What's on West Suffolk - Issue 21

YOUR Y O U R FREE F R E E EESSENTIAL S S E N T I A L GGUIDE U I D E TTO
O
Issue 11 21 October | November | December Oct | Nov 2021 | | Dec January 2025 | February | Jan 2026 2022
COMING TO THE APEX THIS NOVEMBER
MAMA
ILLUMINABBEY
A spectacle of light, music and live
MOMENTS EXHIBITION
entertainment as the Abbey Gardens
are illuminated this winter.
AT MOYSE’S HALL
A unique Exhibition of Modern Art
AFRIKA K
© ANDY MORGAN
© GIDEON GRAYLYONS
ALSO INSIDE
KENTWELL HALL
REVEALS A PROGRAMME
OF SEASONAL EVENTS
SCARESVILLE, HALLOWEENIES, ENCHANTED
GARDENS LIT BY NIGHT AND A DICKENSIAN
CHRISTMAS
In partnership with
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
ALSO INSIDE:
OPEN AIR FILM FESTIVAL
Good films and good food inside the Abbey Gardens
EXCEPTIONAL
SUMMER EVENTS ALSO WOMEN
MAKING WAVES AT ARE THE INSIDE:
APEX BACK
THIS NOVEMBER
DISCOVER THE REMARKABLE JOURNEYS RINGQUEST
OF ANNABEL
Return of Outdoor Theatre and the Food & Drink Festival
DISCOVER Lord of the Rings NEWMARKET
returns to West Stow
WET WET WET
Love is all around at The Apex
CROFT AND LEGENDARY MUSICIAN AND ACTIVIST
You dont have MIRIAM to love horseracing MADEBA, TOLD to THROUGH love Newmarket A SOLO
PERFORMANCE BY ANNA MUDEKA
MOYSE’S HALL PRESENTS: SCI-FI
& ACTION – THE ART OF CINEMA
THIS AUTUMN, KUDOS MEMORABILIA BRING AN ICONIC
DISPLAY OF SCREEN-USED PIECES FOR A SCI-FI &
ACTION EXHIBITION YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
INTERVIEWS // MUSIC // THEATRE // EXHIBITIONS // DAYS DAYS OUT OUT / / ENTERTAINMENT
www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk
WWW.WHATSONWESTSUFFOLK.CO.UK

Upcoming
Markets
West Suffolk
Makers Markets
4 Oct - Haverhill Makers Market, 9am to 3pm
5 Oct - Bury St Edmunds Makers Market, 10am to 3pm
11 Oct - Newmarket Makers Market, 9am to 3pm
1 Nov - Haverhill Makers Market, 9am to 3pm
2 Nov - Bury St Edmunds Makers Market, 10am to 3pm
8 Nov - Newmarket Makers Market, 9am to 3pm
6 Dec - Haverhill Makers Market, 9am to 3pm
7 Dec - Bury St Edmunds Makers Market, 10am to 3pm
13 Dec - Newmarket Makers Market, 9am to 3pm
Additional Markets
23 Nov - Bury St Edmunds Sunday Market, 10 to 3pm
28 Nov - Festive Market in Bury St Edmunds, 2pm to 8pm
30 Nov - Bury St Edmunds Sunday Market, 10 to 3pm
14 Dec - Festive Mildenhall Market, 10am to 3pm
21 Dec - Bury St Edmunds Sunday Market, 10 to 3pm
24 Dec - Bury St Edmunds Christmas Eve Market, 9am to 2pm
Regular Markets
Bury St Edmunds Market
Wednesday and Saturday, 9am to 4pm
Brandon Market
Thursday, 8.30am to 1.30pm
Clare Market
Third Saturday every month, 8.30am to 1.30pm
Haverhill Market
Friday and Saturday, 9am to 3pm
Mildenhall Market
Friday, 9am to 2.30pm
Newmarket Market
Tuesday and Saturday, 9am to 3pm
To find out more, contact:
markets@westsuffolk.gov.uk
www.westsuffolkmarkets.co.uk

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Codes in this
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10
WHAT'S INSIDE...
12 26
07
04 MOYSE'S HALL MUSEUM
05 WHAT'S ON IN WEST SUFFOLK
06 DOUBLE APEX INTERVIEW
08 HAVERHILL ARTS CENTRE
10 WEST SUFFOLK PARKS
12 WHAT'S ON AT WEST STOW
14 THE APEX LISTINGS
16 THEATRE ROYAL ROUND-UP
18 ST EDMUNDSBURY
CATHEDRAL
19 NHRM ESCAPE ROOM
20 WHAT'S ON AT THE
GUILDHALL
21 BSE & BEYOND
22 SEASONED
24 DISCOVER NEWMARKET
25 BSE TOUR GUIDES
26 BSE LITERATURE FESTIVAL
27 KINGS CINEMA & KENTWELL
28 THE APEX GALLERY
29 NHRM HORSEPLAY
30 ARC & FULLERS MILL
25
24
28
16
PRODUCTION TEAM
Ian Clarke,
Andrea Holmes
(West Suffolk Council)
t: 01284 758000
e: events@whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk
To advertise an event with
us please contact:
events@whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk
www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk
03

And Father Christmas will be back…
We are currently in the process of
firming up dates with Santa who will
be returning this December – keep an
eye on our website and socials as this
is a hugely popular event!
IT'S SCI-FI & FILM
EXHIBITION TIME!
THIS AUTUMN, MOYSE’S HALL MUSEUM, PRESENTS SCI-FI & ACTION – THE ART OF CINEMA.
HE DISPLAYS will feature
‘The Art of Cinema
T exhibition’ by Kudos
Memorabilia which will
include screen-used pieces from
Michael Keaton’s 'Batman' (1989), Ana
de Armas’ iconic dress from 'No Time to
Die', Elizabeth Debicki’s Diana costume
from 'The Crown', Val Kilmer’s 'Batman',
Kevin Costner’s 'Yellowstone' cowboy
outfit, as well as pieces used by Tom
Cruise, Chrisitan Bale, Chris Pine and
more.
The displays will also be celebrating
the 70th Anniversary of 'Lord of the
Rings' with legacy movie props, links
to the historic collections, trails and
quizzes plus a ‘Rockets and Robots!’ –
droid workshop and family activities.
It will include production-used art
in celebration of the 50th anniversary
of Jaws and for all sci-fi and ‘Star
Wars’ fans, there will be a display of
production-used props including
‘Empire Strikes Back’ blaster.
Watch out for more exciting updates as
we build up to the launch on Saturday
25 October!
Sign up to our mailing list and be the
first to know about future events!
www.moyseshall.org
04

