Bury
Edmunds
Eve
9am to 2pm To find out more, contact: markets@westsuffolk.gov.uk
and Saturday, 9am to 4pm
8.30am to 1.30pm
Saturday every month, 8.30am to 1.30pm
Saturday, 9am to 3pm
And Father Christmas will be back… We are currently in the process of firming up dates with Santa who will be returning this December – keep an eye on our website and socials as this is a hugely popular event!
THE DISPLAYS will feature
‘The Art of Cinema exhibition’ by Kudos Memorabilia which will include screen-used pieces from Michael Keaton’s 'Batman' (1989), Ana de Armas’ iconic dress from 'No Time to Die', Elizabeth Debicki’s Diana costume from 'The Crown', Val Kilmer’s 'Batman', Kevin Costner’s 'Yellowstone' cowboy outfit, as well as pieces used by Tom Cruise, Chrisitan Bale, Chris Pine and more.
The displays will also be celebrating the 70th Anniversary of 'Lord of the Rings' with legacy movie props, links to the historic collections, trails and quizzes plus a ‘Rockets and Robots!’ –droid workshop and family activities.
It will include production-used art in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jaws and for all sci-fi and ‘Star Wars’ fans, there will be a display of production-used props including ‘Empire Strikes Back’ blaster. Watch out for more exciting updates as we build up to the launch on Saturday 25 October!
GET READY FOR AN EXCITING FEW MONTHS AHEAD IN WEST SUFFOLK!
FROM SPOOKY Halloween adventures and engaging half-term activities to festive Christmas celebrations and traditional pantos, there’s something for everyone and we’ve rounded up the highlights you won’t want to miss…
SCARESVILLE THE HAUNTED VILLAGE
Kentwell Hall
Wednesday 15 October to Saturday 1 November
BRANDON COUNTRY PARK'S FUN-GI TRAIL
Brandon Country Park
Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November
MOYSE’S HALL PRESENTS:
SCI-FI & ACTION - THE ART OF CINEMA
Moyse’s Hall Museum
Saturday 25 October to Sunday 22 February
HALLOWEEN CRAFTY KIDS WORKSHOP
The Apex
Friday 31 October
BURY ST EDMUNDS
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
EVENT 2025
Town Centre
Thursday 20 November
ROSIE JONES
The Apex
Monday 17 November
RAPUNZEL
Theatre Royal
Friday 21 November to Sunday 18 January
CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT
St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Saturday 6 December
SNOW DASH 2025 Nowton Park
Sunday 7 December
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Haverhill Arts Centre
Wednesday 17 December –Wednesday 31 December
BRANDON COUNTRY PARK'S WINTER TREE HOLIDAY TRAIL
Brandon Country Park
Saturday 20 December to Monday 5 January 2026
OSCAR LYONS
The Apex
Friday 16 January
Don’t miss…Twenty-year-old pianist and composer from Bury St Edmunds, Oscar Lyons, making his debut on The Apex stage.
AGED JUST 15, ANNABEL CROFT WAS THE YOUNGEST BRITON TO PLAY IN THE WIMBLEDON MAIN DRAW FOR NEARLY 100 YEARS.
FTER RETIRING from tennis aged 21, she developed a successful TV career; replacing Anneka Rice as the Sky runner on TV’s Treasure Hunt, becoming a popular sports presenter and breezing through Strictly Come Dancing.
She’s appeared in pantomimes, sung in musicals, turned the spotlight on homelessness by living on the streets, and tried her hand at yacht racing.
“When opportunities arise,” she says, “I’ve never been afraid of putting myself in places where I could end up falling flat on my face – which believe me has happened on more than one occasion! But that shouldn’t ever discourage you. We should never be afraid to give things a try.”
At The Apex on Thursday 6 November, Annabel will share unforgettable moments from her career, including interviews with tennis legends and the glamour of Strictly Come Dancing. And long before all of that, the time that she sneaked into Wimbledon without a ticket, because she was desperate to watch her idol, Bjorn Borg.
“When I was 11 years old, a schoolteacher asked me to write an essay called ‘What I Would Like To Do’. I said I wanted to be able to play tennis, win Wimbledon, make journeys all around the world, and dance on stage. Well, I did indeed play tennis at Wimbledon and win the Open Girls’ tournament. I did travel the world playing in many tournaments. And many years later, I also got to dance on one of the biggest stages of all, in the magical TV show Strictly Come Dancing.”
“In between, there have been many highs and lows, laughs and tears, but every day has been part of life’s
huge learning experience. Not everyone is lucky enough to see so many of their childhood dreams come true… so I hope that 11-year-old Annabel would look at me now and think that I’ve not done too badly!”
But right now, she’s trying to enjoy and appreciate life’s simpler pleasures like taking regular walks and connecting with nature. “I’m focusing much more about being in the moment, and enjoying what I’m doing now,” she says. “It’s something that the top sports people are trained to do and is one of tennis legend Billie Jean King’s most famous lines: Be present.”
MAMA AFRIKA AT THE APEX ON WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER, CELEBRATES THE LIFE OF ICONIC SOUTH AFRICAN SINGER AND CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, MIRIAM MAKEBA.
FROM JOHANNESBURG’S townships to global stardom, Makeba’s story - brought to life by Anna Mudeka - is one of resilience, activism and the unifying power of music.
