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Welcome to Ipswich Local – Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening in Town!Hello {{contact.first_name}} Welcome to Issue #24 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! |
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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…👇 |
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🍽️ Win a £50 Voucher for Mahzen – Authentic Turkish Dining in IpswichREPLY "Mahzen" TO EVERY NEWSLETTER FOR EXTRA ENTRIES. This month, we’re treating one lucky winner to an unforgettable dining experience at one of Ipswich’s highest-rated restaurants. Just reply to this email and type the word: Mahzen That’s all it takes to enter the draw for a £50 voucher to spend at Mahzen — a family-run Turkish restaurant in the heart of Ipswich with over 890 glowing reviews and a 4.5-star rating. 🔥 Expect sizzling grills, bold flavours, and a warm welcome that makes every visit feel like home. 🌟 Highlights from the menu include: Mixed Grill Platter with lamb, chicken, and adana Freshly baked Turkish breads served with hummus & cacik Lamb Shish cooked over charcoal Chicken Iskender with yoghurt & tomato butter sauce Traditional Baklava with ice cream Whether you’re new to Turkish cuisine or a seasoned fan, Mahzen offers a rich, flavour-packed experience that keeps people coming back. 🎁 One lucky winner will receive a £50 voucher. Drinks not included. 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: Monday, 25 August 2025 📢 Winner announced: Tuesday, 26 August 2025
👉 View Mahzen Restaurant Here |
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☀️ Ipswich Weekly Weather: Bright Spells with Breezy Showers Midweek Sponsored by Cabssmart – Your Local Ride, Anytime Ipswich is in for a mixed week of summer weather—expect plenty of dry, sunny spells with occasional showers and a cooler breeze midweek. By the weekend, conditions will improve with warmer, calmer days ahead. 🌡️ Highs & Lows: Daytime temperatures will range from 20 °C to 23 °C, with overnight lows dipping to 11–13 °C. Light layers should do the trick—no extremes expected. Early Week (Mon–Wed): Monday brings a pleasant, mostly sunny start with highs of 22 °C. On Tuesday, expect a little more cloud cover and a light breeze, keeping temperatures closer to 20 °C. By Wednesday, a few showers may move through in the afternoon, but it remains mild and manageable. Mid to Late Week (Thu–Sun): Thursday stays breezy with on-and-off showers, especially later in the day. But Friday looks brighter, with longer sunny spells and highs around 23 °C. Saturday is the best of the bunch—mostly dry, warm, and ideal for plans outdoors. Sunday may bring more cloud and a slight chance of light rain in the evening. Ideal weather for markets, meetups, and midday strolls—just keep a brolly handy, and you’re good to go. 🚕 Heading out? Cabssmart’s got you covered. From morning errands to late-night pick-ups, book your ride with just a tap. |
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🌟 This Week’s Local Hero: Little Acorns FosteringEvery 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. |
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Local News Highlights 📰Stay informed with the latest updates from Ipswich. Here are this week’s top local stories: |
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🌧️ Storm Floris Brings Disruption to Suffolk
Suffolk is bracing for high winds and heavy rain as Storm Floris moves across the region. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, with gusts of up to 45mph expected and the potential for localised flooding in some low-lying areas. An hour-by-hour forecast suggests the worst of the weather will hit Ipswich and surrounding towns through Tuesday afternoon and evening, with conditions improving overnight into Wednesday. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items, take extra care on the roads, and allow extra time for travel during peak disruption. |
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🔪 Former Suffolk Teacher Banned Over Inappropriate ConductA former teacher at Newmarket Academy has been banned from the profession after sending inappropriate messages to a student. Kieran Harker admitted to breaching professional standards following an investigation by the Teaching Regulation Agency. The messages, sent via Instagram, were deemed to be of a personal and inappropriate nature. Although there was no suggestion of physical contact, Harker is now prohibited from teaching indefinitely, with no option to apply for reinstatement for at least two years. The case has prompted renewed calls for clear boundaries and safeguards in school environments. |
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🏆 Season Opener: Wanderers 3–2 Cornard United📅 Tuesday, 29 July 2025 | 7:45 PM Kick-Off
📍 Thurlow Nunn League