YOUR FREE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO
Issue 11 October | November | December 2021 | January | February 2022
ILLUMINABBEY
A spectacle of light, music and live
MOMENTS EXHIBITION
entertainment as the Abbey Gardens
are illuminated this winter.
AT MOYSE’S HALL
A unique Exhibition of Modern Art
WHAT'S ON
IN WEST
SUFFOLK
GET READY FOR AN EXCITING FEW
MONTHS AHEAD IN WEST SUFFOLK!
F
ROM SPOOKY Halloween
adventures and engaging
half-term activities
to festive Christmas
celebrations and traditional pantos,
there’s something for everyone and
we’ve rounded up the highlights you
won’t want to miss…
SCARESVILLE THE
HAUNTED VILLAGE
Kentwell Hall
Wednesday 15 October to
Saturday 1 November
BRANDON COUNTRY PARK'S
FUN-GI TRAIL
Brandon Country Park
Saturday 25 October to
Sunday 2 November
SNOW DASH
MOYSE’S HALL PRESENTS:
SCI-FI & ACTION - THE
ART OF CINEMA
Moyse’s Hall Museum
Saturday 25 October to
Sunday 22 February
HALLOWEEN CRAFTY
KIDS WORKSHOP
The Apex
Friday 31 October
BURY ST EDMUNDS
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
EVENT 2025
Town Centre
Thursday 20 November
ROSIE JONES
The Apex
Monday 17 November
ROSIE JONES
SCARESVILLE
RAPUNZEL
SUMMER EVENTS ARE BACK
Return of Outdoor Theatre and the Food & Drink Festival
RINGQUEST
Theatre Royal
DISCOVER Lord of the Rings NEWMARKET
returns to West Stow
In partnership with
You dont have to love horseracing to love Newmarket
WET WET WET
Love is all around at The Apex
Friday 21 November to Sunday 18
January
INTERVIEWS / MUSIC / THEATRE / EXHIBITIONS / DAYS OUT / ENTERTAINMENT
www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk
CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT
St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Saturday 6 December
SNOW DASH 2025
Nowton Park
Sunday 7 December
OPEN AIR FILM FESTIVAL
Good films and good food inside the Abbey Gardens
ALSO INSIDE:
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Haverhill Arts Centre
Wednesday 17 December –
Wednesday 31 December
ALSO INSIDE:
BRANDON COUNTRY PARK'S
WINTER TREE HOLIDAY TRAIL
Brandon Country Park
Saturday 20 December to
Monday 5 January 2026
OSCAR LYONS
The Apex
Friday 16 January
Don’t miss…Twenty-year-old pianist
and composer from Bury St
Edmunds, Oscar Lyons, making his
debut on The Apex stage.
DON'T
MISS
OSCAR LYONS
05

AGED JUST 15, ANNABEL
CROFT WAS THE YOUNGEST
BRITON TO PLAY IN THE
WIMBLEDON MAIN DRAW
FOR NEARLY 100 YEARS.
A
FTER RETIRING from
tennis aged 21, she
developed a successful TV
career; replacing Anneka
Rice as the Sky runner on TV’s Treasure
Hunt, becoming a popular sports
presenter and breezing through Strictly
Come Dancing.
She’s appeared in pantomimes, sung
in musicals, turned the spotlight on
homelessness by living on the streets,
and tried her hand at yacht racing.
“When opportunities arise,” she says,
“I’ve never been afraid of putting myself
in places where I could end up falling
flat on my face – which believe me has
happened on more than one occasion!
But that shouldn’t ever discourage you.
We should never be afraid to give
things a try.”
At The Apex on Thursday 6
November, Annabel will share
unforgettable moments from her career,
including interviews with tennis legends
and the glamour of Strictly Come
Dancing. And long before all of that, the
time that she sneaked into Wimbledon
without a ticket, because she was
desperate to watch her idol, Bjorn Borg.
“When I was 11 years old, a
schoolteacher asked me to write an
essay called ‘What I Would Like To
Do’. I said I wanted to be able to play
tennis, win Wimbledon, make journeys
all around the world, and dance on
stage. Well, I did indeed play tennis at
Wimbledon and win the Open Girls’
tournament. I did travel the world
playing in many tournaments.
And many years later, I also
got to dance on one of the
biggest stages of all, in the
magical TV show Strictly
Come Dancing.”
“In between, there have
been many highs and lows,
laughs and tears, but every
day has been part of life’s
huge learning experience. Not everyone
is lucky enough to see so many of their
childhood dreams come true… so I hope
that 11-year-old Annabel would look
at me now and think that I’ve not done
too badly!”
But right now, she’s trying to enjoy
and appreciate life’s simpler pleasures
like taking regular walks and connecting
with nature. “I’m focusing much more
about being in the moment, and
enjoying what I’m doing now,” she says.
“It’s something that the top sports
people are trained to do and is one of
tennis legend Billie Jean King’s most
famous lines: Be present.”
FROM TENNIS BALLS
TO GLITTER BALLS
ANNABEL CROFT TELLS ALL...
06

MAMA
AFRIKA
THE HEARTBEAT OF
A CONTINENT
MAMA AFRIKA AT THE APEX ON WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER,
CELEBRATES THE LIFE OF ICONIC SOUTH AFRICAN SINGER
AND CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, MIRIAM MAKEBA.
© GIDEON GRAYLYONS
F
ROM JOHANNESBURG’S
townships to global
stardom, Makeba’s story
- brought to life by Anna
Mudeka - is one of resilience, activism
and the unifying power of music.
Describing her inspiration for the
show, Anna told us “When I was growing
up as a young girl in Zimbabwe Miriam
Makeba was one of the women singers
I admired, who made me want to sing
and perform. When she performed with
Paul Simon in Harare in 1987 it had a
big impact on me, and I became more
aware of her story – that she had been
living in forced exile from South Africa
and had been outspoken against the
apartheid regime. I always had in mind
I would like to tell her story.”
“In 2016 I received an R&D grant
from the Arts Council and this enabled
me to further research Miriam Makeba’s
life and to work with a team over two
years to develop the show. This led to
some initial performances and then
a tour in 2024, which received an
amazing reception. Now we’re taking it
to bigger venues.”
Anna’s one-woman show captures the
essence of Makeba’s voice and legacy
with heartfelt storytelling and some of
Makeba’s best-known songs, including
‘Mbube’, ‘Pata Pata’, and ‘Soweto
Blues’. Makeba’s indomitable spirit is
highlighted through key events like
the Sharpeville massacre, her U.S.
exile, her testimony to the United
Nations, her controversial marriage
to Black Panther Stokely
Carmichael, and her later role as
a Pan-African ambassador.
Anna’s evocative
performance, drawing on
her own Zimbabwean roots
to pay tribute to this towering
figure in African music history, is a
heartfelt and inspirational tribute
to a woman who used her art as a
weapon in the fight for equality.
“It’s a great show for anybody
interested in apartheid era
politics in South Africa, or
Makeba’s music, or just to hear
an inspiring story of a woman
who stood up to powerful
governments until she became
known throughout Afrika as a
symbol of determination and
independence widely revered as
‘Mama Afrika’.”
More information and tickets are available from www.theapex.co.uk
or ring the box office on 01284 758000.
WHAT'S ON WEST SUFFOLK
07

