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Actor and author Larry Lamb has been announced as the first headline speaker for Ipswich's new literary festival launching in October 2025.
Why it matters: The three-day event will celebrate Ipswich's rich literary and cultural heritage while making storytelling accessible to everyone in the community.
The Ipswich Book Festival will run from 3-5 October 2025 across multiple venues in the town, featuring speakers, workshops, panel discussions, and community-driven storytelling.
Who's behind it: The festival has been founded by four local business owners:
Tony Felgate, a business leader, DJ and arts supporter
Cathy Frost, an entrepreneur, indie shop owner and community champion
Andrew Marsh, an indie book shop owner and literary advocate
Emma Lightfoot, a writer, rabbit whisperer and event organiser
What they're saying: At the festival's official launch on Friday, 4 April, Ipswich Mayor Elango Elavalakan expressed his support: "Delighted to be here to help you launch the first Ipswich book festival. Books tell stories and these are important and help us to understand, ask questions and feel empathy towards others."
The details: The festival boasts five patrons chosen for their passion for reading, popularity with Ipswich readers and love for the town, including Ashley Hickson-Lovence, winner of the East Anglian Book of the Year 2024 with "Wild East", Frances Quinn, Matson Taylor, Thomas Taylor, and Eva Verde.
The organisers say the festival will deliver events to underserved communities in outlying areas of Ipswich before, during and after the main weekend, with free ticket allocations for disadvantaged and disenfranchised groups.
What's next: More headline speakers will be announced in the coming months, with tickets expected to go on sale in early July.
The bottom line: Those interested in updates and early access to tickets can visit ipswichbookfestival.co.uk and sign up for the newsletter, while businesses interested in sponsorship can contact the organisers directly.
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