📋 Match report based on the info given by Nicholas Pope 🆕 New Faces Take the FieldWanderers opened their campaign against Cornard United with several debutants: Ryan Lees, Harvey Mason, Jordan Southgate, and Scott Sloots started, while Isaiah Barber and Niki Shopov featured on the bench. ⚡ Dream Start for SlootsIt took just 6 minutes for Wanderers to get off the mark. A strong run by De La Paz ended with a lay-off to Scott Sloots, who rifled the ball into the top corner. 🤝 Quick Response from CornardThe lead didn’t last long. Hudson capitalised on some slack defending to bring Cornard level in what became an end-to-end battle. 🔥 De La Paz Takes ControlWanderers went ahead again in the 20th minute, De La Paz slotting home from close range. Tate nearly added another, but Cornard keeper Loftus made a fine save. ❌ Offside Drama and a Third for WanderersCornard thought they had equalised through Berkane, only for it to be ruled offside. Just minutes later, Kai Fletcher finished off another De La Paz assist to make it 3–1. 🧤 Second Half: Holding the LineCornard came out strong after the break, forcing a good save from Lees. The match turned scrappy, with fouls disrupting the flow. Wade pulled one back for Cornard on 69 minutes, but Wanderers held on. FULL TIME SCORE: Ipswich Wanderers 3–2 Cornard United |
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🏆 Emirates FA Cup: Ipswich Wanderers 2–1 Lakenheath📅 Saturday, 2 August 2025 | 3:00 PM Kick-Off
📍 Humber Doucy Lane – Extra Preliminary Round
📋 Match report not available at time of publication ⚔️ FA Cup Action at HomeIpswich Wanderers hosted Lakenheath in the Extra Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday afternoon, looking to build on their strong start to the season. ⚠️ A Tough First HalfDespite enjoying spells of pressure, Wanderers went into the break trailing 0–1 after Lakenheath found the net in the opening half. 🔁 Second-Half TurnaroundWanderers came out fired up in the second half and quickly turned the tide. Two well-taken goals saw them fight back to take a 2–1 lead and hold firm until the final whistle. ✅ Through to the Next RoundA spirited comeback and a well-earned win mean Ipswich Wanderers progress to the next round of the FA Cup, keeping their early-season momentum going strong. FULL TIME SCORE: Ipswich Wanderers 2–1 Lakenheath |
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🎥 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. |
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📺 TV Show Review: The Narrow Road to the Deep North (Prime / BBC Two / iPlayer)🔎 What’s the Story? Based on Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North is a sweeping, emotionally complex drama set against the horrors of WWII. It follows Dorrigo Evans, an Australian surgeon and prisoner of war, as he struggles to hold together his identity, morality, and memory while forced to work on the infamous Thai-Burma railway. Told across timelines, this epic miniseries blends the brutality of war with a haunting love story that continues to shape Dorrigo’s life long after the conflict ends. ✨ The Setup As Dorrigo leads fellow POWs through unthinkable suffering, flashbacks reveal his pre-war romance with his uncle’s wife — a passionate, forbidden love that lingers throughout his life. The series explores how war changes men, how memory distorts truth, and how love can both save and destroy. 🎭 The Vibe. Cinematic, tragic, and deeply human. The Narrow Road to the Deep North is not just a war story — it’s a meditation on guilt, sacrifice, and the weight of history. 🌟 Standout Performances 📅 Release Date: 4th August 2025 (BBC Two / iPlayer) 📋 Final Verdict Watch this if you’re drawn to powerful, layered dramas that confront the darkest corners of human experience with grace, nuance, and unflinching honesty. 📸 Image: mage: Courtesy of ABC/BBC |
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📺 TV Show Review: The Wild Ones (Apple TV+)🔎 What’s the Story? From executive producers Bryan Cranston and David Shore, Sneaky Pete is a slick crime drama with a con-artist twist. The series follows Marius Josipović (Giovanni Ribisi), a skilled grifter who assumes the identity of his former cellmate, Pete, after being released from prison. His plan? Hide from a ruthless gangster by blending into Pete’s estranged family—only to discover they have secrets of their own. ✨ The Adventure Expect dramatic rescues, up-close encounters, and breathtaking wildlife footage captured using drones, thermal imaging, and hidden cameras. But this show isn’t just about the visuals — it’s a heartfelt call to action, blending adrenaline with emotion and purpose. 🎭 The Vibe Raw, inspiring, and cinematic. The Wild Ones blends high-stakes documentary work with the energy of a survival series, offering a rare mix of heart and thrill. 🌟 Standout Moments Powerful animal encounters in wild, untouched locations Human stories of resilience, courage, and conservation Groundbreaking camera work that brings you closer than ever before
📅 Release Date: 11th July 2025 🎥 Worth Watching? Watch The Wild Ones if you want to feel something real — awe, urgency, and hope. It’s nature television reimagined for a world that desperately needs it. 📸 Image: mage: Courtesy of Apple TV |
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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 |
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🌞 Featured Event: Theatre School Workshop 2025
Hosted by: Ipswich Theatres 📅 When: Monday, 4th – Friday, 8th August 2025
📍 Where: Regent Theatre, St Helen’s Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HE 🎭 What’s On? A week-long creative workshop for young performers aged 7–16 Professional theatre coaches guiding acting, singing, and movement Build confidence, make new friends, and perform on a real stage
🎟️ Tickets: £190 per participant
Spaces are limited—book early to secure your place! ✅ Why You’ll Love It A fantastic opportunity to learn from industry professionals Hands-on experience in one of Ipswich’s most iconic theatres The week ends with a live performance for family and friends
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📅 Monday 4 August (For Four Weeks)
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🌞 FREE Summer Holiday Activities
📅 5 weeks starting Monday, 28th July 2025
📍 Fresh Start Charity Shop, 29–31 Carr Street, Ipswich, IP4 1HA Looking for something fun and educational to keep the kids entertained this summer? Fresh Start Charity is running a packed programme of FREE activities for children and young people. From arts & crafts for little ones to cookery classes, barista training, and upcycling furniture projects for teens and young adults, there’s something for everyone. Plus, a dedicated youth club for ages 14–19 offers a great place to socialise in a safe, friendly space. ✅ Completely FREE – no cost to join
✅ For ages 3–25 (activities tailored by age group)
✅ Small class sizes (max 8) – booking required Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! |
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📅 Monday 4 August
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🎤 Karaoke Night at The Black Horsel
📅 When: Monday, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
📍 Where: The Black Horse Inn, 23 Black Horse Lane, Ipswich, IP1 2EF Love to sing? Warm up those vocal cords and join the fun at Karaoke Night hosted by Purple Star Karaoke. Whether you’re a budding superstar or just want to belt out your favourite tunes, this is the perfect way to kick off the week. ✅ Free entry – everyone welcome
✅ Great pub atmosphere and plenty of song choices |
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📅 Tuesday 5 August - Wednesday 6 August
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🐑 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 |
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📅 Wednesday 6 August
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🕯️ Waxy Wonders – Family Workshop
📅 Tuesday, 6 August 2025 | Drop-in from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Ipswich Art Gallery, High Street, Ipswich IP1 3QH Get hands-on with history in this fun, family-friendly drop-in workshop at Ipswich Art Gallery! Explore the wonders of wax and try your hand at creating your own designs inspired by historical wax objects from the museum collections. Perfect for curious kids and creative grown-ups alike! 🎨 Make your own wax creation to take home 🏛️ Discover fascinating wax artefacts from the past 👨👩👧👦 Suitable for children aged 5+ with their grown-ups 💷 Free with museum admission – no booking required |
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📅 Wednesday 6 August
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🍽️ Chef’s Big Quiz 2025
📅 Wednesday, 6 August 2025 | Doors open 6:45 PM 📍 Venue16, 312 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, IP3 8LW Get ready for a quiz night with a twist! Join some of Suffolk’s top chefs for a sizzling evening of brain-teasers, banter, and brilliant food. Chef’s Big Quiz brings together food lovers and trivia fans for a fun-filled fundraiser packed with entertainment. 🎤 Hosted by BBC Radio Suffolk’s Jon Wright 👨🍳 Featuring some of Suffolk’s best-known chefs 💰 Raffle prizes & charity fundraising in support of local causes 🍻 Bar and hot food available to buy 🎟️ Tickets: £7 per person or £40 for a team of 6 Grab your friends, brush up on your general knowledge, and enjoy a night of laughs, local talent, and giving back. |
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📅 Thursday 7 August
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🌿 EmPowerUs: Women-Led Business Community Social