PAUL SINHA
HAVER LOOK!
Friday 10 October – 8:00pm
BIG DEAL COMEDY WITH
PAUL SINHA
An international stand-up comic of
many years (and star of The Chase), Paul
has been in great demand, whether
on TV shows such as Edinburgh and
Beyond, Comedy Shuffle, Paul Sinha’s
Perfect Pub Quiz and the Now Show,
or his numerous solo shows at the
Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
£18.50
Thursday 2 October – 7:30pm
DAME SIÂN PHILLIPS IN
CONVERSATION WITH RICHARD
DIGBY
Taking you through her astonishingly
wide-ranging career, including
memories from her childhood in Wales
to triumph on Broadway,
her marriage to Peter
O’Toole and her
subsequent
career as a
leading light
of stage and
television.
£21.50
Thursday 9
October – 7:30pm
EASTERN ANGLES
THEATRE COMPANY
TEECHERS
Meet Gail, Hobby and Salty – three
year 11 students about to leave their
school days behind them. Written by
John Godber in the 1980s, this is a
fast-paced comedy with message about
the inequalities of the UK’s education
system that are still as punchy as ever
forty years later.
£17.00 / £14.00
THERE'S ALWAYS PLENTY
OF FUN TO BE HAD
AT HAVERHILL
ARTS CENTRE,
WITH CINEMA,
LIVE MUSIC AND
COMEDY SHOWS
ALL YEAR ROUND.
THIS WINTER WE
HAVE AN EXCITING
VARIETY OF SHOWS,
FROM LIVE MUSIC
TO EVENINGS WITH
CELEBRITY GUESTS,
AND OUR FANTASTIC
CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME:
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!
Sunday 2 November – 2:30pm
SIR DEREK JACOBI IN
CONVERSATION WITH
RICHARD CLIFFORD
An icon of stage and
screen, known for
his work at the
Royal National
Theatre and
as a BAFTA,
Olivier, Emmy,
Screen Guild and
Tony Award winner.
Six decades and so
many favourites such as I,
Claudius, Gladiator I, Gladiator II, The
Crown, The Day of the Jackal, The King’s
Speech and much in between.
£26.50
Saturday 8 November – 7:30pm
ROCK FOR HEROES
Performed by a superb 7-piece band of
incredible musicians and vocalists, the
show breathes new life into the music
of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Van Halen,
Dire Straits, Fleetwood Mac, Queen
and more!
£24.00
© MARTIN PORTER
08

Thursday 13 November – 7:30pm
POSTING LETTERS TO THE MOON
A romantic, funny and touching portrait
of life during the second World War,
featuring readings of letters between
actress Celia Johnson and her husband
Peter Fleming. Read by their daughter,
Lucy Fleming (Miranda in The Archers)
and Simon Williams (Justin in The
Archers).
£19.50 / £17.50
Friday 14 November- 8:00pm
BIG DEAL COMEDY
WITH AURIE STYLA
Aurie is an award-winning comedian
who has appeared in Deep Fake,
Neighbour Wars, Comedy Central Live,
Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club and is
the warm-up for shows such as The Big
Narstie Show and The Mo Gilligan Show.
£18.50
Wednesday 26 November – 8:00pm
RICH HALL: CHIN MUSIC
Rich is a highly respected awardwinning
comedian who is renowned for
his expertly crafted tirades, quick-fire
banter with audiences and delightful
musical sequences. His latest musical
comedy show is sharp, quick, splenetic,
and sublimely improvisational.
£19.50
Wednesday 17 December –
Wednesday 31 December
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
A tale (almost) as old as time… Can Belle
see beyond the monster? And will the
Beast learn the true meaning of love?
You’ve got to see it to Belle-ieve it – this
beauty of a panto is packed with songs,
side-splitting jokes and spellbinding
festive fun for the whole family! Joining
us for this year’s show is The Only Way
is Essex star: Ricky Rayment! Joining
Ricky will be a few familiar favourites,
including Sinéad Mathias-Medeiros
as Belle, David Learner (Hitchhikers
Guide to the Galaxy, CITV Nightmare)
as Professor Philippe Flopp, Michael
Heslop as Dame Dolly Dumb-Belle,
Jodie Corbett as Fairy Rosé and
introducing Aaron Lord as Prince Henry
and Johannah Hetherington as Medeina
The Enchantress.
£19.50 / £17.50 / Family ticket £70
Saturday 22 November – 7:30pm
CHRISTMAS BYE BYE BABY
Experience jolly renditions of Christmas
classics in the style of Frankie Valli, as
well as festive arrangements by the Four
Seasons’ very own Bob Gaudio.
£27.50
Friday 28 November – 2:00pm
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
WITH NEIL SANDS
Neil Sands is back with his West End
cast to bring you an afternoon full of
festive joy and heart-warming nostalgia,
featuring over 60 of your all-time
favourite Christmas songs and carols.
£15.00
For more information or to book tickets:
haverhillartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/
BOX OFFICE: 01440 714140
WHAT'S ON WEST SUFFOLK
09

ALL OF WEST SUFFOLK’S BEAUTIFUL
PARKS HAVE BEEN AWARDED
GREEN FLAG STATUS FOR THE
SIXTH YEAR RUNNING!
REEN FLAG is the national quality
mark for parks and green spaces - proof
G that our local green spaces are truly
exceptional.
Why not get out and explore these award-winning
parks on your doorstep; beautiful outdoor spaces…
whatever the season, whatever the weather!
ARCHERY AND LONGBOW COURSES
WHAT'S
ON WEST
SUFFOLK
PARKS
NOWTON PARK
www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR
BEASTLY BEOWULF & GRUESOME
GRENDEL TRAIL AT WEST STOW
COUNTRY PARK THIS HALF-
TERM HALLOWEEN!!
10

KEEP AN EYE
OUT FOR OUR
ANNUAL VISIT
FROM FATHER
CHRISTMAS AT
NOWTON PARK!
ARCHERY AND LONGBOW COURSES
West Stow Country Park
We offer four engaging archery or
longbow courses led by experienced
instructors from Arnor Archery, various
dates available from Saturday 4
October to the end of year.
Look out for new dates for 2026!
A RIVER KEEPER'S YEAR -
GUIDED WALK
West Stow Country Park
Saturday 18 October
Take a stroll along the River Lark and
find out what life is like as a river keeper,
led by Bury St Edmunds Trout Club’s, Dr
John Urquhart.
The river Lark is one of only 200
chalk streams in the world; over an
hour, you will be guided along half a
mile of the river as it flows through
West Stow Country Park, introduced
to some of the wildlife and shown
some of the restoration projects that
Bury St Edmunds Trout Club has been
undertaking in conjunction with WSCP.
Recommended for ages 8+;
Admission: £3 per person
(under 16s FREE)
BRANDON COUNTRY PARK'S
FUN-GI TRAIL
Brandon Country Park
Saturday 25 October to
Sunday 2 November
Pick up a trail sheet from the café at
Brandon Country Park this half-term
and follow the trail solving the fungi
related clues along the way!
Just £1.50 per trail (prize included)
SNOW DASH 2025
Nowton Park
Sunday 7 December
Kick off December with a flurry of festive
fun and join us for our second Snow
Dash, a 3K dash through snow-filled
cheer, entertainment, and smiles!
BRANDON COUNTRY
PARK'S WINTER TREE
HOLIDAY TRAIL
Brandon Country Park
Saturday 20 December to
Monday 5 January 2026
This winter, follow the trail, solving
the tree related clues along the way
PUPPET SPECTACULAR
GLOW SHOW
Friday 30 May – 2:00pm
An enchanting one-hour UV puppet
show featuring a cast of colourful
characters that will delight audiences
of all ages. This hilarious performance
combines humour, music and
mesmerising glow-in-the-dark visuals.
Don’t miss this unique family show!
£25.00
DON'T
MISS
to help find the special word, and then
return to the café to collect a small prize!
Just £1.50 per trail (prize included)
RIVER LARK
WHAT'S ON WEST SUFFOLK
19 11

WHAT'S
ON AT WEST
STOW
TUCKED AWAY IN THE HEART OF THE BRECKLAND
LANDSCAPE, WEST STOW’S COUNTRY PARK SPANS 125
ACRES OF UNSPOILT COUNTRYSIDE, WHILE AT ITS
CENTRE LIES THE REMARKABLE ANGLO-SAXON VILLAGE
– COMPLETE WITH RECONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS AND A
MUSEUM THAT BRINGS HISTORY VIVIDLY TO LIFE.
For more, go to www.weststow.org/whats-on/
T
HE WEST
STOW Anglo-
Saxon Village museum has
an exciting new miniexhibition
featuring 1,400 year-old
Anglo-Saxon artefacts from Snape
Anglo-Saxon cemetery.
Suffolk County Council
Archaeological Service have kindly
loaned grave goods from excavations
that took place towards the end of the
20th century. Archaeologists discovered
log boat burials, eight ring ditches, a
coffin, cremations in both urns and
copper vessels, and evidence of a
possible funerary pyre. Unusual grave
goods included a lyre and a horse’s
head with tack.
The burials at Snape indicated
varying beliefs, cultural affinities and, in
some cases, hints of status. Remarkable
survivals of organic materials such as
textile, leather and horn gave valuable
evidence for interpreting these objects
and the people who were interred with
them.
These amazing artefacts will be on
display at West Stow until December
and are included as part of the
standard admission ticket.
Event highlights for your diary
include…
LIVING HISTORY - WULFINGAS
LIVING HISTORY - WULFINGAS
Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 October
Enjoy meeting Wulfingas, an early
Anglo-Saxon re-enactment group this
October!
THE REAL MIDDLE-EARTH TOUR
Saturday 18 October
The Anglo-Saxon origins of The Lord
of the Rings story are explored in this
guided tour.
12

WULFHEODENAS RECREATE
ANGLO-SAXON LIFE
Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 October
Wulfheodenas living history society
at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village
recreating the weapons, clothing
possessions and crafts of the 5th to 7th
centuries… find out more about the lives
of the early Anglo-Saxons.
WULFHEODENAS
A SERIES OF ‘OUR
STORY’ TALKS:
HISTORY OF THE
ENGLISH LONGBOW
Saturday 25 October
SHARPE’S RIFLES
Saturday 22 November
ANGLO-SAXONS AT
LAKENHEATH & WEST STOW
Saturday 13 December
THE ICE AGE ART AND
THE MODERN MIND
Saturday 24 January
DON'T
MISS
RING QUEST 2026
Saturday 14 to Sunday 22
February 2026
A note for your diary - Ring Quest will
be back for February half-term.
DRAGON FEST 2026
Saturday 20 June to
Sunday 21 June 2026
Our flaming good day out will return
next year with even more flying fun
with dragons, dinosaurs, bubbles, food,
theatre and amusement! Booking now
open…
MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS
COME AND MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS AT WEST STOW ANGLO-
SAXON VILLAGE FOR A MEMORABLE FESTIVE EXPERIENCE!
Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December 2025
Father Christmas is taking a break from his workshop and making an early
stop off at West Stow, so why not take the opportunity to have a festive
chat and a family picture?!
Our friendly elf will be on site to ensure you have a wonderful experience.
Your ticket also includes a craft workshop making Christmas decorations,
as well as FREE entry to explore Anglo-Saxon village and museum. You can
also enjoy festive food and drink from vendors in the village!
Times: Bookable visits from 11am; Tickets: £9.50 per child (includes
special gift) Accompanying adults free of charge. Booking essential.
RING QUEST
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR
BEASTLY BEOWULF & GRUESOME
GRENDEL TRAIL AT WEST STOW
COUNTRY PARK THIS HALF-
TERM HALLOWEEN!!
WHAT'S ON WEST SUFFOLK
13

