Activities, events, winter walks, shows and free workshops in Suffolk towns including Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Felixstowe, Lowestoft, Stowmarket and Beccles from December 29 to January 5
It is that time of year when you might be ready to dust off the cobwebs after the festivities, but need a little inspiration for what to do.
Well look no further, as we’ve rounded up a selection of events happening in Suffolk over the next week to keep you busy.
From pantomimes to winter walks and free workshops, read on for activities and events taking place between now until January 5.
December 29 and 30
Peter Pan, family pantomime, Beccles Public Hall, performances at 2.30pm and 6pm
Peter Pan, Dame Betty, Smee and Captain Hook are welcoming audiences in Beccles to this swashbuckling adventure, with the last performances today and tomorrow.
December 30
A year in a box workshop with Chris James, Sudbury Library, 9.45am
Join poet, author and musician Chris James for this free creative workshop, where youngsters can create and decorate a memory box for the year ahead, with a window for each season.
This is a Blank Page Project workshop for 10-16 year olds. Blank Page Project workshops are free but must be booked in advance and take place from 9.45am-3.30pm, including a free lunch, drinks and snacks.
Interactive video game fiction workshop with Stacey Rezvan, Ipswich County Library, 9.45am
Join game creator Stacey Rezvan for this free workshop and create an online game using the software Twine. A Blank Page Project workshop.
December 31
Songwriting and album art Workshop with Ben Brown and Catalina Carvajal, Beccles Library, 9.45am
Musician Ben Brown and visual artist Catalina Carvajal are leading this workshop, offering the chance to explore creativity to spontaneously create exciting and unique works or audio and visual art. A Blank Page Project workshop.
December 29, 31 and January 1
Sleeping Beauty, Felixstowe Spa Pavilion
Families from all over Suffolk will be entertained and enthralled with this all new version of a classic tale of devilment and derring-do, with lashings of laughter, frantic frivolity, gorgeously glittering costumes, a spectacular set and plenty of ‘he’s behind you’.
Performances at 2.30pm.
Beauty and the Beast, Marina Theatre, Lowestoft
In this classic fairytale, the handsome Count is cursed to spend his life transformed into a frightening beast. The only way to escape his fate and break the spell is to learn to fall in love and earn love in return before the last petal of the magic rose falls… will he manage it?
Performances at various times.
December 29, 30 and 31
Jack and the Beanstalk, Ipswich Regent
In the land of fairy tales, poor hero Jack and his dotty mum Dame Trott are tricked into selling their beloved cow Daisy for a useless bag of beans. Expect plenty of song, dance and comedy at this colourful pantomime.
January 1
Steam and Light Festival, Mid-Suffolk Light Railway
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway will open for its Steam and Light Festival on January 1, with displays from the Historic Lighting Association.
The event offers a chance to enjoy a steam train ride and a fascinating look at how Victorians lit their homes and places of work.
Tickets cost £12 for adults, £6 for children under 16 and £30 families (two adults and two children), while concessions are £10.
There will be a free shuttle bus service between Stowmarket station and Brockford MSLR Station provided by the Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group for this event.
January 2
Mosaic positivity plaques workshop with Emma Jayne Robertson, Bungay Community Library, 9.45am
This free workshop offers the chance to design and create a work of art using a mixture of broken ceramic and glass pieces and other found objects to make a mosaic relief. A Blank Page Project workshop.
January 3
Sculpture a casting creations workshop with Emma Denby, Stowmarket Library, 9.45am
Join professional sculptor Emma Denby for this workshop – learn how to use clay to sculpt your creations and cast them into a final piece. A Blank Page Project workshop.
January 4
Grow How workshop, Dobbies Bury St Edmunds, 10.30am and 3.30pm
Dobbies garden centre is hosting its first Grow How workshops of the year on Saturday, and then every Wednesday during January, at 10.30am and 3.30pm.
The free workshops will will focus on caring for houseplants, with the session covering different varieties of houseplants and giving advice and tips on their care.
January 5
Taylormania, The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, 2pm and 6pm
See a Taylor Swift Eras tribute concert in Bury at this performance. Tickets cost £29.50, including a £2 booking fee.
Little Seedlings Club – Let’s Talk Houseplants, Dobbies Garden Centre, Bury, 10.15am
The Little Seedlings Club is designed for children aged three-10 years old. During the free workshop, Dobbies’ staff will lead fun and interactive games, with children learning how to propagate their own peace lily and will take one home at the end of the session.
Until February 23
In Their Space, Snape Maltings, 10am-5pm
An installation of contemporary sculpture by Alison Cooke, Hannah Honeywill and Rebecca Griffiths, the product of a residency at The Red House.
Explore the artwork around Snape Maltings, in the Dovecote Studio and Sculpture Park.
Pantomimes open throughout the festive season:
Aladdin, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, until January 12.
Sleeping Beauty, New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, until January 18.
Winter walks at Suffolk beauty spots, open daily
Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve, near Bury St Edmunds
Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, near Lowestoft
