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.

First Christmas market in The Walk hailed a success by traders and shoppers

News
Attwells logo

Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Twenty local traders transformed one of Ipswich's most historic thoroughfares on Sunday, as The Walk's first Christmas market kicked off this year's festive shopping.

The big picture: Thousands of shoppers crammed into the quaint, historic thoroughfare as twenty local traders came together to create a new festive shopping experience in The Walk yesterday, Sunday, 01 December.

The details:

  • Offerings included craft beer, preserves, fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts

  • Traders set up stalls outside and in vacant buildings along The Walk

  • The event coincided with the Artisan food market on the Cornhill

The Walk Christmas Market in pictures

Filling the void: The market was set up after Ipswich lost its traditional Saints Christmas Market, which was cancelled several weeks earlier due to Ipswich Town's Premier League fixture against Manchester United on 24 November. The cancellation had left a gap in the town's festive calendar, with road closure permits already obtained and stall holders booked before the announcement.

Behind the initiative: The market was organised by Will and Jenny, owners of Threads for All, who opened their independent fashion and homeware store in The Walk in late summer 2024. Their shop specialises in gender-neutral and unisex fashion alongside accessories and homeware.

Artisan Market on The Cornhill, 2024
The event coincided with the Artisan Market on The Cornhill, creating a broader shopping experience for visitors to the town centre.Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The bottom line: By bringing together independent traders, the Christmas market successfully showcased The Walk's potential as a retail destination for shoppers seeking unique, locally sourced products.

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

Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

News
Attwells logo

Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

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