OCTOBER 25 -
MAY 26
facebook.com/theapexofficial
instagram.com/theapexvenue
THE APEX, 1 CHARTER SQUARE
PAUL ZERDIN
SUN 26 OCT, 7.30pm
Ventriloquism and
stand-up comedy.
_____________________________
DALLAHAN
MON 27 OCT, 7.30pm
World-folk: “Some of
the most exciting trad
musicians to emerge
in recent years” Mark
Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2.
_____________________________
CLAUDIA BUCKLEY
TUE 28 OCT, 7.30pm
Female vocalist of the
Year at the Hot Country
Music Awards 2024.
_____________________________
SUZI RUFFELL
THU 30 OCT, 7.30pm
Last Few Tickets!
_____________________________
VINCENT SIMONE
FRI 31 OCT, 7.30pm
Argentine Tango king and
Strictly Come Dancing
star.
_____________________________
GRIFF RHYS JONES
MON 3 NOV, 7.30pm
EL PONY PISADOR
WED 5 NOV, 7.30pm
Fun and energetic
Barcelonian band.
_____________________________
ANNABEL CROFT
THU 6 NOV, 7.30pm
From Tennis Balls
to Glitter Balls
_____________________________
TREVOR HORN
SAT 8 NOV, 7.30pm
Adventures In Modern
Recording, with the
man who invented the
sound of the 1980s.
_____________________________
JOHN ILLSLEY: THE
LIFE & TIMES OF
DIRE STRAITS
TUE 11 NOV, 7.30pm
Founding member
and bass player
of Dire Straits.
_____________________________
MAMA AFRIKA
WED 12 NOV, 7.30pm
Anna Mudeka tells the
remarkable story of
South African singer and
activist, Miriam Makeba.
ANDY PARSONS
FRI 14 NOV, 8pm
_____________________________
ROSIE JONES
MON 17 NOV, 7.30pm
_____________________________
SKERRYVORE
TUE 18 NOV, 7.30pm
Contemporary Scottish
traditional music.
_____________________________
NOUVELLE VAGUE
WED 19 NOV, 8pm
Bossa Nova versions
of familiar hits and
original songs.
_____________________________
ELLA AND DUKE
FRI 21 NOV, 7.30pm
Echoes Of Ellington
Orchestra play the album
‘Ella Fitzgerald Sings The
Duke Ellington Songbook’.
_____________________________
THE WANDERING
HEARTS
MON 24 NOV, 7.45pm
ROBBEN FORD
TUE 25 NOV, 8pm
Blues, rock and jazz
guitarist.
_____________________________
CLASSICO LATINO
WED 26 NOV, 7.30pm
Cuban and Latin
American music by
virtuoso jazz violinist
Omar Puente and his
band.
_____________________________
WHEN RIVERS MEET
FRI 28 NOV, 8pm
Gritty, soulful Blues,
Rock, Americana
_____________________________
SONS OF PITCHES
SUN 30 NOV, 7.30pm
Music Without
Instruments: a cappella
vocals, beatboxing,
comedy and crowd
interaction.
_____________________________
SHAKATAK
MON 1 DEC, 7.30pm
Jazz funk.
_____________________________
JESSE COOK
TUE 2 DEC, 7.30pm
Canadian nuevoflamenco
guitarist.
_____________________________
CALLING PLANET
EARTH
FRI 5 DEC, 7.30pm
The electric 80s.
_____________________________
Christmas show by the
British Americana-Folk
band, known for their
enchanting harmonies.
TREVOR NELSON’S
SOUL NATION
SAT 6 DEC, 8pm
Spinning old school R&B
tunes from the 80s, 90s
and 00s.
14

BOOK TICKETS AT
WWW.THEAPEX.CO.UK • 01284 758000
facebook.com/theapexofficial
instagram.com/theapexvenue
, BURY ST EDMUNDS IP33 3FD
JOHN BARROWMAN
SUN 7 DEC, 7.30pm
TALLIS SCHOLARS
SUN 21 DEC, 7pm
Seasonal programme.
_____________________________
OSCAR LYONS
FRI 16 JAN, 7.30pm
Local pianist and
composer with a group
from the London jazz
scene.
_____________________________
THE VERY BEST
OF FRANKIE VALLI
STARRING PETER
ANDRE
SAT 21 FEB, 2pm & 8pm
_____________________________
COLEEN NOLAN
MON 23 FEB, 7.30pm
IMARHAN
TUE 24 MAR, 7.30pm
Algerian Tuareg Desert
Blues band.
_____________________________
HUEY MORGAN
FRI 3 APR, 7.30pm
Camp as Christmas!
_____________________ ________
AFEL BOCOUM
WED 21 JAN. 7.30pm
ELIZA CARTHY & JON
BODEN’S WASSAIL
WED 10 DEC, 8pm
Traditional seasonal
songs.
_____________________ ________
THE SWEET
& JOHN OTWAY
FRI 12 DEC, 8pm
_____________________________
ULTRA 90S VS 2000S
SAT 13 DEC, 8pm
Club Classics played live.
_____________________________
A SWINGING
CHRISTMAS
TUE 16 DEC, 7.30pm
The Chris Ingham Quintet
featuring Joanna Eden.
_____________________________
STEELEYE SPAN
WED 17 DEC, 7.30pm
Folk royalty.
“One of the treasures of
Mali’.” – Damon Albarn.
_____________________________
KEVIN KEEGAN
MON 26 JAN, 7.30pm
_____________________________
LE VENT DU NORD
TUE 27 JAN, 7.30pm
“A classy & rousing set
by Quebec Folk heroes” –
The Guardian.
_____________________________
ANDA UNION
THU 5 FEB, 7.30pm
Mongolian music
_____________________________
ANDY FAIRWEATHER
LOW AND THE
LOWRIDERS
FRI 6 FEB, 7.30pm
_____________________________
RONNIE SCOTT’S
ALL STARS
WED 11 FEB, 7.30pm
The Ronnie Scott’s
Songbook.
Music, stories and
plenty of laughs.
_____________________________
FEAST OF FIDDLES
TUE 24 FEB, 7.30pm
_____________________________
KATHRYN TICKELL &
THE DARKENING
THU 26 FEB, 7.30pm
_____________________________
DANIEL O’REILLY
FRI 27 FEB, 8pm
Comedy.
_____________________________
JASON FOX
TUE 10 MAR, 7.30pm
Former Special Forces
Royal Marine.
_____________________________
DENISE VAN OUTEN
WED 11 MAR, 7.30pm
Songs, Stories &
All That Jazz.
_____________________________
NATHAN CARTER
FRI 13 MAR, 7.30pm
Irish country music.
_____________________________
FAIRPORT
CONVENTION
WED 18 MAR, 7.30pm
The Fun Lovin’ Criminal.
_____________________________
THE MANFREDS
THU 16 APR, 7.30pm
Paul Jones, Tom
McGuinness and band.
_____________________________
TONY CHRISTIE
FRI 17 APR, 7.30pm
The legendary crooner.
_____________________ ________
TOYAH: SONGS AND
STORIES
FRI 24 APR, 7.30pm
_____________________ ________
WET WET WET
SAT 30 & SUN 31 MAY,
7.30pm
Acoustic shows.
15