📅 Thursday, 7 August 2025 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM 📍 The Hidden Garden Café at Puzzle, 15 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich, IP1 1XF Join a vibrant community of women-led businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives for an inspiring evening of networking, collaboration, and growth. Hosted in the charming Hidden Garden Café, this monthly social is your chance to connect with like-minded people in a relaxed, supportive space. 🎤 This month’s theme: Colour and Confidence Claire from Colours Delight shares how discovering the right colours for your skin tone can elevate your confidence and enhance your professional presence. ✨ Expect: • Insightful talks from local businesswomen • A chance to share your own journey • A supportive, friendly vibe • No pressure – just connection 🎟️ FREE to attend ☕ Refreshments available to purchase Whether you're just starting out or running an established venture, EmPowerUs is the place to meet, learn, and grow together. |
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📅 Thursday 7 August
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🧠 Briarbank Quiz Night
📅 Thursday, 7 August 2025 | From 7:30 PM 📍 Briarbank Brewery, 70 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LB Gather your team and put your general knowledge to the test at Briarbank’s popular monthly quiz night! With great beer on tap and plenty of laughs along the way, it’s the perfect midweek night out. 👥 Teams of up to 6 🎟️ £2 per person – pay on the night 🏆 Prizes for the winning team 🍺 Locally brewed craft beers available throughout the evening Spaces fill quickly, so arrive early to grab a table and a pint! |
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Friday 8 August
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🎤 Elvis Night with Andy Otley
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📅 Friday, 8 August 2025 | 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM 📍 The Black Horse Inn, 23 Black Horse Lane, Ipswich Get ready for a night of hip-shaking classics and rock 'n' roll energy as Andy Otley brings the King of Rock and Roll back to life at The Black Horse Inn. With the look, the moves, and the voice, Andy delivers an unforgettable Elvis tribute full of charisma and crowd-pleasing favourites. 🎶 Expect legendary hits like “Suspicious Minds” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” 🎸 Free entry – no ticket needed 🍻 Great drinks, good vibes, and live music Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Elvis in the heart of Ipswich – it’s now or never! 👉 Just turn up – free entry from 8:30 PM! |
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📅 Friday 8 August
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🎶 Luna Nova Latin Jazz Duo
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📅 Friday, 8 August 2025 | 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 The Hidden Garden Café at Puzzle, 15 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich, IP1 1XF Soak up the summer vibes with an evening of live Latin jazz in one of Ipswich’s most charming hidden spots. Featuring the fabulous Anna Marchitelli, this uplifting night of music is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy great company, great food, and great rhythm. 🥁 Live Latin jazz from 6:30 PM 🍷 Curated selection of wine, Pimm’s, Prosecco & beer 🍲 Delicious food: chilli bowls, salad bowls, toasted sandwiches & handmade cakes 🕺 Bring your dancing shoes and let the music move you! 🎟️ £11.55 per person 🎶 Good eats – good drinks – great music |
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📅 Friday 8 August
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🎸 Artificial Monkeys – Arctic Monkeys Tribute
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📅 Friday, 8 August 2025 | Doors open 7:30 PM 📍 Three Wise Monkeys, 22 Lloyds Avenue, Ipswich, IP1 3HD Get ready for a high-energy night of indie rock as Artificial Monkeys take the stage with their incredible tribute to Arctic Monkeys. Expect all the swagger, sound, and sing-along anthems from one of the UK’s most iconic bands. 🎶 Sing your heart out to hits like “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” and “Do I Wanna Know?” 🎟️ Tickets: £8 in advance / £10 on the door 🍻 Bar open all night – good vibes guaranteed Whether you're a die-hard fan or just fancy a great night out, this gig is not to be missed! |
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📅 Friday 8 August
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🎸 Remedy – Live at Briarbank
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📅 Friday, 8 August 2025 | From 7:30 PM 📍 Briarbank Brewery, 70 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LB Kick off your weekend with a night of blues, rock, and funk as Remedy take the stage at Briarbank Brewery. Known for their soulful sound and electric live performances, Remedy serve up a powerful mix of groove-heavy rhythms and classic vibes. 🍻 Enjoy handcrafted beers brewed on site 🎶 Great music in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere 🎟️ Free entry – just turn up and enjoy! Live music, local ales, and good company – the perfect Friday night. |
