A carnival, festivals and summer concerts are just some of the events to enjoy around Ipswich and Felixstowe this weekend.
Felixstowe Carnival, July 27-29
Get ready for music, entertainment, a funfair, fireworks and much more! The annual carnival arrives this weekend, starting off with the Friday Night Proms at the Beachside Events Area from 7pm, when the Essential Sounds Big Band will be joined by the Three Chordettes. On Saturday, the carnival procession will start from the top of Colneis Road into Beatrice Avenue. There will be a wide range of music on the main stage from 12 noon on both Saturday and Sunday, and the funfair will be on the Pier Bight car park in front of the Leisure Centre on both days. Food vendors, stalls and a craft fair will add to the attractions.
Chris Ramsey, Ipswich Regent, July 27
The latest top comedian to head for Ipswich is Chris Ramsey, who presents StandUp Central for the TV station Comedy Central, as well as his own Chris Ramsey Show. His Just Happy to Get Out of the House live tour arrives at the Regent on Friday. The show starts at 7.30pm and is suitable for ages 12 upwards. You can book via the Regent website.
Nearly Festival, Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park, July 28-29
A host of star names are on the bill for this festival - or nearly. A long list of top live tribute acts will take the stage, with Saturday’s bill including tributes to Bruno Bars, UB40, Black Eyed Peas, Prince, Elton John and James Brown. Then on Sunday you can see acts re-creating the sounds of Oasis, Bob Marley, Ed Sheeran, The Jam, Little Mix and Rihanna. Attractions include a free kids’ zone with a range of activities on offer, a street food market and a “pub in the park” licensed bar. The event runs from 12-9.30pm on Saturday and 12-8.30pm on Sunday.
Open Day, Blue Cross Suffolk Rehoming Centre, Wherstead, July 28
If you’re an animal-lover, this annual fundraising event, from 11am-4pm, offers the chance to support the Blue Cross centre, as well as enjoying live music stalls, stands and activities. The animal units will be open for viewing, while other attractions include facepainting, a raffle and tombola, hot food and catering stalls. The day is due to include a fun dog show, dog ability and dog scurry events, but organisers say they are reconsidering whether to hold these because of the hot weather, and will make a final decision on Friday. Check their Facebook page for the latest details.
Les Misérables, Corn Exchange, Ipswich, until July 28
The talented young actors of the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) are currently presenting the smash hit musical Les Mis, five years on from their previous acclaimed production of the same show. Based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo, the show tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean, who is hunted by ruthless policeman Javert. The famous songs include I Dreamed a Dream and One Day More. Performances are at 7.30pm each evening, and there is also a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday. You can book via the Regent website.
Suffolk Youth Music Summer Concert, Northgate Arts Centre, July 28
Up-and-coming musical talent takes centre stage at this weekend concert. Suffolk Young Strings will perform pieces ranging from Brahms and Gershwin to selections from the hit film La La Land. Suffolk Youth Wind Ensemble will also feature, with music including Ain’t Misbehavin’ by Lewin and Kalinka by Larionov. The concert starts at 7.30pm, and tickets can be booked in advance from Suffolk County Music Service, or you can buy them on the door on the night.
Suffolk Fun Festival, Easton Farm Park, near Woodbridge, July 28 and 29
This is the perfect weekend event for young families. You will be able to enjoy the music, watch entertainment, and of course see the animals. There will be creative play, great music, puppet shows, theatre, hovercraft rides, canoe rides, a climbing wall and lots more. Family tickets are available as well as camping tickets. For more information, visit the festival website.
Brass on the Grass, Christchurch Park, July 29
The season of free concerts in the open air continues this Sunday with a performance by the Ipswich Hospital Band in the Upper Arboretum. The concert runs from 2.30 to 4.30pm. There’s no need to book - just go along.
Museum Secrets: Stone Age Survival Kit, Ipswich Museum, July 29
This free drop-in event for families offers the chance to go behind the scenes of the town’s museums service. Museum apprentice Marta Williamson will be using artefacts from the museum displays to discuss everyday life in the Stone Age, and how people survived. The session runs from 2.15 to 3.15pm.
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