A ROYAL
ROUND-UP
THIS SEASON’S ROYAL ROUND-UP
AT THE THEATRE ROYAL!
JOIN
WAITING
LIST
OCTOBER:
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE HUNT
FOR MORIARTY
Tuesday 30 September –
Saturday 4 October
A thrilling adventure based on the work
of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. How much is
Holmes willing to sacrifice as he faces
‘checkmate’?
AN EVENING WITH
HARRIET WALTER
Sunday 5 October
Introducing her new book and
anecdotes of her long acting career.
In conjunction with Bury St Edmunds
Literature Festival.
EVEN MORE…
GHOST STORIES BY CANDLELIGHT
Monday 6 October
Spooky stories from award winning
writers.
STORIES FROM AN
INVISIBLE TOWN
Tuesday 7 October
Dark comic stories woven together by
BBC award-winning writer, “the great
Welsh storyteller” (The Stage), Shôn
Dale-Jones.
MURDER SHE DIDN’T WRITE
Wednesday 8 & Thursday 9 October
The improvised murder-mystery that’s
different every night.
BLACK SHEEP
EDDIE IZZARD PERFORMS
SHAKESPEARE’S HAMLET
Friday 10 October SOLD OUT
Waiting list available
ROCK FOR HEROES
Saturday 11 October
THE MIRROR CRACK’D
Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 October
Agatha Christie’s famous novel adapted
for stage. Performed by local amateur
company Bury St Edmunds Operatic
Dramatic Society.
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: CLAIRE
BAUGHAN & JONATHAN COOPER
WITH BARONESS DEBBONAIRE
Wednesday 15 October
AN AFTERNOON WITH PHILIPPA
GREGORY
Sunday 19 October
Join Philippa Gregory, as she takes
you on a journey through the history
with her new book Boylen Traitor. In
conjunction with Bury St Edmunds
Literature Festival.
BLACK SHEEP
Wednesday 22 – Thursday 23 October
Drama written in collaboration with
East Anglian Farmers giving a razorsharp
account of the dilemmas facing
generations of farming families.
16

NOVEMBER:
ALEX MCALEER: MIND READER
Saturday 1 November
Can Alex read your mind? Come along
to find out.
JAKE LAMBERT: THE SUNSHINE KID
Friday 24 October
OH WHAT A NIGHT!
Saturday 25 October
GREASE! SCHOOL EDITION
Monday 27 – Tuesday 28 October
Performed by The Voice Squad.
SENSORY CREATIVE PLAY
Wednesday 29 October
A playful non-verbal session for young
people with additional learning needs.
SOUNDS OF COURAGE
Thursday 30 October
Bury St Edmunds 4 Black Lives presents
a varied programme with special guest
Andi Oliver.
DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE: THE
BIG JURASSIC STORM
Friday 31 October
Learn about dinosaurs as the keepers
and giant dinosaurs escape the island
before the Jurassic storm!
SPAMALOT
Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 November
A musical take on Monty Python’s The
Holy Grail performed by local amateur
company Irving Stage Company.
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: BRAZILIERO
Wednesday 5 November
A CHRISTMAS CAROL BALLET
Sunday 9 – Tuesday 11 November
Performed by Ballet Theatre UK.
WHO’S WINE IS IT ANYWAY?
Thursday 27 November
Test your taste buds at this immersive
wine-tasting experience!
CAROLS FROM CAMBRIDGE
Tuesday 9 Dec
Join us at St Mary’s Church to hear the
Selwyn College Choir perform festive
favourites.
BOOK
NOW
RAPUNZEL
Friday 21 November –
Sunday 18 January
Every day is the same for Rapunzel. She
gazes from her tower and dreams of the
world beyond…but today is different…today
she’ll escape. Pursued by a wicked witch,
a talking dog and a love-sick shepherd,
Rapunzel’s journey takes her in search
of the one thing that can save
her: a Golden Tulip.
Booking is
quick and
easy online
at www.
theatreroyal.
org. See
website for
Box Office
opening
times.
WHAT'S ON WEST SUFFOLK
17

HARVEST FESTIVAL © TOM SOPER
AUTUMN & WINTER
AT ST EDMUNDSBURY CATHEDRAL
AS THE NIGHTS DRAW IN, ST EDMUNDSBURY CATHEDRAL
WELCOMES YOU TO A SEASON OF WARMTH, CREATIVITY,
AND CELEBRATION ACROSS AUTUMN AND WINTER.
CTOBER BRINGS a rich
programme of concerts,
O talks, and special services.
The annual Harvest
Festival on Sunday 5 October will
fill the Cathedral with colour, music,
and produce. Later in the month, we’ll
welcome Rhubarb Theatre for a day of
performances with their dustbin that
refuses rubbish! Free family activities
will accompany the performances, with
a recycling theme. We’ll also welcome
some candlelight concerts, a perfect
way to hear your favourite tunes,
including the music of Coldplay, Pink
Floyd, and Ella Fitzgerald and friends.
In November, we mark All Saints’ and
Remembrance with moving services
gifts, artisan products, and seasonal
food. Free family activities will be
available as well as daily entertainment
for shoppers.
The season concludes in December
with Advent and Christmas
services, from the beauty of the
Advent Procession to the joyful and
CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT © JAMES MURISON
CHRISTMAS MARKET © TOM SOPER
of reflection. The Moments of War Art
Exhibition will be in residence in the
Cloisters from Saturday 1 – Friday 14
November. Following, we’ll welcome
Classic FM presenter Zeb Soanes and St
Martin’s Voices on Friday 21 November
for an enchanting evening of words
and carols. Christmas season starts
in earnest on Thursday 27 November
when the Cathedral Christmas Market
opens its doors for three days, with
more than 50 stalls offering handmade
family-focused Christmas Eve Crib
Services. The annual Christmas with
the Cathedral Choir concert is the
perfect setting to enjoy your favourite
Christmas carols and support our
young musicians. Other musical
evenings throughout December include
Christmas by Candlelight, G4 Christmas
and Christmas Movies by Candlelight.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral invites
you to share in a season of community,
tradition, and music.
18

