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Easter egg trails and Anglo Saxon activities planned at Christchurch Mansion this half term

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Families can enjoy a range of activities at the historic Ipswich venue during the Easter holidays alongside new art exhibitions.

Why it matters: Christchurch Mansion is opening its doors with a packed spring programme, combining cultural exhibits with family-friendly activities while introducing new seasonal opening hours.

Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich
Christchurch Mansion in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The historic venue will be available for private functions every day from 21 April, alongside its regular public opening hours which vary seasonally.

  • Free entry to the mansion (except during special events)

  • Spring/summer hours (March-October): Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays 10am-5pm; Sundays 11am-5pm

  • Autumn/winter hours (November-February): Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays 10am-4pm; Sundays 11am-4pm

What's happening: The Easter holiday programme includes:

  • Woolly's Egg Trail running 5-20 April

  • Artistic Egg Decorating on 8 April

  • Anglo Saxon Clay Pot Making on 9 April

  • Anglo Saxon Discovery Day also on 9 April

What's next: After the current "An Eye For Life: Photography by John Ferguson" exhibition ends on 27 April, a new family-focused exhibition called "Colour Shape and Pattern" will run from 24 May 2025 until 22 February 2026 in the Wolsey Art Gallery.

Beyond art: A Wedding Fayre on 4 May will showcase the mansion as a venue for special occasions, with couples able to explore the Lower Tudor Room ceremony space and The Great Hall reception area.

What they're saying: Councillor Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Planning and Museums, said: "Christchurch Mansion is a vital asset to Ipswich, rich in history and a cherished part of our cultural heritage. With so much planned over the coming months, I would encourage everyone to visit and enjoy this beautiful building and appreciate its significance."

The bottom line: Christchurch Mansion offers both cultural enrichment through its exhibitions and practical entertainment for families during school holidays, all housed within one of Ipswich's most historically significant buildings.

You can find out more here.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

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Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

St Stephens Church, The Baths and The Smokehouse in Ipswich

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

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