TOURISTS and residents are being encouraged to unleash their imaginations in a weekend of free workshops, talks and tours aiming to explore Felixstowe in a creative way.

TOURISTS and residents are being encouraged to unleash their imaginations in a weekend of free workshops, talks and tours aiming to explore Felixstowe in a creative way.

Based mainly at the town hall, the events will take place on Saturday November 15 and Sunday November 16, and feature Hill Jephson Robb and Elizabeth-Jane Grose, artists commissioned by Suffolk Coastal to produce artworks for the resort.

Council cabinet member Mary Neale said: “Felixstowe is changing, and this weekend of free creative activities, organised by Suffolk Coastal Arts, will celebrate the resort's unique heritage as it moves towards a brighter future.” Those interested in Felixstowe's historic Napoleonic Martello Towers, built to safeguard the Suffolk coast, can have a guided tour of Martello Tower P and listen to a talk by Richard Setchim, owner of Tower U, on what it is like to live inside a tower today.

Mrs Neale said: “People will also be able to meet Hill Jephson Robb, who is involved in a public art project for Felixstowe's south seafront, and Elizabeth-Jane Grose, who is designing artwork for a new coastal leisure path, at a gathering in the Town Hall at 6pm on the Saturday.

“The artists will be introducing themselves and their past work, as well as discussing their Felixstowe projects, and they are hoping to talk to members of the public in order to learn about important local issues, hear how the people of Felixstowe feel about the resort and find out what their aspirations are.”

Other highlights include an art exhibition by students at Deben High School following workshops led by Elizabeth-Jane Grose, guided tours of the newly renovated Felixstowe Town Hall, and drop-in creative workshops for members of the public, run by the two artists, suitable for all ages and abilities.

Full details of events and more information on the weekend is available on www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourfreetime/arts/felixstowe or from Nicky Corbett on 01394 444538.

Would artworks on public display improve Felixstowe? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk