Can we use the C word yet? Is Christmas really just around the corner? I’m afraid so!

This year, the festive offering across Ipswich will be led by cultural organisations, who are putting on an impressive 237 performances.

We Are Ipswich, an independent collective of nationally acclaimed arts and heritage organisations, is bringing the festive spirit to Suffolk like never before. Their members are professional organisations that receive funding from Arts Council England, Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council, or various trusts and foundations.

Each member runs their own year-round programmes, including live performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and creative engagement initiatives for Ipswich.

In the run up to Christmas, We Are Ipswich will bring together an exciting and engaging Ipswich Entertains for Christmas campaign. A showcase of the stunning and varied offer our town’s cultural organisations have. A spectacular line-up of premier league art and culture that promises thrilling, high-quality entertainment for all ages.

(Image: Contributed)

From enchanting performances to magical experiences, this offer solidifies Ipswich’s reputation as the premier cultural destination for the region and plays a key role in Ipswich Central’s wider ‘Your Very Suffolk Christmas’ campaign.

The aim is to bring people into the town, and give them an unforgettable Christmas season. I’d like to thank you to the whole cultural sector in the town, for working together, to broadcast our Christmas message as widely as possible. Choose from eight venues with 237 performances and 77 exhibition days. A brief mention of what’s on:

Regent Theatre – Jack and the Beanstalk

Red Rose Chain – Pinocchio

DanceEast – The Little Prince

New Wolsey Theatre – Sleeping Beauty

Eastern Angles – A Christmas Carol

Spinning Wheel Theatre (at Northgate Street Library) - Five Little Ducks

The Hold – Snowman and the Snowdog exhibition

For the full Christmas story in Ipswich visit https://allaboutipswich.com/christmas/

The Christmas light switch on is at the Cornhill on Sunday 17th November. There will be a special performance by cast members from this year’s Ipswich Regent Theatre pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

The entertainment kicks off from 4pm on the Cornhill in Ipswich Town Centre. The Town Hall and Ipswich high street lights will be switched on, after a countdown, at 6.45pm by Ipswich Mayor, Councillor Elango Elavalakan.

A highlight at 6pm will be a live interview on stage with Ipswich Town’s Leif Davis and Mark Ashton. I wonder if we could get Davis to re-enact that stunning volley from the Leicester game?

There is a restricted capacity on the Cornhill, so arrive early for the best view of the stage and stars.

Unfortunately, the Bauble Tree was blown over by Storm Henk last winter and damaged beyond repair. It’s thirteenth year was obviously unlucky! It was definitely a marmite addition to the decorations, but I do think that the Bauble Tree fitted really well on the Waterfront.

Given the tree cost £100,000 in 2013, I can’t imagine how much a replacement would cost now, even if there were funds available.

The lights switch on is just the start of the Christmas season. Ipswich Central, the organisation representing the larger businesses in the town, will shortly announce ‘Your Very Suffolk Christmas’ campaign, which has some unforgettable elements.

And finally, I was both amused and pleased to see the latest fundraising idea from Mark Murphy and the Cancer Support Suffolk charity. They are holding a Christmas fundraising fancy dress-themed Dog Walk at Christchurch Park on 8th December! Register your dog on their website for a fiver.

Ipswich is showcasing a great range of events this Christmas. Just wait until you hear about the Santas on tractors!