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Community invited to be part of historic Ipswich Minster countdown

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Attwells Solicitors

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Schools, businesses and community groups are coming together to create a spectacular Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary-le-Tower Church, as it prepares for its historic designation as Ipswich Minster.

Why it matters: The festival marks the beginning of celebrations leading up to a significant moment in the town centre church's history on 19 January 2025, when it becomes Ipswich Minster.

The big picture: More than 100 Christmas trees will fill the church from 29 November to 8 December, each decorated by different members of the local community to tell unique stories of hope and joy.

St Mary-le-Tower Church
More than 100 Christmas trees will fill St Mary-le-Tower ChurchSt Mary-le-Tower Church

What's happening:

  • Live music performances from local choirs and musicians

  • Seasonal refreshments available

  • Children's activity corner

  • Craft fair featuring local gifts

  • Proceeds support the church's community programmes

Reverend Tom Mumford, Vicar of St Mary-le-Tower, said: "This year's Christmas Tree Festival is particularly special as we prepare for the church's designation as Ipswich Minster. It's an opportunity to come together as a community, celebrate the season, and reflect on the church's growing role as a spiritual and cultural beacon for the town."

Two police officers show off their Christmas tree
PC Butler and PCSO Pennock attended St Mary Le Tower Church and set up the Ipswich Police Christmas treeSuffolk Constabulary

What's next: The Church of England will officially designate St Mary-le-Tower as Ipswich Minster in January, recognising its importance and contribution to the local community.

Bottom line: The Christmas Tree Festival offers local residents a chance to be part of a historic moment for Ipswich, while celebrating the festive season as a community.

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

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Hays Travel confirmed as new tenant for former GAME store on Tavern Street

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Attwells Solicitors

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Hays Travel is moving a few doors down the road into the vacant former GAME unit on Tavern Street, with the interior fit-out already underway.

The big picture: The store has been empty since March 2022, when GAME relocated to the Sports Direct building on Carr Street ahead of its permanent move to the former BHS building in Butter Market along with other Frasers Group brands.

The former GAME unit on Tavern Street in Ipswich
Hays are moving into the former GAME unit on Tavern StreetOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details:

  • Hays Travel will be relocating a very short distance from its current location at 36 Tavern Street into the former GAME premises

  • Fitting out work is already in full swing at the new location

  • The former GAME store closed in March 2022 and has been vacant since

  • In April 2024, the building's owner applied to convert the upper floors into three new flats

What's next: It remains unclear whether Hays Travel will occupy all three floors or just the ground-floor retail space and whether plans to convert the upper levels into residential units will proceed.

Hays Travel at 36 Tavern Street in Ipswich
Hays currently operate just a few doors down the road at 36 Tavern StreetOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The bottom line: After standing empty for over two years, the former GAME store will soon welcome customers again. Meanwhile, a few seconds down the road, 36 Tavern Street will seek a new tenant.

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.

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