Tourism chiefs are gearing up for a bumper Ipswich summer packed with events which they hope will bring tens of thousands of people to the town.
Bosses hope this year’s summer line-up will be the biggest ever, showing off Ipswich’s most popular attractions, while giving hotels, restaurants and shops a huge boost.
The jam-packed 2017 calendar also has the backing of Ipswich Central chief executive Paul Clement who said the programme, being promoted for the first time under the heading Ipswich Entertains, shows the town’s tourism offer is “stronger than ever before”.
Ipswich Borough Council’s commercial manager Mark Whiting said: “We are putting on a fantastic range of events to suit all tastes and pockets this summer.
“The programme attracts tens of thousands of people from all over Suffolk and beyond and not only provides great entertainment, but also helps to boost the local economy, through more visitors going to shops, bars, restaurants and hotels.
“With all this going on, it is a great opportunity to show off all our attractions such at Christchurch Mansion, the museum, our beautiful parks and the Waterfront.”
Kicking off the programme is the Ipswich Jazz Festival, which will return to the town in 2017 after a year off, from June 23-25.
International stars from around the globe are set to perform to crowds at a string of venues, including the New Wolsey Theatre and St Peter’s by the Waterfront.
Britain’s biggest tribute band celebration, Nearly Festival, is coming to Holywells Park from June 24-25, while outdoor cinema will be broadcast in Christchurch Park on July 1.
Dozens of music acts are to perform across six stages in the park for Ipswich Music Day – now in its 27th year – on July 2, while Global Rhythms and the Indian Summer Mela return will return to the venue the following weekend for a two-day celebration.
Then Ipswich Waterfront will play host to the Maritime Festival – tipped to be the biggest ever – from August 20-21.
Mr Clement added: “This proves Ipswich’s tourism offer is stronger than I can ever remember.
“Ipswich residents will not want to go anywhere else this summer.”
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