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Tonight: Free spoken word event celebrates National Poetry Day

News

A free open mic night will mark National Poetry Day 2024 at The Steamboat Tavern in Ipswich this evening.

The big picture: National Poetry Day is an annual event celebrating poetry's power to unite people. To celebrate, SoapBox Spoken Word CIC, a newly formed organisation championing spoken word in the region, is hosting "Words & Verses," welcoming poets, comedians, rappers, and storytellers to share their work.

Words & Verses poster
Words & Verses posterSoapBox Spoken Word CIC

Key details:

  • The event runs from 7-10pm this evening at The Steamboat Tavern in Ipswich and is open to performers aged 18 and over.

  • It's free to attend and perform.

  • All styles and experience levels are welcome.

Why it matters: Open mic nights provide a platform for both new and established performers to hone their craft and connect with audiences.

How to participate:

The bottom line: With its open format and free admission, "Words & Verses" offers an accessible way for the Ipswich community to engage with poetry and spoken word performance. Head over and get involved.

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

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