There are three festivals to choose from in the Ipswich and Felixstowe areas this weekend, as well as many other fun events.
Jimmy’s Festival, Jimmy’s Farm, Wherstead, July 21-22
The popular family-friendly festival is back this weekend, with music, food and lots of entertainment for all ages. Acts on the main stage include Paul Young, The Happy Mondays, Rats, The Bluetones, Marsicans, Longey & The Gospel Trash, Ashfields, MINT, Rory Hope and Tom Lumley. As well as the musicians, children’s favourites Dick & Dom will take to the main stage on the Sunday. Woodforde’s Kitchen will also host a line-up of celebrity guest chefs led by TV presenter and chef Joe Hurd, while the farm’s owner, TV presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty, is gearing up for the festival’s sausage-eating competition. For more details and to book, visit the festival website.
IpSwing Festival, Trinity Park, July 20-22
This new festival of vintage music and dance is taking place in a well-drained field at the Trinity Park site this weekend, from Friday evening onwards. It will feature jazz, swing, blues, soul music and dance, spanning a period from the 1930s through to the 60s. There will also be the chance to try swing, jive and lindy hop dancing. Acts set to appear include The Spitfire Sisters, Katie’s Crooked Swing Band, Tessa and the Applejacks, Down for the Count and Lisa Day. This is a charity event in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund and Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue. For more information, visit the website.
Felixstowe Musical Theatre Mini Musicality, Trimley Memorial Hall, July 20-21
If you love songs from the musicals, you’ll enjoy this show by the talented junior members of FMT, with ages ranging from five to 13. Some of the more senior members are also taking part to support them. The show will feature songs from shows including Bugsy Malone, Hans Christian Andersen, Barnum, Blitz and Les Miserables, as well as songs like Summer Holiday and Yellow Submarine. There are performances at 7.30pm on both nights and a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday. For tickets, call 01394 273274 or 07881 820923.
KidzFest, Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park, July 21-22
Returning this weekend for its second year, this fun festival is full of entertainment for youngsters. Superheroes, princesses and mascots all feature, as well as dinosaur encounter, bouncy castles, a clown circus workshop, a puppet show and magician. Pony rides, a petting zoo, fairground rides and facepainting are among the other attractions. There will also be themed entertainment including an anti-gravity show, superhero trampolining and an appearance by world champion football freestyler Liv Cooke. Both days start at 11am. This is a ticket-only event. To book, visit the website.
Summer Reading Challenge Events, Chantry Library, Ipswich County Library and Kesgrave Library, July 21-22
As the summer holidays approach, it’s time for children to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge. There are special events at libraries this weekend to mark the launch. At Chantry Library on Saturday, there will be fun all day on this year’s Mischief Makers theme, including Dennis the Menace and Gnasher-themed games. Also on Saturday, Ipswich County Library has puppet shows with JJ Puppets at 2pm and 3pm, featuring Captain Fun - tickets for the puppet shows need to be bought in advance from the library. Kesgrave Library has a Paw Patrol party from 10am to 12 noon on Sunday. The challenge will also be running across all Suffolk libraries. For more details, visit the libraries website.
Sons of Joy, The Smokehouse, Ipswich, July 21
Folk music with a difference takes centre stage as Sons of Joy return to Ipswich on 21 July to play their first UK show this year. The duo will perform at the Smokehouse in South Street to promote their new album Death & Glory, released this week by Ipswich-based Antigen Records. There will be support from Nathaniel Robin Mann (of Dead Rat Orchestra) and Essex-based guitarist Nick Castell. For more details, visit the website.
Bravo - Stars of the Stage, Ipswich Regent, July 22
Dancers aged from six to 21 will perform a range of energetic routines at this show, celebrating music, dance and creativity. A range of different styles will be showcased during the performance, organised by Bravo Theatre Productions, which starts at 6.30pm. For more details and to book, visit the Regent website.
Brass on the Grass, Christchurch Park, July 22
If you love brass band music, there’s another free concert to enjoy this weekend. The event will feature Castleton Brass, based in Stoke Ash near Eye. The concert runs from 2.30 to 4.30pm, and will take place in the Upper Arboretum near the Henley Road entrance.
Great British Tennis Weekend, Acton Road, Bramford, July 21
Feeling inspired after watching Wimbledon? You can take part in free tennis activities at the playing fields in Bramford, organised by Bramford Tennis Club. There will be fun competitions and the chance to take on a ball machine, as well as meeting the coach. Modified balls and rackets will be provided for younger players. The day runs from 2-4pm. For more details, see the website.
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