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Parents warned as unsafe inflatable children's costumes seized in Suffolk

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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

Suffolk Trading Standards has confiscated 425 dangerous inflatable costumes for children due to a high risk of asphyxiation. The products, imported from China, failed to meet UK safety regulations.

The big picture: Suffolk Trading Standards' Imports Team intercepted a shipment of 425 unsafe children's inflatable costumes before they could reach consumers. They were intended for sale on Amazon but their overly long drawstrings posed an increased of asphyxiation.

Shark costume poster
The Chinese imported products failed to meet UK safety regulationsSuffolk Trading Standards

Key details:

  • The costumes failed to meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.

  • Excessively long drawstrings around the neck could tighten, potentially strangling or injuring children.

  • Amazon has removed the product listings.

  • The seized goods have been destroyed.

What you can do:

  • If you've purchased a potentially unsafe product, stop using it immediately.

  • Report concerns to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

  • Only buy from reputable retailers and when shopping on online marketplaces, check seller details for a UK address.

  • Read product reviews carefully and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.

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

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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

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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

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