After more or less two years of staying away from one another, we are now being encouraged to rediscover the art of enjoyment... and the Festival of Suffolk is here to help
The question is, how do people regain their confidence after a deadly pandemic? One of the answers is to take part in the Festival of Suffolk. The idea for the festival came from the county’s Lord Lieutenant, Clare, Countess of Euston and, together with Deputy Lieutenant and Festival chairman Mark Pendlington and the support of the team at Suffolk Community Foundation, leaders from the public and voluntary sectors, and businesses from every corner of the County, the seed of an idea was cultivated, nurtured and grew… and grew and grew.
What is it exactly? It is everything about Suffolk we already love, plus community events created for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, plus spectacular projects and headline events forming a summer-long festival. There is so much to do in 2022. It is designed to bring Suffolk people out of their traditional reserve and reluctance to make a fuss about things and to become part of a wider celebration of the county… and to make a healthy song and dance about it!
Lady Clare reflects on the enormous scope and complexity of the behind-the-scenes planning process. “Mark (Pendlington) and our small core festival team based at Suffolk Community Foundation have been like genies spinning plates," she says. “We all have our special reasons for loving Suffolk. A lot of us know that behind the postcard views of the county there are some unpalatable truths – there is deprivation and there are pockets of serious poverty in our towns and villages. This festival will scoop up everything and everyone with adrenaline and happiness, and just to make us all feel supported and encouraged to pick ourselves up and head for an optimistic future."
Indeed, Lady Clare hopes everyone will be swept up in the excitement. “The festival has such momentum behind it. We will leave a legacy (built on) the good neighbourliness of Suffolk that exists in our towns and villages. I remember my father setting off from the Scottish borders to attend the Festival of Britain – he saw some funny inventions … like Formica.” From the creativity of the 50s, through to other momentous events of the post-war years. “Neil Armstrong landed on the moon; Concorde; The Beatles – such great inspirations. We now (in 2022) have this wonderful feeling of co-operation when we need it most. There’s no one you couldn’t ring up and say ‘help’.
“We don’t show off as a county," says Lady Clare… adding that, despite this tendency, we have much to show off about. “One of the things I love doing as Lord Lieutenant is the Queen’s Award for Enterprise…people creating breakthroughs in nuclear science from a barn on a rural business park, for instance.” Mark Pendlington says the whole idea of the Festival of Suffolk has been Lady Clare’s inspiration. “It was born during the COVID crisis - which I know hasn’t completely ended. It was born of the idea of ‘recharging, resetting and recovering’.
“I believe we have a mood and a moment. We have been consulting hundreds of organisations and thousands of people and no one has said the festival is a bad idea. We didn’t want it to be a thing a small group of people created and owned. The whole programme is born of the ideas that we were lucky enough to have from communities and people throughout Suffolk. It must be a festival for everyone. Some aspect of the festival is either for you or created by you.
"The other key principle is that the festival must have a legacy, the ‘so what’ moment. We will have had a good party, but what will the festival actually have achieved? We’re looking at a flourishing environment; strengthening community spirit and volunteering; boosting people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing, boosting aspiration and creating opportunities, especially for young people - who don’t have to leave the county to do well for themselves.
“All the events are folded around that. The core communications hub is a very small group, but each of our headline events has its own project team supported by hundreds of volunteers. Suffolk is full of people doing remarkable things and this is a showcase – putting a spotlight on talent and creativity.” Lady Clare says: “We are the Spirit of Suffolk. I recall that quote from the Duke of Wellington. ‘If you want to take an impossible enemy position you use the Highlanders; if you want to hold on to the position you use the Suffolks’. We don’t let go. Everyone has their shoulders to the wheel and we won’t let go until it’s been a huge success.”
“We can all be part of the Festival of Suffolk – it is for everyone,” says Mark. "We start off with the torch relay in mid May – the torchbearers are local heroes, covering a 550-mile route through over 250 communities, carried by a team of rickshaws.” What is Lady Clare particularly looking forward to in this all-embracing festival? “There are so many different, glorious things, from the launch of the relay, the Festival of the Sea, Newmarket Race Day, The Youth Games." Aldeburgh Book Shop is compiling A New Suffolk Garland 2022, a new take on A Suffolk Garland 1961 which features pictures and words from the county’s writers and visual artists. HM The Queen will receive the first copy with all secondary schools and libraries in Suffolk also receiving a free copy. The profits from sales of the books go to the festival’s Legacy Fund at Suffolk Community Foundation.
"People from outside Suffolk might we're a bit crazy to have planned so much,” laughs Lady Clare. But it’s all systems go. “I have been in the privileged position of seeing people’s excitement when they plan these events," says Mark. "I can’t wait to get out there and attend these occasions. The business expos; Let’s Rock – our huge internationally star studded festival finale concert on September 10. The way people are planting trees and hedgerows, including the Jubilee Avenue on the Suffolk showground. And, as well as the showpieces there are also quiet celebrations that are redolent of Suffolk.”
“This is the right place,” adds Lady Clare. We were the only county brave enough to plant a tree for every person that lives here.” Mark reveals that this means 780,000 new trees and hedgerows…at least. But Lady Clare reminds us that it is not just about grand gestures. “There are schools where children are going to take posies of flowers to local residents and opportunities for people of all ages to try new things, visit new places and attend many free events for all the family and in every corner of Suffolk. It’s uplifting.”
READ: A summer of celebration - arts events throughout Suffolk
The scale and scope of the Festival of Suffolk are breathtaking. It involves young children in schools, businesses, churches and interfaith communities, sports, music and so many more organisations and groups. “People have been so generous with their time and energy. The festival is truly created by, with and for the people of Suffolk,” says Lady Clare.
At Suffolk Community Foundation, Tim Holder is leading the festival communications hub and explains that the project has been nearly three years in the making. “The whole thing has kept its momentum throughout, we embraced new technology like ‘Zoom’ early on because it offered us a new way to communicate, keep going and build something of this size – regardless of Covid. We have considered the positive and lasting impact that the festival can deliver in every step we’ve taken together, but there is also a huge benefit to us all by simply stepping out from our bunkers to enjoy life again.”
“As well as headline events created especially for the festival, events that have had to be mothballed for a year or two have been included to reinvigorate their presence in the county. “There’s been a surge of community spirit due to the pandemic – kindnesses such as checking on our neighbours, getting to know them, providing practical help like shopping, collecting prescriptions etc. One of the effects is that people have more of a sense of community. We need to keep hold of all that positivity for the future.”
Before lockdown, recalls Tim, life had built up to such an unsustainable speed, lockdown made people reassess and fasten upon, for example, the importance of family life. "The pandemic was a rare occasion when we were all, to some degree, in the same boat. We need to continue to be mindful of people’s suffering, but also give every bit of energy we have to get joy back into our daily lives. Suffolk was a brilliant place before the pandemic. It has shown how much it cares during the pandemic and will come back from this stronger than ever.”
The Festival of Suffolk gives people an opportunity to celebrate their Suffolk and, along the way, there are chances to provide opportunities to support Suffolk people and raise money for local causes and projects. Come out and celebrate the local heroes taking part in the 550-mile Festival of Suffolk Torch Relay. Take a trip to Newmarket and enjoy The Festival of Suffolk Race Day – proceeds will support the Festival Legacy Fund and help to establish a new Children’s Hospital for East Anglia. Join Adam Ant, Nick Kershaw, Howard Jones, OMD, Heather Small, Heaven 17, ABC, Go West, Toyah and a host of 80s icons at the spectacular ‘Let’s Rock’ Festival of Suffolk Finale on September 10 at Trinity Park.
“It’s fantastic to work with people on things that are fun," says Tim. "I just feel that it’s a good thing for the county to have and do. Everyone can take part and we can all celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It is going to be fantastic.”
Festival of Suffolk events at festivalofsuffolk.org
As Her Majesty celebrates her record-breaking reign we have delved into our archives to create a tribute to her life and 70 years of service. Filled with photos and history, Our Queen's Platinum Reign is a magazine we hope readers will treasure for years to come. This special souvenir is available to preorder with £2 off the £9.99 cover price. To find out more, go online to gblshop.co.uk/jubilee
What's happening...
ALL YEAR
The Queen’s Green Canopy in Suffolk
Help plant over 775,000 trees in Suffolk – one for every citizen. Advice on tree planting and information at suffolk-lieutenancy.org.uk/queens-green-canopy
UNTIL JUNE 30
Suffolk Libraries ‘My Suffolk Story’ Children’s Writing Competition
suffolklibraries.co.uk/my-suffolk-story
JUNE 1
Torch Relay
Arrives at the Suffolk Show, Trinity Park, Ipswich, for Jubilee Pageant, 4pm
MAY 15 – JUNE 4
Bungay Garden Market, Earsham Street Bungay. Plant nurseries and growers, gifts, garden antiques, food and drink stalls, music.
