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# St Stephen's Church opens doors to football fans and shoppers this Saturday
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/st-stephens-church-opens-doors-to-football-fans-and-shoppers-this-saturday/
- Published: 2024-12-20T08:01:01.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:26:57.000Z
- Description: St Stephen's Church in Ipswich will transform into a pre-match venue and shopping retreat this Saturday, offering both football fans and Christmas shoppers a place to relax and grab a drink.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Town Centre & Waterfront, Entertainment & Leisure, #article, Brighten the Corners, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters**: The venue provides a unique space where both fans and shoppers can take a break (and say a few prayers) ahead of the Premier League clash between Ipswich Town and Newcastle United.

![The bar inside St Stephen's Church in Ipswich](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1734651194-st-stephens-church-bar-1.jpg)

St Stephen's Church in Ipswich will transform into a pre-match venue and shopping retreat this Saturday, offering both football fans and Christmas shoppers a place to relax (Brighten the Corners)

**The details**:

- The church, located opposite the Buttermarket shopping centre, will be open from 10:00 until 16:00
- The venue will serve hot drinks and soft beverages, alongside alcoholic drinks
- Both home and away supporters are welcome
- The space is being promoted as family-friendly

**But there's more**: The venue will reopen at 19:30 for an evening of live music, headlined by local indie-pop band Reno & Rome. Support acts include Three Years Younger, Midnight Repost and Ross Stewart.

**The bottom line**: Whether you're heading to the match or doing some Christmas shopping, head over to St Stephen's Church and support the Blues and a fantastic local venue at the same time.

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