Catwalk, casino and soul: Ipswich street wardens to model as Soul and Sophistication returns

Why it matters: The night marks 10 years since the Soul and Sophistication brand last staged an event in 2016. Tickets cost £38 (plus fees on Eventbrite).

The details: Glam & Groove takes place at Novotel Ipswich Centre, Greyfriars Road, from 19:00 to around 00:30, and is open to over-21s only.

• Mandy Errington, owner of DJV Boutique, is co-organising the night with Tony Walters of Reminisce Entertainment, the pair behind Soul and Sophistication.
• The brand's first event was a masquerade ball held in 2014, followed by a black and white ball in 2016. Mandy said both sold out.
• Covid and a knock to the entertainment industry set the brand back, but with the 10-year landmark arriving, the pair asked themselves: “Should we just give it another go and just see what kind of traction we get?”

What's on: The evening brings fashion, soul music and entertainment together under one roof.

• Fashion: DJV Boutique and James St Peter's present a showcase of seasonal collections for ladies and gents.
• Live music: Ricky Hanley is a multi-platinum singer, songwriter and vocal arranger who has worked on ITV's The Masked Singer and the BBC's Little Mix: The Search.
• Soul: Tony Walters, known as DJ EZ-T, will play throughout the night.
• Casino: Red & Black Casinos, from Stowmarket, will run an LED roulette wheel played with fun money, with a bottle of bubbly for the lucky winners.

From the streets to the catwalk: Three of the models are street wardens with Ipswich Central. Rather than being told what to wear, they chose their own made-to-measure outfits, which they will keep after the show.

Mark Hubert, founder of James St Peter's, who looked after the menswear, said: "Left entirely to me, I would probably have had everyone walking down the catwalk in beautifully cut navy suits. Fortunately, they had other ideas."

"Think Ozwald Boateng meets Versace," he added. "On the night, people who may recognise these men from the streets of Ipswich are going to see a completely different side of them."

The models have been rehearsing ahead of the night. "Honestly, they're naturals. They are absolutely naturals," said Errington.

What they're saying: Errington said the event was not seated, as organisers want guests to join in. "We want people to get into it, get into the groove," she said. She also urged guests to "feel the energy in the room, support the models".

She added: "This collaboration is the way to build community spirit and I believe that the momentum is increasing along with the excitement."

Hubert said: "Glam & Groove is a very good example of what can happen when people in Ipswich work together and have a little fun doing it."

Before you go:

• Arrival: Doors open at 19:00, and organisers recommend arriving 10 minutes early so the evening can start on time.
• Dress code: Dress to impress. Organisers note there is a fashion show and an event photographer, so it is "always good to look your best".
• Seating: This is a standing event, though a limited number of chairs will be available for those unable to stand for long periods. Special tables have been allocated for those committed to 10 people.
• Drinks: A welcome drink is included in the ticket price. The smaller bar inside the venue is card only, while the larger bar in the hotel foyer takes cash and card.
• Food: Meals can be pre-ordered from a menu directly with the Novotel and must be paid for 48 hours before the event. Email sb@novoips.co.uk to order.
• Parking: Spaces at the hotel are very limited and must be paid for in advance at reception. Organisers recommend getting a taxi or parking nearby, with Cardinal Park the nearest option.
• Staying over: Discounted rooms are available at the Novotel by calling 01473 232400 and quoting your ticket number.

How to get tickets: Tickets cost £38 plus fees on Eventbrite, or £38 with no fees in person from:

• DJV Boutique, 10 Cox Lane (cash or card)
• James St Peter's, 17 St Peter's Street (cash only)
• Novotel Ipswich Centre, Greyfriars Road (cash only)

To arrange an in-person purchase, or to ask about table seating for groups, call 07933 030618 (Tuesday to Saturday, business hours) or email events@djvboutique.co.uk. Tickets are non-refundable.

The bottom line: Ten years on from its last event, Soul and Sophistication is back with fashion, soul and a casino – and a chance to see some familiar faces from Ipswich's streets in a whole new light.

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