Eight fun events around Ipswich this weekend

There will be lots of impressive shows at Festival of Wheels, Trinity Park, Ipswich, August 4-5 Picture: MOTORSHOW EVENTS LTD (Image: MOTORSHOW EVENTS LTD)

Festival of Wheels, Trinity Park, August 4-5

Thrills and excitement are in store as a major new motoring event arrives in Ipswich this weekend, with gravity-defying stunts and cars from films among the attractions. Bolddog FMX will perform on Saturday, with riders jumping gaps over 75ft and a wide selection of freestyle motocross stunts. Then on Sunday Broke FMX Stunt Team will perform a wide range of tricks and stunts, including jumps up vertical walls. The Tumbler from Christopher Nolan’s smash hit film Batman Begins will be on show, as well as Bumblebee from the Transformer movies and other cinema vehicles. There will also be many other events and attractions to enjoy, including monster truck rides, motorbike football, a live action arena, open air cinema, a food fair and Happy’s Circus in the big top. Children can enjoy varied entertainment, as there will be a fun area with inflatables and racing simulators, a funfair, entertainers and mini movie trucks. The event runs from 10am to 5pm on both days. For more details and to book, visit the eventbrite website.

The Dressing Room is at the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe on Friday. Picture: THE DRESSING ROOM (Image: Archant)

The Dressing Room, Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe, August 3

If you’re looking for a comedy that’s ideal for all the family, this show should fit the bill. Veteran comedy duo Cannon and Ball take the stage in this touring play, written by Bobby Ball, which blends sitcom with variety and comedy. The tale is set behind the scenes at a run-down theatre, where Tommy and Bobby find themselves caught up in a crazy sequence of events, thanks to compere Stu Francis and fellow comedian Johnnie Casson. The show starts at 7.30pm. See Wayne Savage’s interview with Bobby Ball about The Dressing Room here.

Much Ado About Nothing is this year's Theatre in the Forest production. Picture: DAVID NEWBORN (Image: David Newborn)

Theatre in the Forest, Jimmy’s Farm, Wherstead, August 1-26

Get ready to enjoy some open-air Shakespeare with the return of Theatre in the Forest, which is once again being performed at Jimmy’s Farm. This year Red Rose Chain is performing romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing, with sparring couple Benedick and Beatrice taking part in battles of wit. Set in the 1940s with fighter pilots and jitterbugging, this production features many familiar faces, and there is a strong musical element too. Performances are at 7.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday, with matinees at 2pm on Saturday and an extra show at 7.30pm on Sunday, August 26. For more details and to book, see the Red Rose Chain website.

Olivia Newton John and John Travolta in Grease, showing at an open-air cinema event in Holywells Park. Photo: PARAMOUNT (Image: Archant)

Outdoor Cinema, Holywells Park, August 2-4

Fancy watching a film in the open air? If so, you can do just that in Holywells Park, at events hosted by Pop Up Pictures and Ipswich Entertains. On Thursday, Disney favourite The Lion King is showing, then on Friday it’s the turn of Grease, celebrating the classic musical’s 40th anniversary. Both evenings run from 6.30 to 10.30pm. There is also a screening of hit musical The Greatest Showman on Saturday, but tickets for this have already sold out. For more details and to book, see the Pop Up Pictures Facebook page.

Musicians at a previous Rock Against Leukaemia event at The Black Horse in Ipswich. Picture: ANJI OLD (Image: Anji Old photography 2017)

Rock Against Leukaemia 3, The Black Horse pub, Ipswich, August 4

Enjoy a great day of music and help a good cause at the same time. A line-up of local bands and artists will be taking the stage at the third Rock Against Leukaemia event at the Black Horse, in aid of Children with Cancer. Acts taking part include Lost Revelation, Elysium Sky, Fisti Kuffs, The Monroe Connection, Kadynski, Beautiful Dangerous, Faith in Physics, Manic Blackout, 3 Foot High and Serena Grant. The event runs from noon to midnight. There will also be a raffle with prizes including a Virgin balloon ride for 22.

Funky Voices at a 2017 charity concert for St Peter's on the Waterfront in Ipswich. Picture: FUNKY VOICES (Image: Funky Voices)

Funky Voices Charity Concert, St Peter’s by the Waterfront, August 4

St Peter’s in Ipswich is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a community arts and heritage centre. To mark the occasion, community choir Funky Voices will be performing at a charity concert on Saturday, raising funds for more events at St Peter’s. Choir members will be performing their own versions of songs by artists ranging from Stevie Wonder to Spandau Ballet and Jessie J. The concert runs from 8-9.30pm. To book, visit the St Peter’s by the Waterfront website. Children get in free.

JS and The Lockerbillies will be at BeachFest in Felixstowe. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

BeachFest - Music and Food Festival, Manning’s Amusements, Felixstowe, August 4

If you’re looking for a fun day out at the seaside, this live music event should fit the bill. Acts taking part include JS and the Lockerbillies, Motherfvnker, Impilo, Serena Grant, The Craze, Roma’s World and Purplestar Karaoke, and there will also be 80s and Summer of Love DJ sets. Funfair rides and street food are also on the menu. The event runs from 1 to 10.30pm, with free admission.

Abba tribute show Thank You for the Music is at the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe on Saturday. Picture: THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC (Image: Archant)

Thank You for the Music, Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe, August 4

Abba fever is definitely back at the moment, with the release of the eaagerly-awaited Mamma Mia sequel. Now you can see a band billed as the ultimate Abba tribute live on stage at the Spa, in a show with a strong party flavour. Rock to the retro sounds of all the hits, from Dancing Queen to Super Trouper,  Waterloo, Knowing Me Knowing You, Gimme Gimme Gimme and many more. The show starts at 7.30pm.