IPSWICH'S New Wolsey Theatre is to present four free events on its outdoor terrace, bosses announced today. The Andi Hopgood Quartet, Writers' Café, Small Town Bullies and Suffolk Songwriters' Open Mic Night will take place during dates in August.

IPSWICH'S New Wolsey Theatre is to present four free events on its outdoor terrace, bosses announced today.

The Andi Hopgood Quartet, Writers' Café, Small Town Bullies and Suffolk Songwriters' Open Mic Night will take place during dates in August.

Stephen Freeman, general manager, at the New Wolsey Theatre, said: “The outdoor terrace at the New Wolsey is a wonderful facility and a lovely spot to sit and watch the sun setting over Ipswich, especially with good entertainment, good food and a cold drink.

“We introduced terrace events last summer and they were hugely popular so this year we have scheduled four events with a fantastic choice of performers.

“Andi Hopgood sold out in Pulse festival and has a great local fan base so I'm sure this will be a popular evening. It's the first time we are hosting a writers' café but hopefully not the last and we are delighted to welcome a return visit from Suffolk Songwriters who had a great evening on the terrace last summer.

“Small Town Bullies are a personal favourite. They are hugely entertaining and very charismatic performers who will have the entire audience on its feet in minutes.

“There is no need to book in advance - just turn up, get some good food and a drink at our Café Bar and spend a summer evening with us.”

Do you visit the New Wolsey Theatre? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Friday August 8 - 8pm: THE ANDI HOPGOOD QUARTET

The Andi Hopgood Quartet has a passion for making jazz accessible to all - come along and find out why with this sumptuous evening of jazz standards from the past and the present as well as new arrangements and improvisations.

BBQ and Pimms cocktails available.

Friday August 15 - 7pm: WRITERS' CAFÉ

The Writers' Café has been running at Ipswich Starbucks and at the Ip-Art Festival for the last two years, offering local writers an opportunity to read their work and audiences a chance to hear a wide range of writing, from poetry to memoir, from short story excerpts to monologues. Now this popular formula moves to The New Wolsey Café Terrace for one night only. Please note: If you would like to attend, please email aburton@wolseytheatre.co.uk stating whether you would also like to read. Reading places are limited so please email as soon as possible.

Hot and cold snack meals plus a range of drinks are available.

Friday August 22 - 8pm: SMALL TOWN BULLIES

The Small Town Bullies serve up a unique blend of funk, jazz, rock, skiffle and more that makes them just about impossible to categorise. Check them out at www.myspace.com/smalltownbullies or better still - come and chill out with them on the Café Terrace. There will be tromboning; you have been warned!

Tex mex food and drink available.

Friday August 29 - 8pm: SUFFOLK SONGWRITERS' OPEN MIC NIGHT

This was one of our most popular Terrace events last summer and a relaxed evening was had by all. Whether you're coming along to soak up the songs and the atmosphere or would also like to sing, just turn up - this is a genuine open mic event, first come first served.

BBQ and Pimms cocktails available.