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Ipswich Weekender returns next week, featuring costume tours at Christchurch Mansion and rock climbing on the Cornhill




Outdoor climbing and caving experiences are among the list of free events that will come to Ipswich next week.

The town's first Weekender of the year takes place between March 10 and 12, and features a wealth of activities for people young and old.

Events including live music, arts and crafts, dance workshops and even tours of iconic town buildings are on the table over the three-day event.

Rock climbing will come to Ipswich Cornhill next weekend. Picture: fotodelux/iStock
Rock climbing will come to Ipswich Cornhill next weekend. Picture: fotodelux/iStock

Over 30 businesses will set up shop in Ancient House, and St Elizabeth Hospice will host a pop-up library at the former Town Hall café.

Daredevils can embrace their inner adventurer as both a mobile rock climbing wall and caving experience will set up on the Cornhill on Saturday and Sunday.

In addition, Christchurch Mansion will be brought back to life and offer tours with guides in full period costume, describing life as it was back then.

Dancing workshops will also take place in the town centre. Picture: Ipswich Central
Dancing workshops will also take place in the town centre. Picture: Ipswich Central

If that isn't enough, two nights of live music will be hosted by Brighten The Corners, and the Three Wise Monkeys pub will set up an outdoor bar at the end of Lloyds Avenue.

Councillor Sophie Connelly said: “Ipswich Weekender events offer a range of fun and engaging activities, bringing people together to enjoy our town.

"Why not try dancing on the Cornhill with the Ipswich School of Dancing? Enjoy listening to music with friends around Lloyds Avenue or join community party in St Nicholas Street?

"These events offer a celebration of dance, music and food that everyone can enjoy in the heart of Ipswich.”

There will also be live music. Picture: Ipswich Central
There will also be live music. Picture: Ipswich Central

The Weekender has been organised by Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Central.

The full list of events:

  • Brighten The Corners live music – Friday and Saturday – 2pm to 11pm at The Baths on Civic Drive (paid event)
  • Children's arts and crafts and elderly friendship lunch – All three days – 10am to 3pm at Fresh Start and Coffee in Carr Street
  • Ancient House pop-up weekend with over 30 businesses – All three days – 5.30pm to 7pm
  • Pop-up Library and opening of Moments Coffee Shop – Saturday at Moments Coffee Shop in the Town Hall
  • Right of Way short film challenge and showing of archive films – Saturday – King Street Cinema, next to the Corn Exchange
  • SPILL Festival previews – Saturday, 12pm to 9.30pm – The Think Tank in High Street
  • Get Ipswich Dancing workshops – Saturday – 1pm to 4pm at the Cornhill
  • Music on Lloyds Avenue – Saturday, 5pm to 9pm
  • Rock Paper Scissor Art Bike comes to Ipswich – Saturday and Sunday – 10am to 3pm in the Waterfront, town centre and Norwich Road
  • Mobile climbing wall – Saturday and Sunday – 11am to 3pm at the Cornhill
  • Mobile cave experience – Saturday and Sunday – 11am to 3pm at the Cornhill
  • No Borders Media Lab pop-up radio station collecting community stories – Saturday and Sunday – 11am to 4pm at The Hive in Norwich Road
  • Domestic Life at Christchurch Mansion – Sunday – 11am to 3pm at Christchurch Mansion
  • Community Hub Ipswich's first birthday party – Sunday – 11am to 3pm in St Nicholas Street