A FESTIVE market is set to draw in the crowds and bring life back into a town centre street.

This Sunday will see the first Fore Street market, with more than 30 stalls lining the street from 10am to 4pm, bringing a range of local food and crafts.

Businesses in the area hope the market will relaunch the street, which was blighted by seven months of roadworks carried out by National Grid.

Jay Harvey, co-ordinator of Ipswich Waterfront Action Partnership Group, expects the market to attract plenty of visitors.

“We have 32 wonderful stalls,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a really good day and it’ll bring some life back into a road that’s been quiet for so long.

“We’re expecting big numbers, there’s been so many people talking about it.

“Hopefully it’ll be a big help to the businesses there.”

Alongside the craft and food stalls, there will be a fantastic entertainment programme running all day, featuring the Co-Op Jazz Band, the Red Rose Chain performing an extract from the Magic Fishbone, the Christ Church Singers, the East Suffolk Morris Men and The Trio. There will also be a mechanical organ running all day.

The Fore Street market will take place between the Spread Eagle pub and Star Lane.

The market, which is run and managed by Ipswich Events in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council, will feature a mix of Christmas merchandise, handmade crafts and vintage items and fresh, locally produced food.

Stalls will include jewellery, paintings, prints, clothing, handbags, cosmetics, Christmas gifts and decorations, flowers and plants, handcrafted metal gifts, furniture and homeware, handmade soaps and beauty products, children’s toys, handmade bags and cushions, cards and glass sculptures.

Food-lovers will be treated to a feast of festive treats – from hot chestnuts, mulled wine and cider to olives, nuts, sweets, cheeses, dry cured meats, sausages, burgers, homemade cakes, cookies, a hog roast and gourmet coffee as well as Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.

“So you can nibble a fresh Suffolk hog roast and have a glass of mulled cider while browsing the Christmas goodies,” Mr Harvey added.