Describing her inspiration for the show, Anna told us “When I was growing up as a young girl in Zimbabwe Miriam Makeba was one of the women singers I admired, who made me want to sing and perform. When she performed with Paul Simon in Harare in 1987 it had a big impact on me, and I became more aware of her story – that she had been living in forced exile from South Africa and had been outspoken against the apartheid regime. I always had in mind I would like to tell her story.”
“In 2016 I received an R&D grant from the Arts Council and this enabled me to further research Miriam Makeba’s life and to work with a team over two years to develop the show. This led to some initial performances and then a tour in 2024, which received an amazing reception. Now we’re taking it to bigger venues.”
Anna’s one-woman show captures the essence of Makeba’s voice and legacy with heartfelt storytelling and some of
Makeba’s best-known songs, including ‘Mbube’, ‘Pata Pata’, and ‘Soweto Blues’. Makeba’s indomitable spirit is highlighted through key events like the Sharpeville massacre, her U.S. exile, her testimony to the United Nations, her controversial marriage to Black Panther Stokely Carmichael, and her later role as a Pan-African ambassador.
Anna’s evocative performance, drawing on her own Zimbabwean roots to pay tribute to this towering figure in African music history, is a heartfelt and inspirational tribute to a woman who used her art as a weapon in the fight for equality.
“It’s a great show for anybody interested in apartheid era politics in South Africa, or Makeba’s music, or just to hear an inspiring story of a woman who stood up to powerful governments until she became known throughout Afrika as a symbol of determination and independence widely revered as ‘Mama Afrika’.”
Thursday 2 October – 7:30pm DAME SIÂN PHILLIPS IN CONVERSATION WITH RICHARD DIGBY
Taking you through her astonishingly wide-ranging career, including memories from her childhood in Wales to triumph on Broadway, her marriage to Peter O’Toole and her subsequent career as a leading light of stage and television.
£21.50
Thursday 9
October – 7:30pm
EASTERN ANGLES
THEATRE COMPANY
TEECHERS
Meet Gail, Hobby and Salty – three year 11 students about to leave their school days behind them. Written by John Godber in the 1980s, this is a fast-paced comedy with message about the inequalities of the UK’s education system that are still as punchy as ever forty years later.
£17.00 / £14.00
THERE'S ALWAYS PLENTY OF FUN TO BE HAD AT HAVERHILL ARTS CENTRE , WITH CINEMA, LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY SHOWS ALL YEAR ROUND. THIS WINTER WE HAVE AN EXCITING VARIETY OF SHOWS, FROM LIVE MUSIC TO EVENINGS WITH CELEBRITY GUESTS, AND OUR FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!
Friday 10 October – 8:00pm
BIG DEAL COMEDY WITH PAUL SINHA
An international stand-up comic of many years (and star of The Chase), Paul has been in great demand, whether on TV shows such as Edinburgh and Beyond, Comedy Shuffle, Paul Sinha’s Perfect Pub Quiz and the Now Show, or his numerous solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
£18.50
Sunday 2 November – 2:30pm
SIR DEREK JACOBI IN CONVERSATION WITH RICHARD CLIFFORD
An icon of stage and screen, known for his work at the Royal National Theatre and as a BAFTA, Olivier, Emmy, Screen Guild and Tony Award winner. Six decades and so many favourites such as I, Claudius, Gladiator I, Gladiator II, The Crown, The Day of the Jackal, The King’s Speech and much in between.
£26.50
Saturday 8 November – 7:30pm ROCK FOR HEROES
Performed by a superb 7-piece band of incredible musicians and vocalists, the show breathes new life into the music of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Dire Straits, Fleetwood Mac, Queen and more!
£24.00
© MARTIN PORTER
Thursday 13 November – 7:30pm
POSTING LETTERS TO THE MOON
A romantic, funny and touching portrait of life during the second World War, featuring readings of letters between actress Celia Johnson and her husband Peter Fleming. Read by their daughter, Lucy Fleming (Miranda in The Archers) and Simon Williams (Justin in The Archers).
£19.50 / £17.50
Friday 14 November- 8:00pm
BIG DEAL COMEDY
WITH AURIE STYLA
Aurie is an award-winning comedian who has appeared in Deep Fake, Neighbour Wars, Comedy Central Live, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club and is the warm-up for shows such as The Big Narstie Show and The Mo Gilligan Show.
£18.50
Wednesday 26 November – 8:00pm
RICH HALL: CHIN MUSIC
Rich is a highly respected awardwinning comedian who is renowned for his expertly crafted tirades, quick-fire banter with audiences and delightful musical sequences. His latest musical comedy show is sharp, quick, splenetic, and sublimely improvisational.
£19.50
Saturday 22 November – 7:30pm
CHRISTMAS BYE BYE BABY
Experience jolly renditions of Christmas classics in the style of Frankie Valli, as well as festive arrangements by the Four Seasons’ very own Bob Gaudio.
£27.50
Friday 28 November – 2:00pm CHRISTMAS MEMORIES WITH NEIL SANDS
Neil Sands is back with his West End cast to bring you an afternoon full of festive joy and heart-warming nostalgia, featuring over 60 of your all-time favourite Christmas songs and carols.
