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Sisters choose performing arts school over Taylor Swift concert after brain tumour battle

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Two Ipswich sisters have shown extraordinary dedication to their performing arts school by giving up Taylor Swift concert tickets to appear in their annual show, with younger sister Alice fulfilling her goal despite battling a brain tumour.

Why it matters: For Alice, performing in the show represented a personal goal she set herself after receiving her brain tumour diagnosis, making this year's performance especially significant.

The big picture: Both sisters have attended Stagecoach Performing Arts Ipswich for eight years, joining 70 other students in this year's annual performance.

Rebecca and Alice at Stage Coach Ipswich
Rebecca and little sister Alice before the Stagecoach Summer show performanceStagecoach

A family's journey: Their mum Alex has seen firsthand what the stage school means to her daughters.

"Stagecoach has literally kept my girls going over the last three and a half years," she said. "It's something safe, and certain, in a world which can sometimes feel anything but for Rebecca and Alice."

What drives them: While Alice sometimes finds social settings challenging since her diagnosis, she remains determined to perform. Meanwhile, Rebecca says the school has helped her stay connected with friends and manage everyday worries.

Their principal Sarah has watched both sisters develop over the years: "Having seen Rebecca and Alice grow in our school over the last eight years, I can see first hand how performing arts has made a huge difference to their lives, including through the recent very difficult times."

Alice at Stagecoach Ipswich with her classmates
Alice at Stagecoach Ipswich with her classmatesStagecoach

The bottom line: While Taylor Swift plays to packed arenas worldwide, for these Ipswich sisters the real spotlight shines on the stage they call home. Visit https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/ipswich for more information about Stagecoach.

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

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Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

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Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.

Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central  in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.

The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.

Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucher
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central

What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.

By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.

The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.

"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.

To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.

Adam Littler sitting in a cafe
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler

What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.

The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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