Events in Lavenham, Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill and Ipswich guaranteed to entertain you this August
Historic Lavenham’s Annual Theatre, Tuesday-Sunday, August 13-18
For all you music and comedy fans, there’s something for every taste over this six-day period.
It kicks off in style on the Tuesday evening with the music of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Cream as played by power trio Voodoo Room.
Clearwater Creedence Revival pays tribute to, yes, you’ve guessed it, Creedence Clearwater Revival with such classics as Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising and Have You Ever Seen The Rain on Wednesday, with support from Nik Lowe.
Comedy takes over on Thursday and will have you clutching your sides as the line-up includes Lee Hurst, Julian Deane, Quincy and David Ward.
Get ready to rock on Friday as Robert Hart’s Bad Company Legacy reels out all the hits.
Robert, who was lead singer of Bad Company for seven years, is joined by fellow band member Dave ‘Bucket’ Colwell on lead guitar.
Who can forget Feel Like Making Love, Ready For Love, Can’t Get Enough, Rock and Roll Fantasy and Shooting Star?
If that wasn’t enough, guest support comes from Medecine Head’s John Fiddler and Danielz from T-Rextasy.
There are two shows to enjoy on Saturday with The Carpenters Experience featuring Maggie Nestor at 1.30pm, and the UK’s biggest country music export The Shires in concert at 7.30pm.
Sunday also hosts two concerts – The All Or Nothing Experience – The Story of The Small Faces at 1.30pm.
The multi-talented cast tell the story of the iconic Mod band and it’s no Lazy Sunday.
The theatre closes with a full evening of Eagles hits and class album tracks as The Outlaw Eagles recreate in sound and vision one of the world’s greatest and best-selling bands of all time.
For more information and tickets, see www.thelittleboxoffice.com/oeplive/event
Haverhill in the Park, Haverhill Recreation Ground, Friday-Saturday, August 16-17
This free family festival organised by the town council returns with music, arts and food and drink.
Musical headliners Bon Giovi and Dan Budd as Robbie Williams are joined by support acts including Hollow Star, Connor Adams, The Joe Keeley Band, Strawberry Lace and Oscar Corney.
Join the fun between 5.30 and 10pm on Friday, and midday to 10pm on Saturday.
Ipswich v Liverpool, Portman Road, Saturday, August 17, 12.30pm
There’s certainly a buzz in the air this year as Ipswich Town returns to the Premier League. Catch the Tractor Boys in action as they host Liverpool on the opening weekend of the 2024/25 season at Portman Road on August 17 at 12.30pm.
Liverpool, now managed by Arne Slot, finished third in the top flight last term and most recently won the Premier League title, under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, in 2019/20.
Town’s last Premier League fixture, back in May 2002, saw George Burley’s side fall to defeat at Anfield.
Food and Drink Festival, Bury St Edmunds, Sunday-Monday, August 25-26, 10am-5pm
Michelin-starred chef Galton Blackiston will be making a return to the festival which serves up a diverse menu of food, drink and entertainment.
Galton, whose TV credits include Yes Chef, Saturday Kitchen and Great British Menu among many others, will showcase his skills during three demonstrations in the Stoves Cookery Theatre at the free admission event on bank holiday Monday.
Chefs from across Bury St Edmunds town centre, including Rustico, 1921, Maison Bleue and Bay Tree Café, will also be taking part at the two-day event, some also demonstrating on stage, while others will front their own stalls.
There will be a wide range of stalls around the town selling food from around the world. New to the festival are stalls selling Hungarian street food and Caribbean sauces.
There will also be a farmers' market on Angel Hill, while the arc shopping centre will host a virtual reality games booth alongside a racing car simulator and face painting.
Children can also enjoy fairground rides, for a small charge, and free street entertainment across both days.
Soapbox Challenge, Mount Road, Bury St Edmunds, Saturday, August 31, 11am-3pm
For a family day out pop along to the My WiSH Charity Soapbox Challenge as teams pit their wacky machines against each other, providing thrills and spills for spectators.
Wave your chequered flag as soapboxes of all shapes and sizes career down the hill on Mount Road. Visit Soapbox City, based at Priory School, where each team taking part will have their soapboxes before and during races for you to admire, as well as promotional stands and refreshments.
And best of all, the event is free.
