Skip to main contentEnter
Attwells logo

Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Award-winning authors headline Suffolk's DiscoveReads book festival

News
Attwells logo

Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Six acclaimed writers, including bestselling H Is for Hawk author Helen Macdonald, will speak at Ipswich's The Hold during a two-day literary event in May.

Why it matters: The festival brings together renowned authors whose works span historical fiction, memoir, science fiction and social justice – offering local readers the chance to engage directly with writers of Suffolk Libraries' specially selected DiscoveReads books for 2025.

The Hold in Ipswich
The Hold in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The big picture: Suffolk Libraries has partnered with Suffolk Archives and the University of Suffolk to deliver the expanded programme at The Hold on Ipswich's Waterfront, featuring author talks, workshops, archive exhibitions and behind-the-scenes tours.

By the numbers:

  • Six featured authors

  • Two days of events (24-25 May)

  • Six recommended DiscoveReads books

  • £3 early bird tickets available until 1 May (rising to £5 after)

The details: The festival will feature five of the six DiscoveReads authors speaking at The Hold:

  • Syd Moore (The Grand Illusion)

  • Helen Macdonald and Sin Blaché (Prophet)

  • Jyoti Patel (The Things That We Lost)

  • Amelia Gentleman (The Windrush Betrayal)

  • Elizabeth Freemantle (Disobedient)

Additional activities include writing workshops on historical fiction led by Dr Amanda Hodgkinson from the University of Suffolk, and archive rummages exploring topics from Windrush communities to UFOs, witches and 'disobedient' women.

What they're saying: Lisa Brennan, Literary Events Lead at Suffolk Libraries, said: "Our annual DiscoveReads book promotion begins in April where we will be highlighting six recommended titles by six brilliant authors. We are delighted that each author is also taking part in an author event as part of the promotion which includes an amazing two-day book festival which is taking place at The Hold in Ipswich. It will be a fantastic opportunity for readers to meet the authors of the books and ask their questions."

What's next: Following the festival, a free online event with author Jill Dawson, discussing her book The Bewitching, will take place on 4 June.

The bottom line: Between April and June, the six DiscoveReads books will be displayed at Ipswich County, Felixstowe, Woodbridge and Needham Market libraries, but can be borrowed from any Suffolk library.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

Today's supporter

Attwells Solicitors

An award-winning local law firm. Attwells is rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors and holds an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Speak with us

Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

News
Attwells logo

Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.

Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central  in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.

The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.

Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucher
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central

What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.

By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.

The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.

"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.

To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.

Adam Littler sitting in a cafe
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler

What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.

The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Load next article