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Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Blue badge holders offered drive-thru Christmas lights experience in Ipswich

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Blue badge holders will be able to view Ipswich's Christmas lights from their vehicles during a special drive-thru event on December 1.

Why it matters: The initiative makes the town's Christmas lights display accessible to those who might find it challenging to view them on foot through the pedestrianised town centre.

Christmas lights and performance outside the town hall in Ipswich
Christmas lights and performances in 2021Alamy

The big picture:

  • Free ticketed access will be available between 18:00 and 21:00.

  • Vehicles must follow a set route through the town centre.

  • A 5mph speed limit will be in force.

  • Early evening slots are already fully booked, but tickets remain available for the 19:30-20:30 time slot.

Details:

  • The route runs from Major's Corner, along Carr Street, Tavern Street and Westgate Street.

  • One ticket per vehicle is required.

  • Blue badges must be displayed on the front windscreen.

  • Vehicles will not be permitted to stop along the route.

Worth noting: The main Christmas lights switch-on event takes place on Sunday, November 17, between 16:00 and 19:30.

Christmas lights switch-on at The Cornhill

In the heart of Ipswich on the Cornhill, this year’s celebration promises to be bigger and brighter than ever, with a lineup of live entertainment for all the family to enjoy.

  • Christmas
  • 17 November
  • 16:00-19:30
Christmas lights and performance outside the town hall in Ipswich

The bottom line: You can book your tickets at https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-lights-blue-badge-drive-thru. But be quick, there's not many left.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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