£15.00
For more information or to book tickets: haverhillartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/ BOX OFFICE: 01440 714140
Wednesday 17 December –Wednesday 31 December BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
A tale (almost) as old as time… Can Belle see beyond the monster? And will the Beast learn the true meaning of love? You’ve got to see it to Belle-ieve it – this beauty of a panto is packed with songs, side-splitting jokes and spellbinding festive fun for the whole family! Joining us for this year’s show is The Only Way is Essex star: Ricky Rayment! Joining Ricky will be a few familiar favourites, including Sinéad Mathias-Medeiros as Belle, David Learner (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, CITV Nightmare) as Professor Philippe Flopp, Michael Heslop as Dame Dolly Dumb-Belle, Jodie Corbett as Fairy Rosé and introducing Aaron Lord as Prince Henry and Johannah Hetherington as Medeina The Enchantress.
£19.50 / £17.50 / Family ticket £70
ALL OF WEST SUFFOLK’S BEAUTIFUL PARKS HAVE BEEN AWARDED GREEN FLAG STATUS FOR THE SIXTH YEAR RUNNING!
GREEN FLAG is the national quality mark for parks and green spaces - proof that our local green spaces are truly exceptional.
Why not get out and explore these award-winning parks on your doorstep; beautiful outdoor spaces… whatever the season, whatever the weather!
www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR BEASTLY BEOWULF & GRUESOME GRENDEL TRAIL AT WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK THIS HALFTERM HALLOWEEN!!
ARCHERY AND LONGBOW COURSES
West Stow Country Park
We offer four engaging archery or longbow courses led by experienced instructors from Arnor Archery, various dates available from Saturday 4 October to the end of year. Look out for new dates for 2026!
A RIVER KEEPER'S YEARGUIDED WALK
West Stow Country Park
Saturday 18 October
Take a stroll along the River Lark and find out what life is like as a river keeper, led by Bury St Edmunds Trout Club’s, Dr John Urquhart.
The river Lark is one of only 200 chalk streams in the world; over an hour, you will be guided along half a mile of the river as it flows through West Stow Country Park, introduced to some of the wildlife and shown some of the restoration projects that Bury St Edmunds Trout Club has been undertaking in conjunction with WSCP. Recommended for ages 8+; Admission: £3 per person (under 16s FREE)
BRANDON COUNTRY PARK'S FUN-GI TRAIL
Brandon Country Park
Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November
Pick up a trail sheet from the café at Brandon Country Park this half-term
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR ANNUAL VISIT FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS AT NOWTON PARK!
and follow the trail solving the fungi related clues along the way!
Just £1.50 per trail (prize included)
SNOW DASH 2025
Nowton Park
Sunday 7 December
Kick off December with a flurry of festive fun and join us for our second Snow Dash, a 3K dash through snow-filled cheer, entertainment, and smiles!
BRANDON COUNTRY PARK'S WINTER TREE HOLIDAY TRAIL
Brandon Country Park
Saturday 20 December to Monday 5 January 2026
This winter, follow the trail, solving the tree related clues along the way to help find the special word, and then return to the café to collect a small prize!
Just £1.50 per trail (prize included)
Suffolk County Council
Archaeological Service have kindly loaned grave goods from excavations that took place towards the end of the 20th century. Archaeologists discovered log boat burials, eight ring ditches, a coffin, cremations in both urns and copper vessels, and evidence of a possible funerary pyre. Unusual grave goods included a lyre and a horse’s head with tack.
TUCKED AWAY IN THE HEART OF THE BRECKLAND LANDSCAPE, WEST STOW ’S COUNTRY PARK SPANS 125 ACRES OF UNSPOILT COUNTRYSIDE, WHILE AT ITS CENTRE LIES THE REMARKABLE ANGLO-SAXON VILLAGE – COMPLETE WITH RECONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS AND A MUSEUM THAT BRINGS HISTORY VIVIDLY TO LIFE.
For more, go to www.weststow.org/whats-on/
The burials at Snape indicated varying beliefs, cultural affinities and, in some cases, hints of status. Remarkable survivals of organic materials such as textile, leather and horn gave valuable evidence for interpreting these objects and the people who were interred with them.
These amazing artefacts will be on display at West Stow until December and are included as part of the standard admission ticket.
Event highlights for your diary include…
LIVING HISTORY - WULFINGAS
Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 October Enjoy meeting Wulfingas, an early Anglo-Saxon re-enactment group this October!
THE REAL MIDDLE-EARTH TOUR
Saturday 18 October
The Anglo-Saxon origins of The Lord of the Rings story are explored in this guided tour.
WULFHEODENAS RECREATE
ANGLO-SAXON LIFE
Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 October
Wulfheodenas living history society at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village recreating the weapons, clothing possessions and crafts of the 5th to 7th centuries… find out more about the lives of the early Anglo-Saxons.
HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LONGBOW
Saturday 25 October
SHARPE’S RIFLES
Saturday 22 November
ANGLO-SAXONS AT LAKENHEATH & WEST STOW
Saturday 13 December
THE ICE AGE ART AND THE MODERN MIND
Saturday 24 January
RING QUEST 2026
Saturday 14 to Sunday 22
February 2026
A note for your diary - Ring Quest will be back for February half-term.
DRAGON FEST 2026
Saturday 20 June to Sunday 21 June 2026
Our flaming good day out will return next year with even more flying fun with dragons, dinosaurs, bubbles, food, theatre and amusement! Booking now open…
COME AND MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS AT WEST STOW ANGLOSAXON VILLAGE FOR A MEMORABLE FESTIVE EXPERIENCE!
Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December 2025
Father Christmas is taking a break from his workshop and making an early stop off at West Stow, so why not take the opportunity to have a festive chat and a family picture?!
