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Enchanted fairies and elves to visit Buttermarket this Easter

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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 free 'Kindness Forest' event transforms the shopping centre into a magical sanctuary for families from 8-20 April.

Why it matters: The event aims to support children's mental health through interactive activities designed to encourage positivity, mindfulness and movement.

Buttermarket Ipswich is hosting the two-week trail featuring magical characters placed throughout the centre, each carrying unique messages of kindness and encouragement.

Kindness Forest at Buttermarket Ipswich
Kindness Forest at Buttermarket IpswichButtermarket Ipswich

The details: Two specialised workshops will run on specific dates:

  • Mindful Affirmation Crafts: Tuesday 8 April, 11:00-15:00

  • Hula Hooping for Happiness: Tuesday 15 April, 11:00-15:00

"The Kindness Forest is filled with enchanted fairies and elves, each carefully designed to help children express their emotions and resonate with their feelings," according to the Buttermarket.

"These magical characters act as gentle guides, creating a space where children feel seen, heard, and supported."

For context: The workshops are designed to foster self-expression and emotional resilience through creative and movement-based activities.

The affirmation crafts session will help children design personal affirmations to encourage positive thinking and self-confidence, while the hula hooping workshop uses rhythmic movement to promote body confidence and stress release.

What they're saying: "This event is a testament to Buttermarket Ipswich's commitment to fostering a supportive and uplifting space for families," organisers said.

"By combining movement, creativity, and emotional storytelling, The Kindness Forest provides children with valuable tools to promote positive mental health while ensuring a magical and memorable Easter experience."

The bottom line: The event is free and open to all families, with more information available at buttermarketipswich.com/event/the-kindness-forest.

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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