There will be something for everyone to enjoy in Ipswich this weekend, with an extraordinary line-up of beer, boats, fireworks, fairground rides and football.
Celebrations will centre around the hugely popular Maritime Festival, which returns to the Waterfront on Saturday and Sunday and this year carries a Viking theme.
Those who fancy a tipple can head down to the Saints Maritime Beer and Cider Festival at St Peter’s by the Waterfront from Friday to Sunday, run by Ipswich-based Beer&Co.
Ipswich Town might even provide a reason to raise a glass. On Saturday the Blues will take on Brentford and attempt to make it five wins out of five games this season, which could take the club top of the Championship table.
Steve Doe, acting chairman of the ITFC Supporters Club, said: “One the of things the players need is the backing of the crowd. They have given us a good start and we need to help them keep it going.
“I still feel like I’m dreaming after the last couple of seasons. It’s unbelievable but it’s been fantastic and to make it five-out-of-five would be incredible, so fingers crossed.”
The weather is set to be the cherry on the cake.
According to Weatherquest forecaster Adam Dury, Ipswich is in store for a warm and mostly dry weekend, with temperatures hitting highs of 20C (68F) on both Saturday and Sunday.
At Ipswich Maritime Festival, there will be more than 50 stalls, a funfair, live music, historical re-enactments, a variety of vessels and children’s activities.
The free event will culminate in a fireworks display from 9.30pm on Sunday.
Bryony Rudkin, deputy leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said around 75,000 people were expected to attend.
She added: “There’s so much for people of all ages to enjoy, including a nationally award-winning intercontinental market, an even bigger funfair and entertainment area, historic ships from across the UK, and a packed schedule of performers on the boat stage throughout both days.”
The Saints Maritime Beer and Cider Festival will raise money for Suffolk charity Home-Start, with volunteers from Fleximize and Ipswich Round Table helping behind the bar.
Organiser Greg Cooper said: “We have so many brilliant local event partners and are really pleased to be able to support one of these – Home-Start in Suffolk – in raising funds for the amazing work that they do with local families.
“We had a feeling that local businesses would be keen to be a part of this effort and that working behind the bar would be a fun way for them to do it.”
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