Ipswich: The Hot Sausage Company free hot dogs in March 2023

The Hot Sausage Company, a popular takeaway stall on the Cornhill, will be giving away the free food on Wednesday, March 1.

Andrew Bavington-Barber, who owns the company and has sold more than a million hot dogs in his time, said: "We have done this before to mainly celebrate our anniversaries.

Queues outside The Hot Sausage Company in 2019. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"A lot has happened since the last time we did it including Covid and the cost of living crisis and sometimes when you go on social media Ipswich feels like the worst place in the world, but it isn't. 

"We just wanted to do something really positive and to bless the people of Ipswich by giving away a thousand free large hot dogs."

Mr Bavington-Barber gave out free hot dogs in 2019 when the company celebrated its 30th birthday. 

He said the reason behind the giveaway this year was to try and get more people back in the town centre and enjoy the shops that are open. 

Andrew with his son Joshua. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The popular trader said that people should not be scared to come into Ipswich and wanted to reassure locals that it is a safe place. 

He said: "Since we did it last there have been a couple of tragic stabbings and some big stores have closed down. 

"People think the town centre is coming to an end when it isn't there are still lots of shops opening up in Ipswich.

"It isn't an unsafe place you can still walk freely in Ipswich. I love this town. 

"The people of Ipswich are lovely and they have supported us through what has been quite a difficult time. 

"So this is a way of saying thank you to the people of Ipswich and to try and get people into the town. 

"Grab a free lunch and enjoy the company of others in the queue."