Our friendly elf will be on site to ensure you have a wonderful experience. Your ticket also includes a craft workshop making Christmas decorations, as well as FREE entry to explore Anglo-Saxon village and museum. You can also enjoy festive food and drink from vendors in the village! Times: Bookable visits from 11am; Tickets: £9.50 per child (includes special gift) Accompanying adults free of charge. Booking essential.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR BEASTLY BEOWULF & GRUESOME GRENDEL TRAIL AT WEST STOW COUNTRY PARK THIS HALFTERM HALLOWEEN!!
PAUL ZERDIN
SUN 26 OCT, 7.30pm
Ventriloquism and stand-up comedy.
DALLAHAN
MON 27 OCT, 7.30pm
World-folk: “Some of the most exciting trad musicians to emerge in recent years” Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2.
CLAUDIA BUCKLEY
TUE 28 OCT, 7.30pm
Female vocalist of the Year at the Hot Country Music Awards 2024.
SUZI RUFFELL
THU 30 OCT, 7.30pm Last Few Tickets!
VINCENT SIMONE
FRI 31 OCT, 7.30pm Argentine Tango king and Strictly Come Dancing star.
GRIFF RHYS JONES
MON 3 NOV, 7.30pm
EL PONY PISADOR
WED 5 NOV, 7.30pm
Fun and energetic Barcelonian band.
ANNABEL CROFT
THU 6 NOV, 7.30pm
From Tennis Balls to Glitter Balls
TREVOR HORN
SAT 8 NOV, 7.30pm
Adventures In Modern Recording, with the man who invented the sound of the 1980s.
JOHN ILLSLEY: THE LIFE & TIMES OF DIRE STRAITS
TUE 11 NOV, 7.30pm Founding member and bass player of Dire Straits.
MAMA AFRIKA
WED 12 NOV, 7.30pm
Anna Mudeka tells the remarkable story of South African singer and activist, Miriam Makeba.
ANDY PARSONS FRI 14 NOV, 8pm
ROSIE JONES
MON 17 NOV, 7.30pm
SKERRYVORE
TUE 18 NOV, 7.30pm
Contemporary Scottish traditional music.
NOUVELLE VAGUE
WED 19 NOV, 8pm
Bossa Nova versions of familiar hits and original songs
ELLA AND DUKE
FRI 21 NOV, 7.30pm Echoes Of Ellington Orchestra play the album ‘Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Duke Ellington Songbook’.
THE WANDERING HEARTS
MON 24 NOV, 7.45pm
Christmas show by the British Americana-Folk band, known for their enchanting harmonies.
ROBBEN FORD
TUE 25 NOV, 8pm Blues, rock and jazz guitarist.
CLASSICO LATINO
WED 26 NOV, 7.30pm
Cuban and Latin American music by virtuoso jazz violinist Omar Puente and his band.
WHEN RIVERS MEET FRI 28 NOV, 8pm
Gritty, soulful Blues, Rock, Americana
SONS OF PITCHES
SUN 30 NOV, 7.30pm Music Without Instruments: a cappella vocals, beatboxing, comedy and crowd interaction.
SHAKATAK MON 1 DEC, 7.30pm Jazz funk.
JESSE COOK
TUE 2 DEC, 7.30pm Canadian nuevoflamenco guitarist.
CALLING PLANET
EARTH
FRI 5 DEC, 7.30pm The electric 80s.
TREVOR NELSON’S SOUL NATION SAT 6 DEC, 8pm
Spinning old school R&B tunes from the 80s, 90s and 00s.
JOHN BARROWMAN
SUN 7 DEC, 7.30pm
Camp as Christmas!
ELIZA CARTHY & JON BODEN’S WASSAIL WED 10 DEC, 8pm
Traditional seasonal songs.
THE SWEET & JOHN OTWAY FRI 12 DEC, 8pm
ULTRA 90S VS 2000S SAT 13 DEC, 8pm Club Classics played live.
A SWINGING CHRISTMAS
TUE 16 DEC, 7.30pm The Chris Ingham Quintet featuring Joanna Eden.
STEELEYE SPAN
WED 17 DEC, 7.30pm
TALLIS SCHOLARS
SUN 21 DEC, 7pm Seasonal programme.
OSCAR LYONS
FRI 16 JAN, 7.30pm
Local pianist and composer with a group from the London jazz scene.
AFEL BOCOUM
WED 21 JAN. 7.30pm
“One of the treasures of Mali’.” – Damon Albarn.
KEVIN KEEGAN
MON 26 JAN, 7.30pm
LE VENT DU NORD
TUE 27 JAN, 7.30pm
“A classy & rousing set by Quebec Folk heroes” –The Guardian.
ANDA UNION
THU 5 FEB, 7.30pm
Mongolian music
ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW AND THE LOWRIDERS FRI 6 FEB, 7.30pm
RONNIE SCOTT’S ALL STARS
WED 11 FEB, 7.30pm
The Ronnie Scott’s Songbook.
THE VERY BEST OF FRANKIE VALLI STARRING PETER ANDRE
SAT 21 FEB, 2pm & 8pm
COLEEN NOLAN MON 23 FEB, 7.30pm
Music, stories and plenty of laughs.
FEAST OF FIDDLES
TUE 24 FEB, 7.30pm
KATHRYN TICKELL & THE DARKENING THU 26 FEB, 7.30pm
DANIEL O’REILLY FRI 27 FEB, 8pm Comedy.
JASON FOX
TUE 10 MAR, 7.30pm Former Special Forces Royal Marine.
DENISE VAN OUTEN WED 11 MAR, 7.30pm
Songs, Stories & All That Jazz.
NATHAN CARTER FRI 13 MAR, 7.30pm Irish country music.
FAIRPORT CONVENTION WED 18 MAR, 7.30pm
IMARHAN TUE 24 MAR, 7.30pm Algerian Tuareg Desert Blues band.
HUEY MORGAN FRI 3 APR, 7.30pm
The Fun Lovin’ Criminal. THE MANFREDS THU 16 APR, 7.30pm Paul Jones, Tom McGuinness and band.
TONY CHRISTIE FRI 17 APR, 7.30pm The legendary crooner.
TOYAH: SONGS AND STORIES FRI 24 APR, 7.30pm
WET WET WET SAT 30 & SUN 31 MAY, 7.30pm Acoustic shows.
THIS SEASON’S ROYAL ROUND-UP AT THE THEATRE ROYAL!
OCTOBER :
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE HUNT FOR MORIARTY
Tuesday 30 September –
Saturday 4 October
A thrilling adventure based on the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. How much is Holmes willing to sacrifice as he faces ‘checkmate’?
AN EVENING WITH HARRIET WALTER
Sunday 5 October
Introducing her new book and anecdotes of her long acting career. In conjunction with Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival.
EVEN MORE…
GHOST STORIES BY CANDLELIGHT
Monday 6 October
Spooky stories from award winning writers.
STORIES FROM AN INVISIBLE TOWN
Tuesday 7 October
Dark comic stories woven together by BBC award-winning writer, “the great Welsh storyteller” (The Stage), Shôn Dale-Jones.
MURDER SHE DIDN’T WRITE
Wednesday 8 & Thursday 9 October
The improvised murder-mystery that’s different every night.
JOIN WAITING LIST
EDDIE IZZARD PERFORMS SHAKESPEARE’S HAMLET
Friday 10 October SOLD OUT Waiting list available
ROCK FOR HEROES
Saturday 11 October
THE MIRROR CRACK’D
Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 October
Agatha Christie’s famous novel adapted for stage. Performed by local amateur company Bury St Edmunds Operatic Dramatic Society.
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: CLAIRE BAUGHAN & JONATHAN COOPER WITH BARONESS DEBBONAIRE
Wednesday 15 October
AN AFTERNOON WITH PHILIPPA GREGORY
Sunday 19 October
Join Philippa Gregory, as she takes you on a journey through the history with her new book Boylen Traitor. In conjunction with Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival.
BLACK SHEEP
Wednesday 22 – Thursday 23 October
Drama written in collaboration with East Anglian Farmers giving a razorsharp account of the dilemmas facing generations of farming families.
JAKE LAMBERT: THE SUNSHINE KID
Friday 24 October
OH WHAT A NIGHT!
Saturday 25 October
GREASE! SCHOOL EDITION
Monday 27 – Tuesday 28 October
Performed by The Voice Squad.
SENSORY CREATIVE PLAY
Wednesday 29 October
A playful non-verbal session for young people with additional learning needs.
SOUNDS OF COURAGE
Thursday 30 October
Bury St Edmunds 4 Black Lives presents a varied programme with special guest Andi Oliver.
DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE: THE BIG JURASSIC STORM
Friday 31 October
Learn about dinosaurs as the keepers and giant dinosaurs escape the island before the Jurassic storm!
ALEX MCALEER: MIND READER
Saturday 1 November
Can Alex read your mind? Come along to find out.
SPAMALOT
Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 November
A musical take on Monty Python’s The Holy Grail performed by local amateur company Irving Stage Company.
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: BRAZILIERO
Wednesday 5 November
A CHRISTMAS CAROL BALLET
Sunday 9 – Tuesday 11 November
Performed by Ballet Theatre UK.
WHO’S WINE IS IT ANYWAY?
Thursday 27 November
Test your taste buds at this immersive wine-tasting experience!
CAROLS FROM CAMBRIDGE
Tuesday 9 Dec
Join us at St Mary’s Church to hear the Selwyn College Choir perform festive favourites.
Friday 21 November –
Sunday 18 January
Every day is the same for Rapunzel. She gazes from her tower and dreams of the world beyond…but today is different…today she’ll escape. Pursued by a wicked witch, a talking dog and a love-sick shepherd, Rapunzel’s journey takes her in search of the one thing that can save her: a Golden Tulip.
Booking is quick and easy online at www. theatreroyal. org. See website for Box Office opening times.
AS THE NIGHTS DRAW IN, ST EDMUNDSBURY CATHEDRAL WELCOMES YOU TO A SEASON OF WARMTH, CREATIVITY, AND CELEBRATION ACROSS AUTUMN AND WINTER.
OCTOBER BRINGS a rich programme of concerts, talks, and special services. The annual Harvest Festival on Sunday 5 October will fill the Cathedral with colour, music, and produce. Later in the month, we’ll welcome Rhubarb Theatre for a day of performances with their dustbin that refuses rubbish! Free family activities will accompany the performances, with a recycling theme. We’ll also welcome some candlelight concerts, a perfect way to hear your favourite tunes, including the music of Coldplay, Pink Floyd, and Ella Fitzgerald and friends. In November, we mark All Saints’ and Remembrance with moving services
gifts, artisan products, and seasonal food. Free family activities will be available as well as daily entertainment for shoppers.
The season concludes in December with Advent and Christmas services, from the beauty of the Advent Procession to the joyful and
of reflection. The Moments of War Art Exhibition will be in residence in the Cloisters from Saturday 1 – Friday 14 November. Following, we’ll welcome Classic FM presenter Zeb Soanes and St Martin’s Voices on Friday 21 November for an enchanting evening of words and carols. Christmas season starts in earnest on Thursday 27 November when the Cathedral Christmas Market opens its doors for three days, with more than 50 stalls offering handmade
family-focused Christmas Eve Crib Services. The annual Christmas with the Cathedral Choir concert is the perfect setting to enjoy your favourite Christmas carols and support our young musicians. Other musical evenings throughout December include Christmas by Candlelight, G4 Christmas and Christmas Movies by Candlelight.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral invites you to share in a season of community, tradition, and music.
LIFE ON THE HOMEFRONT
– TALK BY PAUL HUNT
Sunday 26 October, 11am – 12pm | £10 per ticket
Military historian Paul Hunt, a Royal British Legion member, returns following his popular 2024 talk. Using his unique collection of genuine WW2 artefacts, Paul will give an interactive presentation, inviting the audience to handle objects and ask questions. Learn how ordinary people coped with rationing, evacuations, blackouts, and new wartime roles, as women and children helped keep Britain running. Explore gas masks, ration books, Home Guard kit, and more as Paul brings untold stories of resilience vividly to life.
SUFFOLK CRAFT SOCIETY EXHIBITION
Friday 7 – Sunday 23 November, 10am – 4pm | Free Iceni Botanical Artists are delighted to be back at the Guildhall with their annual exhibition. This year, it will feature 163 paintings of plants and vistas of Fullers Mill Gardens, West Stow, Suffolk. Over the last two years, IBA artists have been working in the gardens in association with the Perennial Charity - a Gardeners Royal Benevolent Society, painting the favourite plants of the late Bernard Tickner.
Free Admission - all works for sale
ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS OPERATION ROOM OPEN DAYS 2025
Sunday 26 October & Sunday 23 November, 11am – 3pm | Free Admission
The Guildhall houses the only surviving WW2 Royal Observer Corps Operations Room – once the secret “eyes and ears of the RAF” during the Battle of Britain. Hidden for over 80 years, it is now open for all to explore on special open days, telling the remarkable stories of those who served here.
THE GUILDHALL BURY ST EDMUNDS: 850 YEARS SERVING THE TOWN
Launching 29 October 2025, this richly illustrated new book, by Terry O’Donoghue and Rowan Harris, explores the Guildhall’s extraordinary history. From medieval feasts and Civil War turmoil to the declassified ROC Operations Room, the book reveals dramatic stories, colourful characters, and the Guildhall’s enduring role in Bury life.
For details and tickets: www.burystedmundsguildhall.org.uk
HE COFFEE HOUSE
TGrab a bite at The Coffee House café in The Apex.
Whether it’s a family day out or a get together with friends, enjoy locally roasted coffee, fairtrade teas, soft drinks, artisan sandwiches, jacket potatoes and freshly baked pastries. The Coffee House is open daily from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Savour a thoughtfully curated platter before a performance – the perfect way to start your evening. To pre-order, visit the food and drink section of The Apex website. Each platter is accompanied with a small glass of wine, beer or a soft drink which can be chosen on the night.
Ploughman’s Platter
£21.50
British favourite with a traditional pork pie, mature cheddar cheese, crisp apple slices, pickled gherkins, pickled onions, rich chutney and fresh bread & butter.
Vegetarian or Vegan Platter
£21.50
Plant-friendly platter with grilled halloumi, apple slices, juicy grapes, pickled gherkins, Mediterranean vegetable quiche, rich chutney. Vegan alternatives to halloumi and quiche available.
Fisherman’s Platter
£21.50
Delicately balanced seafood selection with salmon slices, peppered mackerel fillet, flaked trout fillet, horseradish & dill cream, pickled fennel, pickled ginger and fresh bread & butter.
Charcuterie Platter
£21.50
Rustic and savoury meat selection with Parma ham, cured salami, balsamicglazed charcuterie sausage, pickled gherkins, pickled onions, rich chutney, artisan crackers or bread.
Indulge in a pre-show speciality platter, carefully curated to complement the theme of a performance. Visit The Apex website to find out more and pre-order.
THE ATHENAEUM is a Grade 1 listed event venue in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. Steeped in history, this iconic Suffolk landmark has been hosting unforgettable events for 160 years. From glittering high society balls and literary readings to modern day corporate functions, weddings and private celebrations. With its Georgian architecture, high ceilings and timeless elegance, The Athenaeum has five flexible spaces with interconnecting rooms that can cater from 14 to 350 guests.
Join The Athenaeum for Suffolk’s biggest Halloween party! Tropicana Nights is back with an 80’s themed Halloween Thriller on Saturday 1st November 2025 (8pm to 12:30am). Dig out a costume, dance to the best 80’s anthems and party the night away. Early bird tickets are £11.25 with general admission £14 (21+). Visit The Athenaeum website to find out more.
Each ticket includes an arrival drink, three-course meal, DJ and disco, magician, photobooth and casino. A non-refundable deposit of £20 per person is required to secure a booking. Visit The Athenaeum website
Celebrate Christmas at The Athenaeum Bury St Edmunds, one of Suffolk’s most atmospheric venues. The fun-filled Christmas party packages are designed to make planning simple and stressfree. Taking place in The Ballroom on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from the 4th to the 20th December 2025, packages are just £72.50 per person for a table of 8.
