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1940s singer and military choir to perform at Ipswich VE Day event

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

A 1940s singer, military choir and a ceremonial beacon lighting will transform the Cornhill for the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday, 8 May.

Why it matters: The evening event is part of wider commemorations taking place across the country to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe at the end of the Second World War.

The council has arranged for 1940s singer Stacy 'Kitty' Collins and the Wattisham Military Wives Choir to perform during the town centre celebrations, which begin at 19:30.

The cenotaph in Christchurch Park, Ipswich
The morning service will be held at the Cenotaph in Christchurch Park

The details: A morning service will be held at the Cenotaph in Christchurch Park at 11:00, led by the Royal British Legion, where members of the public can pay their respects.

The Mayor of Ipswich and the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk will attend the morning service, alongside local councillors.

Union Jack bunting will be hung from the Town Hall balcony to create a festive atmosphere for the evening celebration.

A bar offering soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and snacks will be available on site.

What they're saying: "Our evening event on the Cornhill aims to reflect those celebrations, with lots of entertainment to enjoy and a chance to see Ipswich's beacon being lit in the heart of town," said Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Elango Elavalakan.

"On 8 May 1945, the long-anticipated news of Victory in Europe resulted in great rejoicing across the nation and people from all walks of life came together to mark the momentous occasion."

Ipswich Town Hall
The evening session will take place outside the town hallOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

What's next: The evening entertainment will conclude at 21:15 with speeches from civic dignitaries from the Town Hall steps, followed by the lighting of a ceremonial beacon at 21:30.

The bottom line: VE Day Commemoration flags will also be flown from both the Town Hall and the Council's Grafton House headquarters on 8 May.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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FORKNIGHT returns to Ipswich with 30+ delicious offers

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Now's your chance to discover Ipswich's incredible food scene – special offers await at pubs, cafés and restaurants across the town centre from 19-31 May, as the beloved FORKNIGHT returns after a six-year hiatus.

Why it matters: This campaign isn't just about the deals – it's about discovering what makes Ipswich's food scene worth celebrating and finding your new favourite spot. From British classics to African-inspired dishes, FORKNIGHT celebrates the diversity that makes Ipswich's food scene special.

Forknight header
Ipswich Central

What's new: More than 30 participating venues are offering special deals throughout the day – whether you're after breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal out.

European delicacies, American comfort food, Asian flavours, African cuisine, and much more, giving you plenty of reasons to step outside your usual habits and try something new, somewhere new.

What they're saying: Lee Walker , CEO of Ipswich Central , said: "We've got a wonderful array of places to eat around the town, that for a two-week period we're showcasing these and encouraging people to make use of great food offers to eat out with friends or family.

"Visit a venue you haven't tried before, maybe enjoy a type of cuisine that you wouldn't normally try or didn't even know was available right here in town!"

How to take part: Visit www.allaboutipswich.com/forknight to browse the offers. Choose one that catches your eye and quote 'FORKNIGHT' when booking at participating venues.

Walker added: "FORKNIGHT is a reminder that we have some great places to eat out around the town, for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal out we've got all options covered."

The bottom line: FORKNIGHT offers the perfect opportunity to support local businesses whilst expanding your culinary horizons. Why not make this the fortnight you finally try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit?

Over the next two weeks, we'll be spotlighting some of the incredible people behind Ipswich's most-loved eateries, so make sure you subscribe to our newsletter and visit our website regularly.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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