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The Very Suffolk Christmas festival is coming to Ipswich town centre – here's what you need to know

A new Christmas festival celebrating Suffolk culture will take over Ipswich's Cornhill later this month, featuring local food, crafts and a tractor trail – all while raising money for mental health.

Why it matters: The event, organised by Ipswich Central, will showcase the best of Suffolk's county town while supporting Suffolk Mind, a local mental health charity, through voluntary donations at a time when mental health support is described as "more crucial than ever."

Lee Walker and Jon Neal in front of the Christmas tree on the Cornhill
Ipswich Central
A Very Suffolk Christmas will feature local food, crafts and a tractor trail

The details: The "A Very Suffolk Christmas" celebration runs from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday 14 December.

  • Event features local food producers, artisan crafts and performances by Suffolk musicians

  • Free activities include wreath-making workshops and a Letters to Santa station

  • Tractor trail around town celebrates county's rural heritage

  • All performers are donating their time to support Suffolk Mind

What they're saying: "Ipswich is proud to be Suffolk's County town, and this event is about celebrating everything that makes the town great," says Lee Walker, CEO of organisers Ipswich Central.

Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind, adds: "Events like 'A Very Suffolk Christmas' foster a sense of connection and community, paramount to mental well-being – especially during the colder, darker winter months when many feel isolated."

A Very Suffolk Christmas

Celebrate everything that makes Suffolk special at this festive town centre event that puts our county's culture, heritage and community spirit centre stage.

  • Christmas
  • 14 December
  • 12:00-18:00
Lee Walker and Jon Neal in front of the Christmas tree on the Cornhill

The bottom line: Instead of charging for activities, visitors will be encouraged to support Suffolk Mind through QR code donations displayed around the event.

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ICS, Start, Build & Grow and PLMR Genesis

The ICS team outside their offices in Henley, just outside Ipswich

ICS

Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
Start, Build & Grow logo

Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?

If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.
The PLMR Genesis team

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PLMR Genesis is a full-service PR and digital marketing agency based in Ipswich. The team is the East of England flagship for PLMR.
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ICS, Start, Build & Grow and PLMR Genesis

The ICS team outside their offices in Henley, just outside Ipswich

ICS

Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
Start, Build & Grow logo

Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?

If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.
The PLMR Genesis team

PLMR Genesis

PLMR Genesis is a full-service PR and digital marketing agency based in Ipswich. The team is the East of England flagship for PLMR.
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