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Premier League impact on Ipswich to be captured in year-long photo project

News

Ipswich Central is kicking off a new campaign to capture the economic and social benefits of Premier League football on local businesses and communities. The initiative will document the town's experience throughout Ipswich Town's 2024/25 top-flight season.

Why it matters: Through the project, Ipswich Central aims to showcase how Premier League status can boost our local economy and community spirit beyond match days.

A banner on the Corn Exchange reads "We share the glory, we've felt the pain, we're right behind you, we are back again"
A banner on the Corn Exchange reads, "We share the glory, we've felt the pain, we're right behind you, we are back again."Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk
Ipswich Town fans in 2022 holding a banner that reads "We shared the glory, we felt the pain, we're right behind you, we'll be back again""
The original banner shown in 2002Ipswich Central

The big picture: The campaign will combine professional photography, fan involvement, and economic analysis to create a comprehensive view of the Premier League's impact on Ipswich.

Key elements:

  • Renowned football culture photographer Adam Rosenbaum will capture portraits of local business workers, highlighting their perspectives on the Premier League's impact.

  • Fans can apply for disposable cameras to document their matchday experiences throughout the season.

  • A study by national experts will assess the economic impact of Ipswich's Premier League season.

  • The project will culminate in an end-of-season exhibition showcasing the best photography and economic findings.

What they're saying: Lee Walker, Ipswich Central CEO, said: "While the focus is obviously on the 90 minutes of action, the power of football extends far beyond the boundaries of the pitch with its benefits being felt across local communities."

He added: "We wanted to look at the impact of the Premier League returning to Ipswich in an authentic way that taps into football culture. We also wanted to create a platform to showcase and celebrate the local businesses that will welcome fans and help showcase our town to the world over the coming season."

How to get involved:

  • Businesses interested in participating should contact Ipswich Central.

  • Fans can share their stories and experiences on the All About Ipswich website and social media channels.

Background: Ipswich Central runs the All About Ipswich website and is the Business Improvement District (BID) for Ipswich town centre and its businesses.

What's next: More details about the campaign will be released throughout the season.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

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