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📅 Friday 8 August
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🎶 1Lemon + Evan McCarthy – Live at The Smokehouse
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📅 Friday, 8 August 2025 | 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM 📍 The Smokehouse, South Street Studios, Ipswich, IP1 3NU Experience a night of fresh new sounds as 1Lemon brings his soulful, genre-blending tunes to The Smokehouse, joined by singer-songwriter Evan McCarthy. Expect atmospheric vocals, emotive lyrics, and an intimate live vibe in one of Ipswich’s most loved grassroots venues. 🎤 Original music from rising local talent 🎟️ Tickets: £7.50 advance 🍺 Fully licensed bar If you love discovering new artists before they break big – this one’s for you.! |
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📅 Saturday 9 August
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🎳 Mayor’s Charity Bowls Afternoon 📅 Saturday, 9 August 2025 | 2:00 PM 📍 Christchurch Park Bowls Pavilion, Ipswich Join the Mayor of Ipswich for a relaxed afternoon of friendly competition in support of local charities. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome to take part in this light-hearted event set in the beautiful grounds of Christchurch Park. Expect good company, a bit of friendly rivalry, and plenty of laughs – all while raising money for a great cause. 🎟️ £5 entry donation (payable on the day) 👟 No experience needed – equipment provided ☕ Light refreshments available Spaces are limited, so gather your friends and get involved! |
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📅 Saturday 9 August
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🎵 Noiseless + BHibiscusHaze + Starcrossed at The Smokehouse 📅 When: Saturday, 9nd August 2025 – Doors open 7:30 PM
📍 Where: The Smokehouse, South Street Studios, Ipswich, IP1 3NU Experience an incredible night of live music featuring Noiseless, BHibiscusHaze, and Starcrossed. Expect a mix of alternative sounds, fresh local talent, and an electric atmosphere in one of Ipswich’s most loved intimate venues. ✅ Three great acts, one unforgettable night
✅ Ideal for indie and alternative music fans 🎟️ Tickets available now – secure yours early! |
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📅 Saturday 9 August
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🎨 Design Your Own Hare – Creative Workshop with Lily Hammond
📅 Saturday, 9 August 2025 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM 📍 The Hidden Garden Café at Puzzle, 15 St Peter’s Street, Ipswich, IP1 1XF Calling all budding artists and trail lovers! Join award-winning artist Lily Hammond—a featured creator on the Hop To It Art Trail—for a fun, hands-on workshop where you’ll design and paint your very own mini hare sculpture. Whether you’re already following the trail or simply love to get creative, this session offers a rare chance to learn from one of the trail’s top contributors in a relaxed garden setting. 🎨 No experience needed – all ages welcome 🖌️ All materials supplied 💷 £25 per person ☕ Refreshments available for purchase Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to create something truly unique! |
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📅 Saturday 9 August
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🎸 Live Music: Shattered at The Douglas Bader
📅 Saturday, 9 August 2025 | From 9:00 PM 📍 The Douglas Bader Pub, The Square, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, IP5 3SL Get ready for a high-energy night as Shattered return to The Douglas Bader for another fantastic evening of live music! Expect rock anthems, crowd-pleasers, and a buzzing atmosphere in this popular local pub. 🎶 Live band | Great tunes | Good vibes 🎟️ Free entry – no booking needed 🍻 Bar open all evening Bring your friends, grab a drink, and enjoy the show! 👉 Just turn up – music starts at 9 PM! |
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📅 Sunday 9 August
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🎶 DPEXr + T3NEZ – Live at The Smokehouse 📅 Saturday, 9 August 2025 | 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM 📍 The Smokehouse, South Street Studios, Ipswich, IP1 3NU Get ready for a bold night of original music from two standout artists on the rise. DPEXr and T3NEZ bring high-impact live performances, blending experimental beats, rap, and raw lyrical energy in the unique underground setting of The Smokehouse. 🎤 Expect boundary-pushing sounds and a passionate local crowd 🎟️ Tickets: £7.50 in advance 🍺 Bar open all evening Catch them live and support the grassroots music scene in Ipswich. |
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