Special concert to mark 825 years since Ipswich became a town

A special concert will be held to mark 825 years since Ipswich officially became a town.

A programme featuring Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony as well as choirs and musicians from across the town will grace audiences at Ipswich Corn Exchange on June 27.

The event forms part of the Charter825 festival, which will mark 825 years since Ipswich was given a town charter by King John, signed in the courtyard of Ipswich Minster, then St Mary le Tower, in 1200.

Reverend Tom Mumford, chairman of the Charter825 festival organising group and Vicar of Ipswich Minster, said: “Ipswich is full of amazing talent and we don’t shout about it enough.

“This line up shows the length, breadth, and depth of it in our town, and I’m delighted that it is all coming together as part of the yearlong Charter825 Festival celebrating the whole of Ipswich.”

You can buy tickets to the concert using this link. It runs from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

The Charter825 concert will mark the world premiere of Matthew Heyburn’s commission, The Gipping Weaves.

Audiences can look forward to both classic and modern choral performances.

Appearances include Ipswich Minster’s choir, Ipswich Choral Society, a choir of children from the town, Funky Voices, a Ukrainian duet and professional soloists.

The Charter 825 festival spans the whole of 2025 and includes historical walks, talks, an exhibition of art and poetry, a trip on the river, plus other events.

It aims to celebrate the past, present and future of Ipswich, representing freedom, opportunity and ambition.