ESCAPE
CHALLENGE
ROOM
AN EXCITING NEW
A RACE
AGAINST
TIME!
BOOK
NOW
FOR UP TO
SIX PEOPLE
Want to receive
£20 off your
booking?
USE CODE:
20escape
NATIONAL HORSERACING MUSEUM, PALACE HOUSE, NEWMARKET
Follow us: @nhrmuseum
WHAT'S ON WEST SUFFOLK
WWW.NHRM.CO.UK
25

WHAT'S ON
AT THE GUILDHALL
SPECIAL EVENTS
LIFE ON THE HOMEFRONT
– TALK BY PAUL HUNT
Sunday 26 October,
11am – 12pm | £10 per ticket
Military historian Paul Hunt, a Royal
British Legion member, returns
following his popular 2024 talk. Using
his unique collection of genuine WW2
artefacts, Paul will give an interactive
presentation, inviting the audience
to handle objects and ask questions.
Learn how ordinary people coped
with rationing, evacuations, blackouts,
and new wartime roles, as women and
children helped keep Britain running.
Explore gas masks, ration books, Home
Guard kit, and more as Paul brings
untold stories of resilience vividly to life.
SUFFOLK CRAFT SOCIETY
EXHIBITION
Friday 7 – Sunday 23 November,
10am – 4pm | Free
Iceni Botanical Artists are delighted
to be back at the Guildhall with their
annual exhibition. This year, it will
feature 163 paintings of plants and
vistas of Fullers Mill Gardens, West Stow,
Suffolk. Over the last two years, IBA
artists have been working in the gardens
in association with the Perennial Charity
- a Gardeners Royal Benevolent Society,
painting the favourite plants of the late
Bernard Tickner.
Free Admission - all works for sale
ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS OPERATION ROOM OPEN DAYS 2025
Sunday 26 October & Sunday 23 November, 11am – 3pm | Free Admission
The Guildhall houses the only surviving WW2 Royal Observer Corps Operations
Room – once the secret “eyes and ears of the RAF” during the Battle of Britain.
Hidden for over 80 years, it is now open for all to explore on special open days,
telling the remarkable stories of those who served here.
NEW PUBLICATION
THE GUILDHALL BURY ST
EDMUNDS: 850 YEARS SERVING
THE TOWN
Launching 29 October 2025,
this richly illustrated new book,
by Terry O’Donoghue and Rowan
Harris, explores the Guildhall’s
extraordinary history. From
medieval feasts and Civil War
turmoil to the declassified ROC
Operations Room, the book
reveals dramatic stories, colourful
characters, and the Guildhall’s
enduring role in Bury life.
© REBECCA AUSTIN
For details and tickets: www.burystedmundsguildhall.org.uk
20

Experience the Magic of
Shop Eat Drink Festive Events
What’s on this Christmas?
Visit:
ChristmasInBuryStEdmunds.co.uk
WHAT'S ON WEST SUFFOLK
25

AT
THE APEX
SHARING
PLATTER
PRE-SHOW SHARING PLATTERS
Savour a thoughtfully curated platter
before a performance – the perfect way
to start your evening. To pre-order, visit
the food and drink section of The Apex
website. Each platter is accompanied
with a small glass of wine, beer or a soft
drink which can be chosen on the night.
T
HE COFFEE HOUSE
Grab a bite at The Coffee
House café in The Apex.
Whether it’s a family day
out or a get together with friends, enjoy
locally roasted coffee, fairtrade teas,
soft drinks, artisan sandwiches, jacket
potatoes and freshly baked pastries. The
Coffee House is open daily from 9am to
5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to
4pm on Sundays.
Ploughman’s Platter £21.50
British favourite with a traditional pork
pie, mature cheddar cheese, crisp apple
slices, pickled gherkins, pickled onions,
rich chutney and fresh bread & butter.
Vegetarian or Vegan Platter £21.50
Plant-friendly platter with grilled
halloumi, apple slices, juicy grapes,
pickled gherkins, Mediterranean
vegetable quiche, rich chutney. Vegan
alternatives to halloumi and quiche
available.
Fisherman’s Platter £21.50
Delicately balanced seafood selection
with salmon slices, peppered mackerel
fillet, flaked trout fillet, horseradish &
dill cream, pickled fennel, pickled ginger
and fresh bread & butter.
Charcuterie Platter £21.50
Rustic and savoury meat selection with
Parma ham, cured salami, balsamicglazed
charcuterie sausage, pickled
gherkins, pickled onions, rich chutney,
artisan crackers or bread.
Dessert Platter £10.50
Sweet trio to finish or share with a
chocolate brownie, classic custard tart,
lemon drizzle sponge cake and Chantilly
cream.
THEMED SPECIALITY PLATTERS
Indulge in a pre-show speciality platter,
carefully curated to complement the
theme of a performance. Visit The Apex
website to find out more and pre-order.
22

AT
THE ATHENAEUM
T
HE ATHENAEUM is a Grade
1 listed event venue in the
heart of Bury St Edmunds.
Steeped in history, this
iconic Suffolk landmark has been
hosting unforgettable events for 160
years. From glittering high society balls
and literary readings to modern day
corporate functions, weddings and
private celebrations. With its Georgian
architecture, high ceilings and timeless
elegance, The Athenaeum has five
flexible spaces with interconnecting
rooms that can cater from 14 to 350
guests.
DON'T
MISS
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Join The Athenaeum for Suffolk’s
biggest Halloween party! Tropicana
Nights is back with an 80’s themed
Halloween Thriller on Saturday 1st
November 2025 (8pm to 12:30am).
Dig out a costume, dance to the best
80’s anthems and party the night away.
Early bird tickets are £11.25 with
general admission £14 (21+). Visit The
Athenaeum website to find out more.
Each ticket includes an arrival drink,
three-course meal, DJ and disco,
magician, photobooth and casino.
A non-refundable deposit of £20
per person is required to secure a
booking. Visit The Athenaeum website
to view the Christmas menu. To book a
table, contact the team on 01284 758
380 or enquiries@the-athenaeum.com.
STAY SOCIAL
Follow The Athenaeum BSE on
Instagram or Facebook to hear about
forthcoming events.
CHRISTMAS PARTIES
Celebrate Christmas at The Athenaeum
Bury St Edmunds, one of Suffolk’s most
atmospheric venues. The fun-filled
Christmas party packages are designed
to make planning simple and stressfree.
Taking place in The Ballroom on
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from
the 4th to the 20th December 2025,
packages are just £72.50 per person for
a table of 8.
WHAT'S ON WEST SUFFOLK 23

