Find out what’s on in Suffolk. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, read our guide to the best events taking place this summer.
Newmarket Nights, 8 June – 9 August
Newmarket Racecourse, Suffolk
The line-up for this year’s concerts is one of the best yet, but you’ll need to be quick, tickets are selling out fast. Combining an evening of horse racing and live music the Newmarket Nights are a great summer event. This year the line-up includes Nile Rodgers on 8 June, Madness on 21 June, Kaiser Chiefs on 28 June, Thriller on 19 July, Rudimental on 26 July, Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics on 2 August and Bananarama on 9 August. www.newmarket.thejockeyclub.co.uk/newmarket-nights
Maverick Music Festival, 5-7 July
Easton Farm Park, Suffolk
Yee-haa! Join in the Americana Maverick Music Festival as it hosts a fantastic line up of American and English music acts all waiting to bring you a taste of the American dream. Visitors can see over 50 artists across six stages, both indoors and out. For a slice of American Pie book your tickets now to avoid disappointment. Acts include Chance McCoy, Rosie Flores and The Crux to name a few! maverickfestival.co.uk
Music in the Gardens, 7 July
Helmingham Gardens, Stowmarket IP14 6EF
Enjoy an afternoon exploring the gardens followed by live music by Swing Machine; an Ipswich-based 17 piece big band that performs many styles of music. Bring a chair, blanket, enjoy a picnic or take advantage of the BBQ & bar. 11am-7pm. www.helmingham.com
Theatre on the Coast, 10 July -31 August
Southwold Arts Centre, Southwold
‘Theatre on the Coast’ will include shows such as Patrick Marlowe’s ‘The End of the Line’, ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, Debbie Issitt’s ‘The Woman who Cooked her Husband’, finishing with ‘Hobson’s Choice’ by Harold Brighouse. www.mtproductions.co.uk
Suffolk Craft Society Summer Exhibition, 13 July – 26 August
Peter Pears Gallery, Aldeburgh
Visit the gallery where makers are happy to talk about the works displayed, and what inspires them to create their unique pieces. www.suffolkcraftsociety.org
The Old Newton Country Fayre and Dog Show, 14 July
Town Centre, Stowmarket, IP14 1
A fun-filled day that celebrates the very best of the rural countryside community featuring a dog show and agility ring, classic car displays, crafts and more. It’s free entry and free parking too! www.facebook.com/OldNewtonCountryFayreAndDogShow
Latitude Festival, 18-21 July
Henham Park, Suffolk
Set in a beautiful location, Latitude Festival is a favourite among festival-goers. Firmly established as one of the best music and arts festivals in the UK, its relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for the whole family. In 2019 the Festival will once again host an impressive and diverse mix of comedy, music, theatre and poetry. There will performances from famous faces such as George Ezra, Lana Del Ray and Snow Patrol on the main stage, alongside other talented artists. Jason Manford and Russell Kane will be bringing the laughs in the comedy tent. There’s also the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the lake and relax the mind, body and soul in the SOLAS area! The activities and sheer scale of this festival is what makes it so popular. www.latitudefestival.com
Felixstowe Carnival, 26-28 July
Felixstowe, Suffolk
A traditional, colourful and lively coastal carnival. www.felixstowecarnival.org
Legendary Joust, 27 & 28 July
Framlingham Castle, Church St, Framlingham, Woodbridge IP13 9BP
Experience the exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the Grand Medieval Joust at Framlingham Castle. See lances shatter, feel the thunder of hooves and hear the roar of the crowd as reputations are won and lost. Fearless fighters and their magnificent horses will charge at each other at full speed in unforgettable displays of chivalry and sheer courage. Choose your champion and cheer them on to victory – or console them in defeat.
Immerse yourself in medieval life in the encampment, where you can listen to merry music, learn about cookery and crafts from centuries ago. Little knights can test their bravery in hobby-horse jousts and try on medieval armour. Book your tickets now to guarantee entry. Don’t miss your chance to get close to the most breathtaking action in history. Adult: £12.50, Child: £7.50, Concession: £11.20, Family Ticket: £32.50. 10.30am-5pm. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle
Easton Park Farm Circus Weekend, 27-28 July
Easton Park Farm, Pound Corner, Easton, Woodbridge IP13 0EQ
Perfect for youngsters, the circus themed weekend will be full of colour and circus activity. Juggling, clowns, acrobatics and more – plus of course the animals. www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk
Long Melford Antiques and Vintage Fair, 27-28 July & 24-25 August
The Old School, Hall Street, Long Melford Suffolk CO10 9DX
A monthly two-day fair featuring 50 tables selling antiques, jewellery, ceramics, collectables, militaria, vintage clothing and accessories, vinyl records, ephemera, kitchenalia etc. Free parking. Dog friendly. Wheelchair accessible. Admission: £1 adult entry. Children under 16 free. Open: 9.30am – 4pm.
