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3,000 visitors already signed up for Suffolk Rural's Big Day Out celebration

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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

The popular mini county show returns for its 20th year with tractor displays, animal handling, and free interactive experiences. Best of all? Free tickets are still available.

Why it matters: Suffolk New College's annual Big Day Out has become a fixture in the community calendar since it began in 2005, offering a day of family activities while showcasing the college's rural campus.

Principal and CEO of Suffolk New College and Suffolk Rural Alan Pease with his two year old grandson called Oscar at the 2024 Big Day Out event
Principal and CEO of Suffolk New College and Suffolk Rural Alan Pease with his two year old grandson called Oscar at the 2024 Big Day Out eventSuffolk New College

The details: The event takes place on Saturday 10 May from 10am to 4pm at the Suffolk Rural campus in Otley. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including:

  • Tractor displays

  • Equine demonstrations

  • Floristry workshops

  • Live music

  • Food stalls

  • Tree climbing

  • Animal handling

All departments will offer free interactive experiences related to their courses.

Things to note:

  • Free entry for all visitors

  • £5 car parking charge per vehicle

  • Dogs are not permitted at this year's event because the college houses livestock.

What they're saying: "We are delighted to be celebrating 20 years of the Big Day Out. We place a tremendous amount of value on the role that we have in the community - and we can't wait to welcome visitors to our Suffolk Rural Campus on 10 May," said Charlotte Rossiter, event supervisor for Suffolk New College .

The bottom line: Despite 3,000 visitors already registered, free tickets remain available and can be secured via the Suffolk New College online ticket sales website.

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

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

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

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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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