Ipswich Borough Council is getting ready for the first Ipswich Weekender of 2024 with a packed weekend of events set to take over Ipswich Town Centre from 22 – 24 March.
Coinciding with the official start of spring, the Ipswich Weekender brings together a diverse range of events for people of all ages, living and visiting Ipswich.
The weekend events fall into three main themes with different events to complement each; music and entertainment, climate change awareness and Arts and crafts - so come along as there’s something for everybody.
Live music and entertainment
On Saturday 23 March, the Busking Showcase will feature musicians who were invited to apply for busking spots across the town centre.
During the day musicians will be showcasing their talents and following in the footsteps of Ed Sheeran to captivate crowds in Ipswich.
Performances will also be taking place in Sailmakers on Saturday 23 March from 12 noon to 3pm where an acoustic set featuring BearFootSoul, Matt White as well as up-and-coming singers and songwriters, will be joining in with an open mic session.
Words & Verses, Ipswich's longest running and only dedicated spoken word open mic event, will be having a Soap Box event at St Stephen’s Church on Saturday 23 March from 12pm – 3pm. Hosted by Amy Wragg from GetontheSoapBox, audiences can enjoy poetry, prose, rap, storytelling, comedy and more, with sets lasting from 5 – 10 minutes each. Performers can sign up in advance by emailing: amy@getonthesoapbox.co.uk or can turn up on the day.
Pubs in the town centre will also be taking part in the Ipswich Weekender. The Black Horse will be hosting Busking Showcase entertainment on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March from 12 noon to 9pm where there will be plenty of music acts covering a wide range of genres, as well as offering street food.
Three Wise Monkeys will be hosting three local DJs on Saturday 23 March who will be specialising in Funk, Soulful House, R&B, Nu Garage, and Disco and will play back-to-back from 8pm – 12 Midnight.
The Spread Eagle will also have live music from 7pm on Saturday 23 March, with free entry to adults 18+.
Climate change awareness
Eko the Sea Giant, a giant 13-feet puppet, will be performing as part of Autin Dance Theatre’s sensational outdoor show Out of the Deep Blue on the Cornhill on Saturday 23 March.
Through puppeteering, dance and movement, Out of the Deep Blue explores the themes of the climate emergency and transports audiences to a different world. Find out more at: www.visitsuffolk.com/event/eko-the-sea-giant
The Deben Climate Centre, a non-profit charity will be moving into Ancient House during the Ipswich Weekender and will be open for three weeks to increase public awareness of climate change and to encourage involvement in local projects.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can learn more about what they can do by exploring their collection of themed rooms, as well as getting involved in workshops, enjoying live music and entertainment.
Arts and crafts events
For craft lovers and families, there will be a number of free events happening across the town centre.
Children of all ages can party with princesses on the Cornhill on Sunday 24 March from 11am to 3pm. Organised by Lucy’s Princess Parties, this event promises singing, storytelling, and games.
The Buttermarket will be hosting a craft event with Butterbear at their Bear Club on Saturday 23 March from 11am to 3pm. Family and friends will get to meet Butterbear, enjoy free crafting activities and enjoy face painting.
Pennikkity Pots are running a free family ceramic egg cup painting event on Friday 22 March from 5 – 6pm. Egg cups will be glazed and ready to collect on Good Friday along with a chocolate surprise. There will also be an adults only ceramic painting event from 7 – 8.30pm. The café will be open throughout the evening and will service a range of hot and cold drinks, cakes, and savoury snacks. To book, contact Pennikkity Pots at: www.pennikkitypots.co.uk
On Sunday 24 March, Community Hub Ipswich (CHIp) will be celebrating their 2nd birthday with an all-day craft and art drop in event from 11am to 4pm. Throughout the day people of all ages and abilities can join in with practical craft and art workshops as well as enjoying birthday cake with tea and coffee.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council Leader, says:
“We’re looking forward to another year of new and exciting events happening in Ipswich for our Ipswich Weekenders.
We received fantastic feedback from events last year, so we’re looking forward to our first Weekender of 2024 which includes a diverse range of events for everyone as well as celebrating the variety of music, entertainment, and talent right here in Ipswich.
We’re proud to be offering this collection of events for free with the aim of encouraging more people into the town and helping to enhance the visitor and community experience for everyone.”