ACING’S HEADQUARTERS
Ris beginning to quieten, as ‘The Final Meeting’ takes place on Friday 31st October – Saturday 1st November, before playing host to the ultimate Christmas Fair, Presents Galore, bringing the festive spirit to the Rowley Mile Racecourse.
Whilst racing may have finished for the season, Newmarket is still a hive of places to explore and visit, whilst also providing you with the chance to get an insight into just what makes the home of horseracing so special.
Presents Galore
Friday 28th November – Sunday 30th
November
Get into the festive spirit with East Anglia’s most spectacular Christmas Fair, Presents Galore. Set in the stunning surroundings of the Rowley Mile Racecourse, in Newmarket, this threeday Christmas shopping extravaganza is a treasure trove of unique gifts and experiences just waiting to be found. Delivering all the atmosphere, sights and aromas of Christmas and featuring over 100 boutique stalls, this is one you won’t want to miss out on!
Tickets are now on sale - https:// presentsgalore.org
Newmarket Sausage Festival
Saturday 1st November
Join us for our annual Newmarket Sausage Festival in November, on Market Square. Experience a whole
host of sausage themed activities, competitions and stalls to celebrate the town’s long association with the Newmarket sausage. You can expect plenty of samples, recipe ideas and tasty treats to try!
In addition, dine on sausages for the whole week running up to this delicious festival, as many of the town’s most loved cafes and restaurants feature a special sausage dish on their menus as part of the Sausage Safari!
Give the perfect gift with Discover Newmarket
As the festive season approaches, why not treat someone to a special Newmarket experience with a Discover Newmarket Gift Voucher. Many of our popular tours are available to purchase, including:
LTHOUGH THERE’S time to fit in an 11am daily tour, before the season ends on Friday 31 October, we now turn our attention to the ghostly and macabre tours which begin at Halloween and continue through the winter months.
Last year we took over 900 bookings and already this year the early birds are grabbing their places as are those who want to provide family and friends with a tour as a novel gift. We are fortunate in Bury St Edmunds to have so many stories to tell on these spooky tours which combine a bit of learning with a lot of fun. We have kept the price at £10 so it’s still great value.
burystedmundstourguides.org to find out more and how to book.
Last, but not least, some news of our recent accolade! We are proud to have been awarded the Travellers’ Choice distinction by Tripadvisor which again puts us in the top 10% of things to do worldwide and demonstrates our commitment to hospitality excellence. The award is based on those who experienced our tours and provided strong reviews. Of 342 reviews on Tripadvisor, we have 326 in the excellent and 14 in the very good categories recognising the quality of tours both in content and delivery. So, come along and see for yourself what we offer.
Our food and drink tours have proved a great success enabling people whilst on walking tours to visit six of the town’s independent businesses and taste their mouth-
being fed nuggets of local history. These too make ideal presents or a chance for small groups to come together. Additionally, we provide special tours on different topics, amongst which are our Wartime walks and one for October’s Literary Festival so it is well worth visiting www.
THE BURY ST EDMUNDS LITERATURE FESTIVAL IS RETURNING FOR ITS 7TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL, WITH A FOUR DAY PROGRAMME OF AUTHOR EVENTS, CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS, WALKS AND FILM SCREENINGS 9-12TH OCTOBER 2025; ITS BIGGEST AND BOLDEST FESTIVAL YET.
AT THE HEART of the festival is a wide array of fabulous author events. There’s fiction in every genre from fêted authors including Sarah Perry, Louis de Bernieres, debut authors - including Waterstones Debut Award winner Ferdia Lennon, local authors and best-selling authors - including Chris Whitaker, Emma Healey and Jennifer Saint. For non-fiction we will present riveting and rigorous author discussions that cover everything from the enduring spirit of Ukraine with Olia Hercules & Felicity Spector, the story of our town’s eponymous Saint Edmund with Amy Jeffs and the joyful Read Yourself Happy event with Daisy Buchanan, Nikki May & Isabelle Broome.The Climate and Biodiversity crises are addressed with authors Sally Morgan and Becky Searle
discussing Gardening for Climate Change and James Canton Renaturing everything from a two acre plot to a window box.
For children, we have *free* ticketed events for all age groups; there’s sensory storytelling for babies and preschoolers, interactive workshops for kids with Serena Patel and an exploration of expression through poetry, rap and verse for young people with East Anglian Book Award winning Ashley HicksonLovence.
This year, we're expanding beyond author events and delivering exciting new additions to our programme. Gold Dust Writer Mentoring will be offering creative writing workshops, Abbeygate Cinema is presenting film screenings that complement our author events and Bury Tour Guides have curated special guided walks taking in sites of literary note across the town. We hope that there is something for everyone! The full programme is available to book at www. burylitfest.co.uk/boxoffice
KINGS CINEMA HAS A FANTASTIC ARRAY OF SCREENINGS TO KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED AS THE NIGHTS GROW LONGER...
FROM WEDNESDAY 1 to Thursday
9 October, we are thrilled to present the highly anticipated Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
Tickets are available now, so come and help us say a heartfelt goodbye to the Crawley's and their captivating stories.
Be sure to look out for more incredible films coming this year, including The Running Man, Wicked 2, and Zootropolis 2!
Remember, Kings Cinema offers more than just movies...
