock Out with the Ultimate Covers Band!

Get ready for an electrifying night of rock, metal, and pop anthems with an edge! Beautiful Dangerous are bringing the energy, the riffs, and the hits you love – all live and loud at The Black Horse.

🎵 Expect legendary tracks from:

AC/DC | Metallica | Fleetwood Mac | Guns N’ Roses | Bon Jovi | Def Leppard | Iron Maiden | Foo Fighters | Blondie | Rage Against the Machine | Black Sabbath | System of a Down | Sia | and more!

🔥 Why miss out?

Incredible live energy

The best rock and metal anthems

FREE ENTRY all night

Doors open at 8:30 PM – come early, grab a drink, and get ready for a night you won’t forget!

📅 Saturday 26 July

🎤 Forever Freddie – A Freddie Mercury Tribute Night!

📅 Saturday, 26th July 2025 | 🕣 From 8:30 PM til late

📍 The Duke of Marlborough, Somersham, IP8 4QA

An Unmissable Night of Queen Classics!

Get ready to sing your heart out as Forever Freddie brings the magic of Freddie Mercury to life! Expect all the iconic hits you love, including:

🎶 We Will Rock You

🎶 Somebody to Love

🎶 Bohemian Rhapsody

🎶 Don’t Stop Me Now

…and many more!

🍽 Food Available:

Dinner served until 9:00 PM, so why not make a night of it?

📅 Sunday 27 July

🎸 Live Music: Shane and The Korrados

📅 Sunday, 27th July 2025 | 🕒 From 3:00 PM

📍 Isaac’s on the Quay, Ipswich Waterfront

🎟 FREE ENTRY

Rock ’n’ Roll with a Rockabilly Twist!

Join us for an afternoon of pure energy and nostalgia as Shane and The Korrados take the stage at Ipswich Waterfront! Expect a sizzling mix of classic Rock ’n’ Roll and Rockabilly hits that will have you tapping your feet and hitting the dance floor.

🔥 Why You’ll Love It:

Iconic hits with a modern edge

Incredible waterfront views

The perfect summer Sunday vibe

Bring your friends, grab a drink, and soak up the atmosphere at one of Ipswich’s favourite live music spots.

📍 Venue: Isaac’s on the Quay, St Peter’s Wharf, Ipswich

✅ Do you want me to now:

✔ Bundle all 10 events into an Ipswich Local newsletter (with a catchy subject line, intro, and event details)?

✔ Write social media captions for each event (with emojis & hashtags)?

✔ Prepare a “What’s On This Weekend in Ipswich” blog post?

Or do all three so you have a complete marketing kit?

Check out the band here. Click Here