7 major Suffolk events happening in September 2023

1. Aldeburgh Food Festival

Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival is back for another year (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Where: Snape Maltings, Suffolk

When: September 23-24

Price: £12 per adult

Held at the iconic Snape Maltings, the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival is back for its 18th year.

As well as cookery masterclasses hosted by renowned chefs, the festival features 140 stalls selling a range of produce.

There will also be a number of new features, including a huge barbecue hosted by the prestigious Aldeburgh restaurant The Suffolk at its new festival eatery on the quay.

2. Fifth stage of Tour of Britain

The Tour of Britain will be coming through Suffolk this year (Image: SWPix.com)

Where: Felixstowe 

When: Thursday, September 7

Price: Free

Felixstowe is hosting a week-long festival in celebration of the fifth stage of the Tour of Britain, which is coming to Suffolk for the first time since 2017.

The route will take the competitors through Kesgrave, Hadleigh, Needham Market, Framlingham, Leiston and Woodbridge.

3. Blood Brothers at the Ipswich Regent

Blood Brothers performed over 10,000 shows in the West End (Image: Ipswich Regent)

Where: Ipswich Regent 

When: Tuesday 19 - Saturday 23

Price: From £15

Following 10,000 shows in the West End, Willy Russell's most famous musical is coming to Ipswich for five nights in September. 

Telling the story of a set of twins separated at birth, this tale of superstition, friendship and heartbreak features well-known songs 'Marilyn Monroe' and 'Tell Me it's Not True'.

4. Walk with a Fork

Walk with a Fork is charity event held at Helmingham Hall Gardens each year (Image: Ormiston Families)

Where: Helmingham Hall

When: Sunday, September 3

Cost: £20 per adult

'Walk with a Fork' is a fundraising trek around the ground of Helmingham Hall which brings together local food producers, live music, games and activities.

This year's event will take place in the brand-new event village and will feature drinks from Fishers Gin and James White Juices.

5. An evening with Sir Bradley Wiggins 

Olympic gold medallist and Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins is coming to Ipswich this September (Image: Ipswich Regent)

Where: Ipswich Corn Exchange

When: Thursday, September 28

Price: From £33

Sir Bradley Wiggins is a legendary British former professional road and track racing cyclist, who competed professionally between 2001 and 2016.

For one night only you can join Wiggo as he discusses his Olympic gold medal, his Tour de France win, his cycling career and everything in between. 

6. National Garden Scheme open gardens

Somerleyton Hall is opening its garden to visitors this September (Image: Bill Darnell)

Where: Somerleyton and Woolpit

When: September 17 and 24

Cost: From £5

Luckily there will still be plenty to see as several gardens across Suffolk will be opened as part of the National Gardening Scheme (NGS).

There are two secret gardens in Suffolk opening as part of the scheme: Somerleyton Hall Gardens and Woolpit Bridges. The NGS raises money for nursing and health charities through the cost of admission and refreshments.

7. Loose Women Live

Ruthie Henshall will join the panel for its trip to Ipswich (Image: Ipswich Regent)

Where: Ipswich Regent Theatre

When: September 16

Cost: From £19.80 per adult

For the first time ever, the Loose Women are swapping the screen for the stage and heading off on a UK-wide tour.

Here in Ipswich, the panel consists of Kaye Adams, Linda Robson, Brenda Edwards & Janet Street-Porter - and Suffolk star of the stage Ruthie Henshall will join as a special guest.