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St Stephen's Church plays host to record fair and makers market this weekend

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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

Vinyl enthusiasts and Christmas shoppers can enjoy a packed weekend at St Stephen's Church, as Brighten the Corners brings both a makers market and record fair to the venue.

Why it matters: The events bring Ipswich's creative and music communities under one roof, offering an alternative to mainstream shopping while supporting local makers and traders.

St Stephens Church in Ipswich
Vinyl enthusiasts and Christmas shoppers can enjoy a packed weekend at St Stephen's ChurchOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Saturday's Winter Market (14 December):

  • Runs from 11:00 to 17:00

  • Features local independent makers and crafters

  • Includes artworks, prints, records, jewellery, candles, soap and pottery

  • Pop-up shop from Good Inside café

  • Mulled wine available

  • Free entry

Winter Market at St Stephen's Church

A festive shopping experience featuring independent makers, crafts, live DJs, refreshments, and unique Christmas gifts from local artisans.

  • Christmas
  • 14 December
  • 11:00-17:00
Winter Market at St Stephen's Church

Sunday's Record Fair (15 December):

  • Opens 10:00 to 16:00

  • Stalls selling records and CDs, old and new

  • Bar serving coffee, hot drinks, soft drinks and beer

  • Free entry

Ipswich Record Fair at St Stephen's Church

Ipswich Record Fair returns to St Stephen's Church on Sunday, December 15th, with stalls selling records and CDs, old and new.

  • Music, Gigs & Concerts
  • 15 December
  • 10:00-16:00
Ipswich Record Fair at St Stephen's Church

About the organisers: Brighten the Corners, which runs three full-time venues in Ipswich town centre, promotes independent and emerging artists while providing training and volunteering opportunities for young people. The organisation has more than 80 active volunteers and focuses on making music and culture accessible to all.

The bottom line: Whether you're hunting for handmade Christmas gifts or looking to expand your vinyl collection, St Stephen's Church is offering a full weekend of shopping opportunities, supporting local cultural initiatives in the process.

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

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Ipswich Regent and Corn Exchange announce star-studded spring entertainment lineup

News
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

The Ipswich Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange have unveiled their spring season programme, featuring top comedians Jimmy Carr and Jack Dee alongside Strictly Come Dancing stars and music tributes.

The big picture: The spring season spans multiple entertainment genres, bringing a variety of performances to Ipswich:

  • Eight major comedy shows running from February to April

  • Six Strictly Come Dancing professionals performing individual shows

  • Two classic opera productions

  • Multiple music tribute acts and performances

Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange spring lineup
Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange spring lineupIpswich Theatres

Key performances

Comedy:

  • Paddy McGuinness: Nearly There (20 February)

  • Jack Dee: Small World (27 February)

  • Chris McCausland: Yonks (18 March)

  • Mo Gilligan: In The Moment World Tour (22 March)

  • Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny (9 April)

  • Rob Beckett: Giraffe (15-16 April)

Dance:

  • Giovanni Pernice (21 March)

  • Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu (23 March)

  • Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez (28 March)

  • Nikita Kuzmin (19 April)

Music:

  • BOYZLIFE (26 January)

  • Big Girls Don't Cry (14 February)

  • The Darkness (6-7 March) - sold out

  • Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (23 April)

  • Illegal Eagles (25 April)

Opera:

  • Madama Butterfly (4 February)

  • La Bohème (27 March)

What they're saying: Councillor Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, said: "We're thrilled to present an exciting new season of shows at the Ipswich Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange, which are designed to delight, inspire, and entertain."

The bottom line: All shows are now available to book through the Ipswich Theatres website, except for The Darkness performances which have sold out.

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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