Suffolk libraries alive with activity for first Fun Palace weekend

Fun Palace event on Saturday at Ipswich County Library, Northgate Street, Ipswich. Elizabeth Lobley. Picture: NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

The Fun Palace weekend was devised by author Stella Duffy to bring a host of different events and activities into libraries, and bring people together for things they may never have tried.

Left to right: Myles Miller, Chris Filip and Alex Mann, during board games at the Fun Palace event at Ipswich Library. Picture: NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

Libraries across Suffolk took part for the first time, with zumba, Spanish lessons, Tapas, knitting, golf, kurling, computer coding, drumming and board games among the eclectic offering for Suffolk’s first year of the event.

Fun Palace event at Ipswich County Library - Sarah Ann Gray, Susan Keegan and Helen Garwood, during zumba. Picture: NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

Suffolk Libraries chief executive Alison Wheeler said: “It’s been amazing – it’s our very first programme of Fun Palaces and we are thrilled at how different all the activities are.

Fun Palace event at Ipswich County Library - Amy Beckwith with Leonie Smith. Picture: NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

“Stella Duffy is so inspirational – I heard her at a talk and thought that’s what we want to happen here.”

Fun Palace event at Ipswich County Library - Chloe Cockroft with mum, Harpreet. Picture: NIGE BROWN. (Image: Archant)

Library bosses are hoping to bring Fun Palace back to Suffolk next year.

Fun Palace event at Ipswich County Library - Ivy Dennett-Thorne teacing knitting to Emily Cockroft. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)