Mini Monsters Roadshow, 30-July
The Seagull, 19-75 Morton Road, Lowestoft NR33 0JH
The Mini Monster Creepy Crawly Roadshow gives your children the chance to get up close and personal with a selection of (very friendly!) critters, including giant snails, giant millipedes, tarantula’s, snakes and lizards! www.theseagull.co.uk
Open Air Cinema: ‘Mama Mia Here We Go Again’, 2 August
Kentwell Hall and Gardens, Long Melford CO10 9BA
Bring your own picnic and chairs and enjoy a film under the sky. www.kentwell.co.uk/events/evening/openair-cinema-mamma-mia-here-we-go-again
Helmingham Festival of Classic & Sports Cars, 4 August
Helmingham Gardens, Helmingham, Stowmarket IP14 6EF
Over 1,000 vehicles attend, representing the last 10 decades of motoring history, including many from Britain’s motoring heyday. www.helmingham.com
FolkEast, 16-18 August
Glenham Hall, Suffolk
The rural and quirky event hosts a great line up of local and international acts. This year’s headliners include Richard Thompson and Cara Dillon and Friends. The programme also features songwriter Karine Polwart, Sharon Shannon Band, English singer-songwriter/guitarist John Smith and Scots-Irish trio Ross Ainslie (Scottish bagpipes, whistles), Jarlath Henderson (uilleann pipes, whistles) and Perthshire’s Ali Hutton among many others. Those looking to enjoy a full weekend of performances can take advantage of the fabulous glamping facilities. www.folkeast.co.uk
Aldeburgh Carnival, 17-19 August
Aldeburgh Town Centre, Suffolk
A fun and colourful seaside event, which was crowned ‘Norfolk & Suffolk Tourism Family Event of the Year’ in 2018. www.aldeburghcarnival.com
Newmarket Racecourse Antique and 20th Century Fair, 18 August
Newmarket Racecourse (Rowley Mile), The Heath CB8 0TF
Over 200 inside stands plus outside stands of Antiques, Art Deco and Collectables. Antique valuation roadshow. Free valuations and appraisals. Antique Restoration workshop. Specialist Collectors Room for stamps, medals, cards, coins, ephemera etc. Free parking and full catering service on site. Open: 9.30am – 4pm (Trade 8am – 9am). Admission: £4 (Trade £7).
Maui Waui Festival, 23-25 August
Peakhill Farm, Theberton, Suffolk
The Maui Waui Festival gets bigger each year, with a three day programme of international music, performance and vibrant arts. The festival brings together accomplished and undiscovered bands and performers from all around the globe. Check out this year’s ‘Crime Scene’ stage which will host electro swing to underground techno from talented DJs. In addition to music there are full circus shows in a dedicated circus tent, small upbeat bands and acoustic acts, plus cabaret and comedy. Highly regarded as one of the most family friendly festivals in the region, the festival has plenty of activities for children too such as circus acts, musical workshops, storytelling, crafts and a pirate ship disco! www.mauiwauievents.co.uk
The Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival, 25-26 August
Town Centre, Bury St Edmunds
With an annual line-up of cooking demonstrations from top celebrity chefs, the chance to taste and purchase food and drink from over 100 traders and a popular farmer’s market, this is a foodie’s heaven. www.burystedmundsfestivals.com
Halesworth Antiques Street Market, 25 August
Halesworth, Thoroughfare, Market Place, IP19 8AP
In its 27th year the annual Street Fair attracts 80 plus antique and vintage dealers and many thousands of visitors. The event is disabled, child and dog friendly. You will find stalls in the Thoroughfare, Angel Link and the Market Place. Open: 9am – 4pm.
East Anglian Charity Dragon Boat Festival, 31 August
Oulton Broad, Lowestoft NR32 3LN
Dragon Boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition and the fastest growing water activity in Britain today- as well as the most fun! Up to 10 people paddle each 30’ boat with a drummer at the front beating in time and our helm at the tail steering a straight course. No previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit! If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, enjoy the festivities from the bank. Join the crowds and cheer on the teams. www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk
HighTide Festival, 10-15 September
Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Returning to the coastal town for another year, the festival brings together political, contemporary and provocative work, created by new and diverse artists. At the centre of the Aldeburgh event will be ‘LIT’; a coproduction between HighTide and Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company. It explores the turbulent teenage years of a girl looking for love in all the wrong places. The performance joins ‘Rust’ as the headline productions for HighTide Festivals Aldeburgh and Walthamstow. The full festival programme will be announced in May when tickets go on sale. www.hightide.org.uk
Retro Dub Suffolk VW Festival, 20-22 September
Trinity Park, Ipswich
Enjoy a VW camping festival experience in the beautiful grounds of Trinity Park. The atmosphere is laid back and the music is great. A must for those looking for an easy going weekend festival. On the Saturday, Norfolk and Suffolk Retro Riderz are hosting a bike show and shine with various trophies up for grabs. All old-school rides are welcome, be it chopper, cruiser, BMX or trike. www.retrodub-suffolk.co.uk
ART EAT, 21-22 September
Ipswich Waterfront, Suffolk
ART EAT will bring together Suffolk’s inspiring artistic talent in an inclusive, vibrant and delicious exploration of creativity, culture and flavours for all the family. Events including street entertainment, live music and DJs and visual arts, will take place at Quay Place, UOS, Dance East and St. Peter’s by the Waterfront. There will also be collaborations with local businesses, cafés and restaurants. The festival includes the production of three large urban art murals as well as a largescaleurban textile installation, which are being produced by nationally renowned artists in conjunction with local charities, businesses and community groups. www.arteatfestival.com
Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival, 28-29 September
Snape Maltings, Suffolk
This year’s festival will have over 100 producers taking part in the two-day event, the focal point of a two-week food-related fringe programme. The popular Hill Farm Family Meadow will be at Snape again as will the Adnams’ Drinks Experience and the Wild Suffolk area. Chef appearances will be announced soon! www.aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk
