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Welcome to Ipswich Local – Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening in Town!Hello {{contact.first_name}} Welcome to Issue #32 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 East Ocean – Ipswich’s Oldest Chinese RestaurantREPLY “East Ocean” TO EVERY NEWSLETTER FOR EXTRA ENTRIES. This September, we’re giving one lucky winner the chance to enjoy an authentic dining experience at East Ocean, the oldest established Chinese restaurant and takeaway in Ipswich. Just reply to this email and type the word: East Ocean That’s all it takes to enter the draw for a £50 voucher to spend at this much-loved restaurant on Woodbridge Road, where generations of Ipswich diners have enjoyed classic Chinese cooking in a warm and welcoming setting. 🔥 Expect freshly cooked favourites, generous portions, and traditional flavours that have stood the test of time. 🌟 Highlights from the menu include: Crispy Aromatic Duck with pancakes and hoisin sauce Sweet & Sour Chicken Cantonese style King Prawn with Ginger & Spring Onion Beef in Black Bean Sauce Special Fried Rice packed with prawns, pork, chicken, and vegetables Whether you’re dining in or treating yourself to a takeaway, East Ocean continues to serve the dishes Ipswich has loved for decades. 🎁 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: Tuesday, 30 September 2025 📢 Winner announced: in our newsletter on Monday, 6 October 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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🚆 Travel Chaos as London–Ipswich Trains Face Major Disruption
Commuters were left frustrated after safety checks forced cancellations and delays on the busy London–Ipswich route. The disruption is hitting both rush-hour passengers and weekend travellers, with replacement services struggling to keep up. How long will the checks last — and what does it mean for your journey? 📰 Source: Ipswich Star |
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🐾 Ipswich Man Banned from Owning Pets After Dog Mistreatment
A local man has been handed a pet ban following shocking treatment of his dog. The case, which went through the courts, highlights serious concerns over animal welfare and has left many in the community outraged. What exactly happened — and how long will the ban last? Source: East Anglian Daily Times 👉 |
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🌿 Driver Stopped in Suffolk Jailed Over Cannabis Haul
Police pulled over a man in Suffolk only to uncover a large stash of cannabis hidden inside his vehicle. The find led to his arrest and a court case that ended with a prison sentence. How did officers make the stop — and what else was revealed in court? Source: Suffolk Police |
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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: House of Guinness🔎 What’s the Story?
When patriarch Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness dies in 1868, his brewing empire and legacy fall into the hands of his four children — Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben. Rivalries, secrets, and shifting alliances tear through the family as they grapple with both inheritance and Ireland’s growing political unrest. ✨ The Setup
Created by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders), House of Guinness blends family saga with historical drama. Set between Dublin and New York, it traces how the Guinness dynasty balanced ambition, loyalty, and scandal while protecting their name and fortune. 🎭 The Vibe
Think Succession in period costume — moody, stylish, and brimming with betrayal. The atmosphere moves from candlelit parlours to raucous factories and tense public rallies, keeping the tension taut and the stakes personal. 🌟 Standout Performances Anthony Boyle (Arthur Guinness) — A commanding turn as the conflicted heir, torn between duty and self-destruction. Louis Partridge (Edward Guinness) — A sharp, ambitious presence who thrives in the shadows of his siblings. James Norton (Sean Rafferty) — Magnetic and unpredictable, his scenes crackle with menace and charisma.
📋 Final Verdict
House of Guinness is a heady mix of family intrigue, political turmoil, and lavish period detail. Bold, brooding, and irresistibly dramatic — this one’s worth raising a glass to. 📸 Image: Courtesy of Netflix |
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📺 TV Show Review: Wayward🔎 What’s the Story?