MAY 23 - 28
The Gallery Players - Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, The Gallery Studio Theatre, Ipswich gallerystudiotheatre.co.uk/book-tickets, 0333 666 3366
MAY 28 – JUNE 5
Haughley Village Jubilee Celebrations, Haughley
MAY 28
Funky Voices Choir - Live in Concert
7pm – 9pm, St Peters by the Waterfront, Ipswich
funkyvoices.co.uk/events
MAY 28
Into the Light
7.30pm, Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra celebrating 1000 years of the Abbey of St Edmund and Suffolk Philharmonic’s 10th Anniversary. whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk or call 01284 758000.
MAY 31 – JUNE 1
The Suffolk Show
Trinity Park, Ipswich
A celebration of all that is special about Suffolk: Suffolk the Platinum Years area and new Jubilee Avenue and Festival Pageant. Book tickets via the website: suffolkshow.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets
JUNE 1
Schools do Shakespeare: ‘Put on my crown’
5pm- 8pm, Southwold Arts Centre, Southwold. southwoldartscentre.co.uk
JUNE 1
Book launch premiere! Queen Elizabeth II for Dummies, by Stewart Ross
7.30pm, Southwold Arts Centre, Southwold. southwoldartscentre.co.uk
JUNE 2 - 4
Bungay Community Events
Free events to bring together the community.
JUN 2 – 5
Sudbury Town Council Community Events
Public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection sudburytowncouncil.co.uk/jubilee
JUNE 2 - 5
Jubilee Carnival weekend - Felixstowe Carnival
Supported by Felixstowe Town Council
A weekend of music, celebration and parades.
JUNE 2
Newmarket Beacon Lighting Ceremony
2pm- 10pm, The Severals,Newmarket
JUNE 2 – 4
Red Rooster Festival
Euston Hall, Euston
The best in Cajun, Soul, Rock n Roll, Blues, Roots and Country redrooster.org.uk
JUNE 2 - 3
Clopton Beacon Lighting
7.30pm, Clopton Village
Live music, village fete, traditional stalls, games & entertainment.
JUNE 2
Beacon Lighting across Suffolk
9.15pm - 11pm
Lord Lieutenant Lady Clare Euston lighst the first one in Suffolk at a special party event in Lowestoft. Nearly 100 beacons are planned to be lit at open air events across Suffolk.
JUNE 3
Woodbridge Jubilation Fun Day
12pm – 5.30pm
Woodbridge
JUNE 3
Newmarket Jubilee Parade & Fun Day
1pm – 8pm
High StreetNewmarket
JUNE 3 – 26
Aldeburgh Music Festival
Snape Maltings, Snape
brittenpearsarts.org/whats-on/category/aldeburgh-festival
JUNE 4 - 5
Suffolk’s Jubilee parkrun
Join a Suffolk parkrun near you as a special celebration of The Queens Platinum Jubilee.
Visit the website to register: parkrun.org.uk/register/
JUNE 4
‘Best of British’ Show
6.30pm
Thorington Theatre, Thorington
Internationally-renowned coloratura soprano Christina Johnston, and an ensemble of classical musicians thoringtontheatre.co.uk
JUNE 5
Jubilee Afternoon Tea Street Party
2pm-4pm, Palace Street Newmarket
Traditional sports day races for children - egg and spoon, sack race, space hopper race, three-legged race, and a tug of war, Punch and Judy, and the Wagon of Dreams. Free event.
JUNE 5
Wrentham Jubilee BBQ
3pm-6pm
Wrentham Village Hall, Wrentham
JUNE 10
A Festival of Royal Music
6.30pm- 9.30pm, St Mary le Tower Church, Ipswich
The choirs of St Mary le Tower, Tower Chamber Choir and Tower Symphonia performing popular and uplifting royal music. eventbrite.com/e/a-festival-of-royal-music-tickets-290328770167
JUNE 11
Field Funday
11am- 3pm, Lindbergh Road, Ipswich
Family and community event. eventbrite.co.uk/e/field-funday-tickets-302632470867
JUNE 11-26
Aldeburgh Studio Trail
Aldeburgh
Visit studios and meet Suffolk artists, see their Jubilee themed works. 11am – 5pm, weekends June 11/12, 18/19, 25/26. Aldeburghstudiotrail.co.uk.
JUNE 11-12
RHS Festival of The Sea
Holbrook
Royal Navy Field Gun display, RNLI Harwich, Motley Crew Sea Shanties, Regatta, Royal Navy Parachute Team, Holbrook Coastguard, HMS Ganges Museum, 815 Naval Air Squadron & Marching Bands. royalhospitalschool.org
JUNE 11
ORA Singers at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds
3pm, choral works written during both Elizabethan periods. brittenpearsarts.org or 01728 687110
JUNE 12
Suffolk Jubilee Service
11am-12.30pm
St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds
JUNE 17-19
Festival of The Sea
Suffolk and Essex combine to celebrate the spectacular east coast. information and how to take part in the flotilla at festivalofsuffolk.org/festival-of-the-sea.
JUNE 20 – JULY 8
Suffolk Business Expo
Ipswich, and locations across Suffolk
Spotlight on key sectors of our economy to inspire everyone about great jobs, careers and opportunities. Technology, finance, energy, education, ports & logistics, facilities in management and health & fitness. guy.gibson@suffolk.gov.uk.
JUNE 21
Suffolk Day
On the longest day of the year, make a plan to enjoy the wonderful landscape, heritage, community groups, venues and organisations across Suffolk. Information and events at suffolkday.co.uk
JUNE 21
Blythburgh Station Open Day
10:30am – 4.30pm
Halesworth
See progress in the unearthing and restoration of this unique and historic 1879 narrow gauge station. With free tea and coffee, live steam models and films in the Village Hall.
JUNE 25 – JULY 2
Southwold Arts Festival
Southwold
Twenty six community events: concerts, talks, drama, local young musicians performing. Opens with a free street festival. southwoldartsfestival.co.uk
JUNE 25-26
Celebrating the New National Centre for Gainsborough
Gainsborough’s House, Sudbury
Open Days in Sudbury showcasing the architecture of the New National Centre for Gainsborough. Free tickets 01787 372958 or email arabella@gainsborough.org
JUNE 25-26
Felixstowe Book Festival
Felixstowe
Events relating to the monarchy in the stunning heritage building Harvest House, short story writing competition, Suffolk and the Sea events. felixstowebookfestival.co.uk
JUNE 26
Summer Soiree - Music Event
Ipswich School, Henley Road, Ipswich
Musical celebration performed by Ipswich School pupils.
JUNE 30-JULY 10
The Larks Flight over Suffolk Concert Tour
To celebrate 150th anniversary of the birth of Vaughan Williams, Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra tells the story of The Lark Ascending and its composer in music and words. Launching at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds then touring the county, with Tim Welton as Vaughan Williams. June 30, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds; July 1 Eye, Town Hall; July 3 Aldeburgh, Jubilee Hall; July 8 Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre, Suffolk Wildlife Trust; July 9 Felixstowe, St Andrew’s Church; July 10 Hadleigh Church. Tickets and times: suffolkphil.org.
JULY 2-3
Redlingfield Village Jubilee Celebrations
Redlingfield village, north Suffolk
Festival of Suffolk & Jubilee events on the Doorstep Green.
JULY 2
Global Rhythm and Ipswich Jazz Festival
1pm-7pm, Christchurch Park, Ipswich
A free entry music festival: jazz, blues, world and Caribbean music ipswichjazzfestival.org.uk/global
JULY 3
The Marenzio Singers Concert
3pm, Friston Church, Friston, nr Aldeburgh
Vocal quintet performing sacred and secular music ranging from the 16th century to the modern day.
JULY 9
Suffolk Community Games
9am-6pm
Bury St Edmunds Details at festivalofsuffolk.org
JULY 23
Party at the Palace
11am-3pm
National Horseracing Museum, Palace House, Newmarket
The Restoration period brought to life with a living history event. nhrm.co.uk/event/party-at-the-palace-2022
JULY 29- AUG 1
Westleton Wildflower Festival
St Peter’s Church, Westleton, nr Saxmundham
Celebration of rural community living.
JULY 31
Suffolk Dog Day
10am-6pm
Helmingham Hall, Helmingham nr Stowmarket
suffolkdogday.com
AUG 7
Wingfield Barns Summer Fete
12pm-4pm, Wingfield Barns, Wingfield
Traditional village fete with stalls, entertainment and games.
SEPT 4
One Big Multicultural Festival
12pm-6pm, Alexandra Park, Ipswich
A celebration of cultures through music, dance and food. Free event.
SEPT 10
Festival Finale - Let’s Rock!
12noon – 11pm, Trinity Park, Ipswich
Celebration of all things pop and `80s, with icons including Nik Kershaw. lr.gigantic.com/let-s-rock-ipswich-tickets/ipswich-trinity-park/2022-09-10-10-30
For the full list of Festival of Suffolk events and more information go to festivalofsuffolk.org