Mrs. Warren's Profession
Thursday 23 October, 7pm
The Fifth Step
Thursday 27 November, 7pm
Bat Out of Hell: The Musical Thursday 30 October, 7pm
ROM WEDNESDAY 15
FOctober to Saturday 1 November, the awardwinning ScaresVille returns as East Anglia’s most talked-about scare experience. Brave visitors will journey through themed rooms, spooky woods, and shocking surprises in this immersive after-dark adventure for over 14s.
For families, our popular half-term event Halloweenies: School of Sorcery is back. Dress up for a magical spooky
THE METROPOLITAN OPERA
La Sonnambula
Wednesday 22 October, 7pm
La Bohème
Sunday 23 November, 6pm Arabella
Wednesday 26 November, 6pm
ROYAL BALLET & OPERA
Cinderella
Sunday 30 November, 3pm
The Nutcracker Sunday 14 December, 3pm
Tickets available at www.kingscinema.co.uk or purchased at the box office. Call 01638 475322 (Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm to 9pm). Visit 16 Fitzroy Street, Newmarket, CB8 0JW. Follow us on Facebook for more exciting films and screenings!
KENTWELL HALL IS THE PLACE TO BE THIS AUTUMN AND WINTER, WITH A LINE-UP OF UNMISSABLE EVENTS TO THRILL, ENCHANT AND DELIGHT ALL AGES.
adventure with wands, potions, dragon eggs & spells.
As the year draws in, the Hall and gardens take on a new atmosphere with Kentwell's Enchanted Gardens Lit By Night, open on selected evenings throughout November and December. Paths and features are lit to create a wonderful way to enjoy the gardens after dark.
Finally, in the run-up to Christmas, Kentwell opens its doors for a
Dickensian Christmas. With Victorian characters, festive decorations, and open fires throughout the house, it offers a warm and welcoming start to the festive season including a visit to Father Christmas in his Grotto.
From autumn adventures to winter traditions, Kentwell Hall makes the most of this lovely time of year. Early booking is recommended.
Gallery opening times: Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm; Sun: 10am-4pm
ART AND DESIGN BY KING'S ELY
Tuesday 23 September - Sunday 23 November
An exhibition of high-quality work produced by King's Ely students showing a broad range of GCSE and A level Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art and Photography, including examples of exam and coursework.
PRINTBOX LIVE
Tuesday 25 November – Sunday 21 December
An exhibition of prints from a collective of photographic artists and print-makers from the region. Their work encompasses a wide range of subjects and styles from abstract, through minimalism and into the world of fantasy. Much is based on photographic capture – but this is often enhanced by the use of other media and techniques to produce something a little different.
THE APEX GALLERY holds a range of exhibitions throughout the year. The gallery features works by emerging and established artists, as well as engaging with West Suffolk's various community art groups, offering them an opportunity to display their work in a professional environment. Read on for information on our upcoming exhibitions.
THE ART OF MARQUETRY AND ME
Tuesday 23 December – Monday 26 January
An exhibition of works by the artist Soraya… "Ever since I was a girl, I felt words and texts did not quite express how I feel about life, nature, the earth or the divine. I also wanted to record my memories of people I love and value. I was not good at painting, so I decided to try my hand at marquetry. Marquetry allows me to create an intricate storytelling image of scenery, how I see women, my spiritual belief and capture the face of my loved ones. I use various types and colours of natural wood and barks from trees to bring to life how I feel so perfectly. Marquetry involves substituting different parts of a design/ image with coloured pieces of wood. Each piece is finely cut from various types and colours of natural wood inlaid together neatly to re-create an image, scenery or a shape. The woods or barks are from trees such as sour orange’s wood, jujube wood, berry wood, walnut wood and some others."
THIS SPRING, ARC SHOPPING CENTRE HAS SOME EXCITING THINGS LINED UP!
RC SHOPPING CENTRE is ready to make your autumn and winter season truly unforgettable. With a spectacular series of events for the remainder of 2025, promising endless family fun and entertainment for all.
Dive into the spooky spirit with arc Shopping Centre’s engaging Halloween event on Wednesday 29th October. Then, prepare for a magical start to the festive season at arc’s highly anticipated Christmas Light Switch On event on Thursday 20th November, where the centre will be transformed into a twinkling wonderland.
Enjoy the Christmas Marcet until Sunday 21st December and browse a range of artisan products from independent businesses. For those seeking something more adventurous, be sure to visit arc’s Ice Rink from Tuesday 23rd December.
In addition to these events, arc Shopping Centre continues to offer a wide range of shopping and dining alongside leisure options for all. With a diverse programme of live music and events being held at The Apex and a redefined cinema experience available at Everyman Cinema; arc has everything covered to make this autumn and winter enjoyable for you and your family!
THERE’S STILL PLENTY TO SEE AT THIS TIME OF YEAR!
Opening times:
Open until 31 October Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11am–5pm
FULLERS MILL Garden - an RHS Partner Garden - was generously gifted to Perennial, the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping everyone who works in horticulture and their families, for its long-term preservation.
This beautiful, award-winning space is well worth a visit at this time of year as it shines with vibrant autumn colour; it’s a serene garden, rich with texture and warm colour.
Fiery foliage, late-flowering perennials and the gentle sound of the River Lark create a peaceful atmosphere. Breathe in the crisp air, soak up the vibrant reflections, and lose yourself among the dappled light through the trees in this peaceful seven-acre retreat.
And with every visit to our gardens, purchases from our cafes, shops or online store and any donations, you'll be helping Perennial provide vital support to all those in the UK working in or retired from horticulture and their families during challenging times. fullersmill.org.uk
