Griff Rhys Jones' 'Happy Christmas Ipswich' at the Ipswich Regent Theatre announces star-studded line-up of comedians, including Milton Jones and Jon Culshaw

Impressionist Jon Culshaw and comedian Milton Jones will be among the big names taking to the stage as a star-studded Christmas show returns to Suffolk.

Happy Christmas Ipswich, hosted by Suffolk resident Griff Rhys Jones, returns to the Ipswich Regent Theatre on December 5 in aid of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

This will be the show's third year, following 2019 and 2021 – last year's show raised £92,000 for vulnerable children and their families, and tickets sold out within 48 hours.

Other confirmed guests include Blackadder producer John Lloyd, Only Fools and Horses actor Phil Pope and his band, and comedians Geoff Norcott, Deborah Francis-White and Rory McGrath.

Andy Hamilton and Richard Herring also made the bill.

The performance this year, which is set to open with a dance number from Ipswich’s Emma Dodd School of Performing Arts, is sponsored by Colchester-based The New Homes Group.

EACH Events Manager Becky Redbond said the team were looking forward to their big night in Ipswich, and hoped it would be as successful as its last two years.

She added: “Both were great fun, hugely popular and, crucially, raised tens of thousands of pounds for vulnerable children. Hopefully this year will be no different.

“Once again, Griff has worked tirelessly, and it promises to be a fun-filled evening. Tickets are selling fast so my advice would be to get in quick.”