In 2003, transgender police officer Alex Dempsey moves with his pregnant wife Laura to the remote town of Tall Pines, Vermont. What seems like a fresh start quickly turns sinister when Alex uncovers dark secrets surrounding Tall Pines Academy, a so-called therapeutic school for troubled teens. Inside its walls, two girls — Abbie and Leila — struggle to break free, while the town’s powerful matriarch, Evelyn Wade, ensures the institution’s grip remains unchallenged. ✨ The Setup
Wayward is an eight-part limited series created by Mae Martin. It’s part mystery, part psychological thriller, with cult-like undertones woven into a story of identity, power, and survival. Set in the early 2000s, the show explores themes of trauma, belonging, and the insidious ways institutions can hide abuse behind respectability. 🎭 The Vibe
Tense, unsettling, and atmospheric. The series thrives on ambiguity and unease — it’s less about jump scares and more about slow-burn dread. The small-town setting and eerie Academy halls create a claustrophobic mood that lingers long after the credits roll. 🌟 Standout Performances Toni Collette (Evelyn Wade) — Mesmerising as the Academy’s leader, she balances charm with menace in a way that makes every scene feel dangerous. Mae Martin (Alex Dempsey) — Vulnerable yet determined, their portrayal of Alex grounds the show in humanity amidst the sinister backdrop. Alyvia Alyn Lind (Leila) — Heart-wrenching and resilient, she captures the fight for autonomy with raw honesty.
📋 Final Verdict
Wayward is a chilling, emotionally rich series that dares to dive into dark themes with unflinching intensity. Its unsettling atmosphere and powerful performances — particularly from Toni Collette — make it a gripping watch, even if some twists may divide audiences. If you like your thrillers intelligent, layered, and unnervingly real, this is a must-watch. 📸 Image: Courtesy of Netflix |
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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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📚 Ipswich Book Festival 2025 – 3rd to 5th Octobe Ipswich will be buzzing with stories, creativity, and conversation this October as the Ipswich Book Festival 2025 takes over our town. From Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October, you’ll find events spread across favourite local venues – from Ancient House to Dance East, the Ipswich Institute, St Stephen’s Church, and even a double-decker bus parked on the Cornhill! The line-up is packed with author talks, book signings, workshops, poetry, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include: Larry Lamb in conversation at The Hold (Fri 3 Oct) Onjali Q. Raúf, bestselling children’s author, at St Clements Art Centre (Sat 4 Oct) Vaseem Khan, award-winning crime writer, at Ipswich Institute (Sun 5 Oct) Ashley Hickson-Lovence, sharing stories aboard a festival bus in the town centre (Sun 5 Oct) Dr Annie Gray, celebrated food historian, at The Buttermarket (Sat 4 Oct)
Plus, there are showcases for local authors, drop-in creative workshops, and plenty of opportunities to discover your next great read. This is the biggest celebration of books Ipswich has ever seen, and whether you’re a lifelong reader, an aspiring writer, or just curious, there’s something for everyone. 👉 See the full programme and book your tickets at ipswichbookfestival.com |
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📅 When: Wednesday 1 October 2025
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🎶 Francis Rossi – Corn Exchange
A legendary night awaits as Status Quo frontman Francis Rossi takes the stage for an evening of music, stories, and backstage tales. 📅 When: Wednesday 1 October 2025 ⏰ Time: 7:30pm (doors 6:30pm) 📍 Where: Corn Exchange, Ipswich 💷 Cost: From £44 🤝 Perfect for rock fans and anyone who loves a night of classic hits mixed with witty storytelling. 👉 Book early to secure your seat! |
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📅 Friday 3 October 2025
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🎶 Dookie: A Tribute to Green Day & Blinked 182 – Three Wise Monkeys Get ready for a night of pop-punk anthems as Dookie, the UK’s longest-running Green Day tribute band, teams up with Blinked 182 for a high-energy set of classics. 📅 When: Friday 3 October 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00pm – 11:00pm
📍 Where: Three Wise Monkeys, Ipswich
💷 Cost: £12 (+ booking fee) 🤝 A must for Green Day and Blink-182 fans wanting to relive the soundtrack of a generation.
👉 Grab your tickets now and don’t miss out! |
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📅Friday 3 October 2025
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🎉 Line Dancing – Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre
Dust off your boots and get ready to kick up your heels with Rosie and Lucy from Country Nights Line Dancing for an evening of fun, fitness, and fantastic moves!
📅 When: Friday 3 October 2025 ⏰ Time: 7:00pm – 11:00pm 📍 Where: Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Kesgrave, Ipswich 💷 Cost: £10 (+75p booking fee) 🤝 Perfect for beginners and seasoned dancers alike – a night of laughter, friendship, and country spirit awaits. 👉 Round up your friends and join the fun! |
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📅 Saturday 4 October 2025
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🎶 Candlelight: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac – St Peter's by the Waterfront
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Step into the magic of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits performed by string musicians in a breathtaking candlelit setting. 📅 When: Saturday 4 October 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm (doors 6:15pm)
📍 Where: St Peter's by the Waterfront, Ipswich
💷 Cost: £15 – £40.50 🤝 Ideal for Fleetwood Mac fans and anyone seeking a truly atmospheric live music experience.
👉 Book now to enjoy an unforgettable evening under the glow of candlelight. |
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📅Saturday 4 October 2025
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🎶 🎶 Candlelight: Ed Sheeran meets Coldplay – St Peter's by the WaterfrontExperience the magic of Ed Sheeran and Coldplay’s greatest hits performed live by string musicians, all set against the stunning glow of candlelight. 📅 When: Saturday 4 October 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00pm – 10:00pm (doors 8:15pm)
📍 Where: St Peter's by the Waterfront, Ipswich
💷 Cost: £15 – £45 🤝 Perfect for music lovers looking for a unique, atmospheric evening of live performance in a breathtaking setting.
👉 Reserve your spot today – spaces are limited! |
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📅 Saturday 4 October 2025
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🎸 Hard Rocking Action – The Black Horse Inn
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Get ready for a powerhouse night of rock anthems with classics from Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Journey, Van Halen, Iron Maiden, and Guns N’ Roses, performed by top tribute musicians. 📅 When: Saturday 4 October 2025 ⏰ Time: From 9:00pm 📍 Where: The Black Horse Inn, Ipswich 💷 Cost: Free 🤝 Perfect for rock fans who love epic guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and the ultimate live energy. 👉 Gather your crew and rock out all night! |
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📅Saturday 27th September 2025
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📅 Monday 6 October 2025
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🎉 Bingo – Oddfellows Hall Eyes down, it’s bingo time! Join us for an afternoon of fun, chat, and laughter – with refreshments served and plenty of chances to win. 📅 When: Monday 6 October 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00pm
📍 Where: Oddfellows Hall, 37 High St, Ipswich, IP1 3QH
💷 Cost: Books available on the day 🤝 A friendly and welcoming event for all – come along and enjoy the classic game with great company.
👉 Don’t miss your chance to shout “Bingo!”! |
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📅 Sunday 5 October 2025
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🚗 Land Rover Show – Stonham Barns
Celebrate the best of Land Rover with a full day of displays, cars, and family fun – perfect for enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. 📅 When: Sunday 5 October 2025 ⏰ Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm 📍 Where: Stonham Barns, Suffolk 💷 Cost: £10 per adult | Under 12s Free | Display car driver + 1 passenger Free 🤝 A great day out for motoring fans, families, and Land Rover lovers of all ages. 👉 Save with advance tickets or pay on the gate. |
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📅 Monday 6 October 2025
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🎉 Games Night Monday – Golf Hotel
Gather your mates and enjoy a fun-filled day of board games, laughter, and friendly competition. 📅 When: Monday 6 October 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30am – 10:00pm
📍 Where: Golf Hotel, Rushmere
💷 Cost: Free 🤝 Ideal for board game lovers and anyone looking for a relaxed way to spend time with friends.
👉 Bring your best game face and join in! |
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SPONSORED EVENT
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