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

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First Christmas market in The Walk hailed a success by traders and shoppers

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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

Twenty local traders transformed one of Ipswich's most historic thoroughfares on Sunday, as The Walk's first Christmas market kicked off this year's festive shopping.

The big picture: Thousands of shoppers crammed into the quaint, historic thoroughfare as twenty local traders came together to create a new festive shopping experience in The Walk yesterday, Sunday, 01 December.

The details:

  • Offerings included craft beer, preserves, fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts

  • Traders set up stalls outside and in vacant buildings along The Walk

  • The event coincided with the Artisan food market on the Cornhill

The Walk Christmas Market in pictures

Filling the void: The market was set up after Ipswich lost its traditional Saints Christmas Market, which was cancelled several weeks earlier due to Ipswich Town's Premier League fixture against Manchester United on 24 November. The cancellation had left a gap in the town's festive calendar, with road closure permits already obtained and stall holders booked before the announcement.

Behind the initiative: The market was organised by Will and Jenny, owners of Threads for All, who opened their independent fashion and homeware store in The Walk in late summer 2024. Their shop specialises in gender-neutral and unisex fashion alongside accessories and homeware.

Artisan Market on The Cornhill, 2024
The event coincided with the Artisan Market on The Cornhill, creating a broader shopping experience for visitors to the town centre.Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The bottom line: By bringing together independent traders, the Christmas market successfully showcased The Walk's potential as a retail destination for shoppers seeking unique, locally sourced products.

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

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Theatre project transforms lives through art

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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

Participants have praised the life-changing impact of a creative wellbeing programme at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, designed to support people with multiple health conditions.

Why it matters: With long-term health conditions predicted to affect 68% of people by 2035, innovative approaches to supporting wellbeing and reducing health inequalities are becoming increasingly vital.

Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey Theatre
Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey TheatrePolly AldertonNew Wolsey Theatre

The big picture: Tell Your Story, produced by New Wolsey Theatre's Creative Communities team and funded by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, brings together people with multiple health conditions in a supportive environment to develop skills in photography, animation and creative writing.

What they're saying: "This programme has been confidence building. It's a really lovely way of bringing people together in a safe space. The gentle introductions, and support and help of the team, makes you feel accepted and part of a little family," one participant said.

By the numbers:

  • 12 workshops led by photographer Gillian Allard and writer Dean Parkin

  • 30% of people currently live with a long-term condition

  • 70% of all health and care spending goes to long-term conditions

What's happening: A free exhibition showcasing participants' work is running in the theatre's lounge area until Monday, 17 February.

The bottom line: Tell Your Story demonstrates how creative expression can improve wellbeing, resilience and sense of agency for people living with long-term health conditions.

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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