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Welcome to Ipswich Local – Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening in Town!Hello {{contact.first_name}} Welcome to Issue #26 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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🌟 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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🚆 Ipswich–London Trains Cancelled After Person Hit by Train
Rail services between Ipswich and London faced major disruption after a person was struck by a train on the busy mainline. Several services were cancelled or heavily delayed, leaving passengers stranded and causing knock-on problems across the network. The incident, which happened during peak travel times, has once again raised concerns about how quickly the rail system can respond to emergencies and keep commuters moving. |
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🚦 Traffic Fears Over New Marks & Spencer Plans at Copdock
A major new Marks & Spencer store could be coming to Copdock — but locals are worried it might bring gridlock to one of Suffolk’s busiest junctions. The retailer’s ambitious proposal has sparked debate, with supporters welcoming investment while others warn of traffic chaos. 📸 Image: Courtesy of Marks & Spencer |
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🏚️ Ipswich Pub Landlord Hits Out at Council Planning
The landlord of the historic Railway Hotel has blasted Ipswich Borough Council over plans he says could threaten both his business and the character of the town. He argues that new development proposals risk sidelining heritage venues and making it harder for independent pubs to survive. His warning has reignited the debate over how Ipswich balances growth with protecting its cultural identity — and whether enough is being done to support grassroots hospitality. |
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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: Chief of War (Apple TV+) also available on Prime Video🔎 What’s the Story?
Hawai‘i’s four kingdoms are torn apart by conflict. As Western powers loom on the horizon, a warrior chief embarks on a mission to unite his people before colonisation threatens to divide them forever. ✨ The Setup
More than just a historical epic, Chief of War is a cultural drama that puts Hawaiian voices, traditions, and language at its centre. Co-created and led by Jason Momoa, it blends battle and politics with deep questions of identity, loyalty, and survival. 🎭 The Vibe
Grand, authentic, and emotional. Sweeping landscapes, traditional ceremonies, and intense battle scenes make this a visually stunning series. It’s as much about heritage and people as it is about power and war. 🌟 Standout Performances Jason Momoa delivers both fierce warrior energy and a thoughtful, conflicted leader. Cliff Curtis shines as a principled rival, bringing depth and dignity to his role.
📋 Final Verdict
Watch this if you love sprawling historical dramas with real cultural depth. Chief of War honours Hawaiian history while delivering gripping action and powerful storytelling. 📸 Image: Courtesy of Apple TV+ |
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📺 TV Show Review: In Flight (Channel 4 / Channel 4 Streaming)✈️ What’s the Story?
When her son’s life is threatened behind bars, a mother is blackmailed into becoming a drug mule on an international flight. Trapped between ruthless criminals and the law, she faces an impossible choice: risk her son, or risk everything herself. ✨ The Setup
In Flight is a high-stakes thriller that blends emotional drama with nail-biting suspense. Each episode follows her desperate attempts to outwit the gang pulling the strings, while also navigating the authorities closing in around her. The show asks: how far would a parent go to protect their child? 🎭 The Vibe
Intense, claustrophobic, and emotionally raw. Expect airport tension, criminal menace, and a constant ticking-clock feeling as danger closes in from all sides. 🌟 Standout Performances Katherine Kelly delivers a powerhouse lead role, balancing fear, determination, and vulnerability. The supporting cast adds grit and menace, bringing the criminals’ threats and the prison backdrop chillingly to life.
📋 Final Verdict
Watch this if you like gritty, character-led thrillers with emotional stakes as high as the action. Flight is part crime drama, part survival story — a tense ride that keeps you hooked from take-off to landing. 📸 Image: Courtesy of Channel 4 |
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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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🔮 The History of Witchcraft and Women
Discover the fascinating history of witchcraft and its connection to women through the centuries. This talk at St Peter’s by the Waterfront explores myths, misconceptions, and the real stories behind one of history’s most enduring subjects. 📅 Date: Thursday 21st August 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: St Peter’s by the Waterfront, College Street, Ipswich, IP4 1BF ✨ A captivating evening for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about the folklore and cultural impact of witchcraft. |
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📅 Tuesday 19 August
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🖋️ Think Ink at Christchurch Mansion
Explore the fascinating world of ink in this creative family-friendly activity. From writing and drawing to printing and painting, discover just how versatile ink can be. Perfect for curious kids and adults alike who love to get hands-on with art and history. 📅 Date: Tuesday 19th August 2025
⏰ Time: During museum opening hours
📍 Venue: Christchurch Mansion, Soane Street, Ipswich, IP4 2BE ✨ A fun, interactive way to learn about one of the oldest and most important creative materials.. |
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📅 Tue 19 | Wed 20 | Sat 23 | Sun 24 August
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💧 Woolly’s Water Trail at Christchurch Mansion
Join Woolly the Mammoth on a fun family trail through Christchurch Mansion! Discover the importance of water in Ipswich’s history, solve clues along the way, and enjoy a mix of learning and play that’s perfect for children and families. 📅 Dates: Daily throughout the summer holidays
⏰ Time: During museum opening hours
📍 Venue: Christchurch Mansion, Soane Street, Ipswich, IP4 2BE ✨ A great way to keep little ones entertained while exploring one of Ipswich’s most historic buildings. 👉 Find out more |
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📅 Wednesday 20 August
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🚶♀️ 🚶 Wellness Walks | After Work – Reset Your Midweek
Need a midweek refresher? Join us for Wellness Walks | After Work, a relaxed evening stroll hosted by The Hidden Garden Café. It’s a chance to shake off the day, enjoy fresh air and friendly company—and toast the rest of the week with a glass of bubbles. Date: Wednesday 20th August 2025 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: Meet at The Hidden Garden Café, 15 St Peters Street, Ipswich, IP1 1XF Price: From around £7 check on booking site |
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📅 Thursday 21 August
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🎸 📺 The Big British TV Sitcom Quiz
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Laughs, nostalgia, and plenty of competition! Join The Duke of Marlborough for a quiz night dedicated to the very best of British sitcoms. From Only Fools and Horses and Fawlty Towers to The Office, Dad’s Army and The IT Crowd — test your knowledge and see if your team has what it takes to claim the prize. 📅 Date: Thursday 21st August 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM start
📍 Venue: The Duke of Marlborough, Ipswich
💷 Entry: £2 per person | Max 8 per team | Cash prizes for 1st & 2nd place ✨ A guaranteed night of fun, laughter, and classic comedy memories. |
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📅 Thursday 21 August
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🎤 Hannah Frances at The Smokehouse
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Experience the hauntingly beautiful sound of Hannah Frances, whose intimate vocals and atmospheric songwriting have been captivating audiences across the UK. This special live performance at The Smokehouse is set to be an unforgettable night of heartfelt music. 📅 Date: Tuesday 19th August 2025 ⏰ Time: 7:30 PM 📍 Venue: The Smokehouse, 6 South Street Studios, Ipswich, IP1 3NU ✨ Don’t miss the chance to see one of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists up close in one of Ipswich’s best-loved independent venues. |
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📅 Friday 22 until Bank Holiday Monday25 August
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🍻 Annual Beer Festival at The Duke of Marlborough
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Raise a glass — the Annual Beer Festival is back this August Bank Holiday Weekend! Enjoy a huge range of real ales, great entertainment, and a lively atmosphere across four days. Whether you’re a seasoned ale fan or just in it for the fun, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the long weekend. 📅 Dates: Friday 22nd – Monday 25th August 2025
⏰ Times: From 12:00 PM daily
📍 Venue: The Duke of Marlborough, Ipswich ✨ Expect top-quality real ale, live entertainment, and plenty of festival vibes all weekend long.. |
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📅 Friday 22 August
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🎶 Rotenbek Trio at St Peter’s by the Waterfront
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Enjoy an evening of exceptional chamber music as the Rotenbek Trio perform live at St Peter’s by the Waterfront. With a repertoire that blends classical masterpieces and lesser-known gems, this concert promises a rich and moving musical experience. 📅 Date: Saturday 23rd August 2025 ⏰ Time: 7:30 PM 📍 Venue: St Peter’s by the Waterfront, College Street, Ipswich, IP4 1BF ✨ A must for lovers of classical music in a beautiful historic setting. |
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📅 Friday 22 August
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🍺 Live Music: Slide at the Briarbank
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Head up to the Briarbank Brewery for an evening of great live music with Slide. Expect a lively set of classic tunes and feel-good favourites, all enjoyed with a freshly brewed pint from Ipswich’s very own microbrewery. 📅 Date: Friday 22 August 2025
⏰ Time: From 8:00 PM
📍 Venue: Briarbank Brewery, 70 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LB ✨ Great beer, great music, and a great atmosphere in the heart of Ipswich. |
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📅 Saturday 23 August
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🎶 Pink Serene at The Smokehouse
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Catch the rising sounds of Pink Serene, bringing fresh indie vibes and dreamy melodies to Ipswich. Known for their unique blend of atmospheric tunes and heartfelt lyrics, this is a night for discovering new music in one of the town’s most intimate live venues. 📅 Date: Thursday 21st August 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: The Smokehouse, 6 South Street Studios, Ipswich, IP1 3NU ✨ Perfect for indie fans looking for something new and unforgettable. |
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📅 Saturday 23 August
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🎶 Live Music: MJ Soul at The Claydon Greyhound Get ready for a night of soul, Motown and smooth classics as the incredible MJ Soul brings his high-energy show to The Claydon Greyhound. With powerhouse vocals and timeless hits, it’s set to be an evening of dancing, singing along, and unforgettable live entertainment. 📅 Date: Saturday 23rd August 2025
⏰ Time: 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
📍 Venue: The Claydon Greyhound, 2 Ipswich Rd, Claydon, Ipswich, IP6 0AR ✨ Don’t miss MJ Soul’s first appearance at The Claydon Greyhound—this one’s going to be epic! |
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📅 Saturday 23 August
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🎨 Design Your Own Hare with Artist Lily Hammond As part of the Hop To It Art Trail, here’s your chance to create your very own hare sculpture with award-winning artist Lily Hammond. In this fun hands-on workshop, you’ll paint and design a unique mini hare to take home. 📅 Date: Friday 22nd August 2025 ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 Venue: The Hidden Garden Café, 15 St Peters Street, Ipswich, IP1 1XF ✨ All materials are provided, and everyone’s welcome — whether you’re a budding artist or just looking for a creative afternoon. Refreshments will be available to purchase from the café. |
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📅 Saturday 23 August
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🕺 The Groovy Soul Party at Venue16
Get ready to dance the night away as The Groovy Soul Party takes over Venue16! Expect an electric evening packed with classic soul, Motown, disco, and funk floorfillers that will keep you moving all night long. 📅 Date: Saturday 23rd August 2025
⏰ Time: From 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: Venue16, 312 Tuddenham Rd, Ipswich, IP4 3QJ ✨ A must for soul lovers and partygoers — gather your friends and bring your best moves! |
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📅 Saturday 23 August
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🎸 Live Music: The Kicks at the Briarbank
Enjoy a night of high-energy rock and indie covers with The Kicks live at the Briarbank Brewery. Pair their crowd-pleasing setlist with one of Briarbank’s freshly brewed beers for the perfect Saturday night out. 📅 Date: Saturday 23rd August 2025
⏰ Time: From 8:00 PM
📍 Venue: Briarbank Brewery, 70 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LB ✨ Great music, great beer, and a buzzing Bank Holiday weekend atmosphere. |
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📅 Sunday 24 August
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📺🥂 Show Me Love Bottomless Brunch at Venue16 Start your weekend in style with the Show Me Love Bottomless Brunch at Venue16. Enjoy delicious food, free-flowing drinks, and a soundtrack of uplifting house, R&B, and party anthems that will keep the good vibes flowing all afternoon. 📅 Date: Saturday 23rd August 2025
⏰ Time: From 12:00 PM
📍 Venue: Venue16, 312 Tuddenham Rd, Ipswich, IP4 3QJ ✨ Great food, bottomless drinks, and a party atmosphere — the ultimate brunch experience! |
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📅 Sunday 24 August
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🎤 Bank Holiday Sunday Live Music with Scarlett Moorcrofts Spend your Bank Holiday Sunday with great live music at Three Wise Monkeys Ipswich. Enjoy the soulful sounds of Scarlett Moorcrofts, bringing an evening of powerful vocals and acoustic favourites to the TWM stage. 📅 Date: Sunday 24th August 2025 ⏰ Time: From 8:00 PM 📍 Venue: Three Wise Monkeys, 22 Lloyds Avenue, Ipswich, IP1 3HD ✨ A perfect way to round off the Bank Holiday weekend — good vibes, live music, and the TWM atmosphere. |
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📅 Sunday 24 August
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🥁 Live Music: The Dead Legs at the Briarbank Bank Holiday Sunday at the Briarbank means live music with The Dead Legs. Expect a lively set full of energy, perfect for pairing with the brewery’s wide range of craft beers. 📅 Date: Sunday 24th August 2025 ⏰ Time: From 8:00 PM 📍 Venue: Briarbank Brewery, 70 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LB ✨ Round off your weekend with great tunes, great beer, and great company. |
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📅 Bank Holiday Monday 25 August
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🚗 Cars by the Bridge at Suffolk Food Hall Petrolheads, this one’s for you! Cars by the Bridge returns to Suffolk Food Hall, bringing together a stunning line-up of classic, vintage, and performance motors in a picturesque riverside setting. Expect gleaming chrome, revving engines, and plenty of family-friendly atmosphere. 📅 Date: Monday 25th August 2025 ⏰ Time: From 10:00 AM 📍 Venue: Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead, Ipswich, IP9 2AB ✨ A perfect day out for car enthusiasts and families alike — plus enjoy the great food and shopping at Suffolk Food Hall while you’re there. |
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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 2EFLove 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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