Suffolk Libraries is proud to be part of ‘We Are Ipswich’, an independent collective of nationally acclaimed arts and heritage organisations, which bringing the festive spirit to Suffolk like never before this Christmas.
We Are Ipswich will be putting Ipswich on the map as the Cultural Capital of Suffolk with eight venues, 237 performances, 77 exhibition days and five iconic Christmas films. Ipswich County Library is one of the venues, hosting a Christmas Movie Marathon and a performance of Five Little Ducks by Spinning Wheel in partnerships with New Wolsey Theatre.
We are Ipswich organisations are launching Ipswich Entertains for Christmas – a campaign showcasing a spectacular line-up of premier league art and culture that promises thrilling, high-quality entertainment for all ages. From enchanting performances to magical experiences, this offer solidifies Ipswich’s reputation as the ultimate cultural destination for the region and plays a key role in Ipswich Central’s wider ‘Your Very Suffolk Christmas’ campaign. Whether you’re from Suffolk or beyond, get ready to experience an unforgettable Christmas season in Ipswich.
Douglas Rintoul, Chair of ‘We Are Ipswich’, said:
"This is a great moment for Ipswich’s cultural organisations. During this magical time of year, we often work quietly and independently, crafting exceptional experiences for our communities that have also earned us national recognition. For the first time, we are coming together to celebrate not just the festive season, but the creativity, energy, and passion that makes Ipswich the cultural capital of Suffolk. We’re uniting to showcase everything that makes this town a vibrant, must-visit destination - especially at Christmas."
‘We Are Ipswich’ are working with All About Ipswich who will host and facilitate the Ipswich Entertains campaign as part of its wider Your Very Suffolk Christmas promotion, which will aim to showcase exactly why Ipswich is the County town of Suffolk, starting with its nationally recognised cultural offer.
The full line-up of events can be found on the All About Ipswich website.
Events will include:
Ipswich County Library, 8 December at 10:15AM
Join Suffolk Libraries for a magical Christmas Movie Marathon, perfect for the whole family! Cosy up with loved ones and enjoy an enchanting lineup of holiday classics that are sure to warm your heart. Kicking things off with The Polar Express, a thrilling animated adventure that will transport you straight to the North Pole. Next, dive into the fun and heartwarming Arthur Christmas, where Santa’s clumsy son races to save Christmas. Finally, laugh along with the delightful Muppets Christmas Carol, a charming twist on the classic tale with all your favourite Muppet characters.
While the movies roll, indulge in delicious hot chocolate to keep you warm and toasty. Plus, between screenings, Suffolk Libraries will have festive craft activities that will inspire your Christmas creativity! Whether you want to make your own holiday decorations or create fun keepsakes, these activities are perfect for kids and adults alike. Bring your festive spirit, comfy blankets, and get ready for a day of holiday cheer that will fill you with the magic of the season. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable family experience!
Suitable for all ages. This event is a drop-in relaxed screening and will be held in the Cosy Corner on the ground floor of the library.
Ipswich County Library, 4 to 21 December
Five Little Ducks went swimming one day, over the hills and far away. But when mummy duck said “Quack, quack, quack, quack” and only four of her little ducks come back. Come and sit amongst the reeds and lily pads, while we hunt for the missing little ducks, and have some adventures! This charming show presented at Ipswich Library by Spinning Wheel, is a co-production with the New Wolsey Theatre and in partnership with Suffolk Libraries and the Angles Theatre. For ages 1 - 4 and their families, featuring song, puppetry and integrated Makaton signing.
The Hold, Suffolk Archives, 25 October to 5 January
A visual treat for all ages featuring over 40 original illustrations from the film, along with behind-the-scenes drawings and preparatory sketches. These unique pieces, based on characters created by Raymond Briggs, offer a fascinating insight into the creative processes that were involved in bringing The Snowman™ back to life for a new generation of viewers. Suffolk Archives collects, preserves, and shares over 900 years’ worth of Suffolk’s rich history.
New Wolsey Theatre, 22 November to 18 January
Get ready for a rockin’ reawakening of Sleeping Beauty as Ipswich’s award-winning ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ Pantomime hits the stage with a fiery energy! This year’s panto is a dazzling explosion of live rock and pop music, wildly unforgettable characters, and non-stop laughter that'll keep audiences of all ages spellbound. With performances that include Audio Description, BSL Interpretation, Captioning, Relaxed/Dementia-friendly options, Touch Tours and Livestream, this show truly has something magical for everyone. The New Wolsey Theatre is a not-for-profit, multi-award-winning theatre and provides a vibrant cultural hub enriching the lives of people in Suffolk.
Eastern Angles Centre 28 November to 5 January and Seckford Theatre 8th January to 11th January
Filling the auditorium with music and merriment in a unique staging that immerses the audience in this classic festive tale. Escape into a world of joy, anarchy and magic for a story of community and kindness triumphing over greed and selfishness. Complete with original music, puppetry and a Fezziwig party you won’t forget. Eastern Angles is a regionally focussed theatre company with a broad world-view on their approach to creating work with community groups and artists in East Anglia.
The Avenue Theatre, 13 December to 5 January
When Gepetto, a poor carpenter, finds a piece of wood that can talk, he carves it into a puppet and is overjoyed when it miraculously comes alive. Pinocchio sets off to school but is easily led astray by temptation. In a madcap chain of disasters, he meets a host of extraordinary characters and learns to dance and sing, but will he ever learn the qualities he needs to make him into a real boy? Red Rose Chain is a not-for-profit Ipswich theatre company, delivering a vibrant professional and community programme for over 20 years.
DanceEast, 13 to 15 December
Based on the world-famous story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Luca Silvestrini’s The Little Prince, is an enchanting story of love and friendship for children and adults. Find out how The Little Prince leaves behind his own tiny asteroid and beloved rose and journeys through the universe, coming face to face with the baffling world of grown-ups! DanceEast was established in 1983 and is one of the UK’s leading dance organisations, and the home of dance in the East of England.
Ipswich Regent Theatre, 17 to 31 December
Enchanted Entertainment, the team behind record-breaking pantos, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan and Aladdin, return with their giant pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, starring TV and Dance Sensation, Louie Spence as Spirit of the Beans, EastEnders Legend Michael Greco as Fleshcreep, and TikTok and West End Star Abbie Budden as Jill, and back by popular demand comedian Mike McClean. With laughter, music, and plenty of surprises, this family-friendly production promises to be a joyous celebration of courage, friendship, and the power of believing in the extraordinary. Ipswich Regent Theatre first opened its doors in 1929 and is East Anglia’s largest theatre.
The ‘We Are Ipswich’ members include: Brighten the Corners/Out Loud Music, Colchester and Ipswich Museums, DanceEast, Eastern Angles Theatre Company, Gecko, Suffolk Archives, Ipswich Theatres, King Street Cinema, New Wolsey Theatre, Red Rose Chain, SPILL Festival + Think Tank, and Suffolk Libraries.