PRESENTS GALORE
DISCOVER
NEWMARKET
ACING’S HEADQUARTERS host of sausage themed activities,
is beginning to quieten, competitions and stalls to celebrate
R as ‘The Final Meeting’
the town’s long association with the
takes place on Friday 31st Newmarket sausage. You can expect
October – Saturday 1st November,
plenty of samples, recipe ideas and
before playing host to the ultimate
tasty treats to try!
Christmas Fair, Presents Galore, bringing In addition, dine on sausages for the
the festive spirit to the Rowley Mile whole week running up to this delicious
Racecourse.
festival, as many of the town’s most
Whilst racing may have finished for loved cafes and restaurants feature a
the season, Newmarket is still a hive of special sausage dish on their menus as
places to explore and visit, whilst also part of the Sausage Safari!
providing you with the chance to get an
insight into just what makes the home
of horseracing so special.
Presents Galore
Friday 28th November – Sunday 30th
November
Get into the festive spirit with East
Anglia’s most spectacular Christmas
Fair, Presents Galore. Set in the stunning
surroundings of the Rowley Mile
Racecourse, in Newmarket, this threeday
Christmas shopping extravaganza
is a treasure trove of unique gifts and
experiences just waiting to be found.
Delivering all the atmosphere, sights
and aromas of Christmas and featuring
over 100 boutique stalls, this is one you
won’t want to miss out on!
Tickets are now on sale - https://
presentsgalore.org
Give the perfect gift with
Discover Newmarket
As the festive season approaches,
why not treat someone to a special
Newmarket experience with a Discover
Newmarket Gift Voucher. Many of our
popular tours are available to purchase,
including:
• National Stud Tour
• Tours of Tattersalls Sales Ring
• Champagne Afternoon Tea and Tour
• Tour of the famed Gallops
Starting from as little as £16.50,
this is the perfect gift for any racing
enthusiast.
For more information on what’s
happening in and around Newmarket,
visit www.discovernewmarket.co.uk,
the town’s official tourism service and
tour guide.
GALLOPS TOUR
Newmarket Sausage Festival
Saturday 1st November
Join us for our annual Newmarket
Sausage Festival in November, on
Market Square. Experience a whole
24

FOOD AND DRINK TOURS
AWARD-WINNING
TOURS
JOHN SAUNDERS, MARKETING OFFICER
FOR BURY TOWN GUIDES WRITES:
LTHOUGH THERE’S still
time to fit in an 11am daily
A tour, before the season ends
on Friday 31 October, we
now turn our attention to the ghostly
and macabre tours which begin at
Halloween and continue through the
winter months.
Last year we took over 900 bookings
and already this year the early birds are
grabbing their places as are those who
want to provide family and friends with
a tour as a novel gift. We are fortunate
in Bury St Edmunds to have so many
stories to tell on these spooky tours
which combine a bit of learning with a
lot of fun. We have kept the price at £10
so it’s still great value.
Our food and drink tours have proved
a great success enabling people whilst
on walking tours to visit six of the town’s
independent
businesses and
taste their mouth-
watering products whilst
being fed nuggets of local
history. These too make
ideal presents or a chance
for small groups to come
together. Additionally, we
provide special tours on
different topics, amongst
which are our Wartime
walks and one for October’s
Literary Festival so it is
well worth visiting www.
HALLOWEEN
TOURS
burystedmundstourguides.org to find
out more and how to book.
Last, but not least, some news of our
recent accolade! We are proud to have
been awarded the Travellers’ Choice
distinction by Tripadvisor which again
puts us in the top 10% of things to
do worldwide and demonstrates our
commitment to hospitality excellence.
The award is based on those who
experienced our tours and provided
strong reviews. Of 342 reviews on
Tripadvisor, we have 326 in the
excellent and 14 in the very good
categories recognising the quality of
tours both in content and delivery. So,
come along and see for yourself what
we offer.
OF 342 REVIEWS
ON TRIPADVISOR,
WE HAVE 326 IN
THE EXCELLENT
AND 14 IN THE
VERY GOOD...
WHAT'S ON WEST SUFFOLK
25

FERDIA LENNON
SERENA PATEL © ANASTASIA JOBSON
IT'S LIT
SARAH PERRY © SOPHIE DAVIDSON
THE BURY ST EDMUNDS LITERATURE FESTIVAL IS
RETURNING FOR ITS 7TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL, WITH A FOUR
DAY PROGRAMME OF AUTHOR EVENTS, CREATIVE WRITING
WORKSHOPS, WALKS AND FILM SCREENINGS 9-12TH
OCTOBER 2025; ITS BIGGEST AND BOLDEST FESTIVAL YET.
LOUIS DE
BERNIÈRES
© IVON
BARTHOLOMEW
A
T THE HEART of the
festival is a wide array of
fabulous author events.
There’s fiction in every genre
from fêted authors including Sarah
Perry, Louis de Bernieres, debut authors
- including Waterstones Debut Award
winner Ferdia Lennon, local authors and
best-selling authors - including Chris
Whitaker, Emma Healey and Jennifer
Saint. For non-fiction we will present
riveting and rigorous author discussions
that cover everything from the enduring
spirit of Ukraine with Olia Hercules &
Felicity Spector, the story of our town’s
eponymous Saint Edmund with Amy
Jeffs and the joyful Read Yourself Happy
event with Daisy Buchanan, Nikki May
& Isabelle Broome.The Climate and
Biodiversity crises are addressed with
authors Sally Morgan and Becky Searle
discussing Gardening for Climate
Change and James Canton Renaturing
everything from a two acre plot to a
window box.
​For children, we have *free* ticketed
events for all age groups; there’s sensory
storytelling for babies and preschoolers,
interactive workshops for kids with
Serena Patel and an exploration of
expression through poetry, rap and verse
for young people with East Anglian
Book Award winning Ashley Hickson-
Lovence.
​This year, we're expanding beyond
author events and delivering exciting
new additions to our programme. Gold
Dust Writer Mentoring will be offering
creative writing workshops, Abbeygate
Cinema is presenting film screenings
that complement our author events and
Bury Tour Guides have curated special
guided walks taking in sites of
literary note across the town.
We hope that there is
something for everyone!
The full programme is
available to book at www.
burylitfest.co.uk/boxoffice
OLIA HERCULES
© JOE WOODHOUSE
BOOK
NOW
26

WHAT'S ON
AT KINGS
KINGS CINEMA HAS A FANTASTIC ARRAY OF
SCREENINGS TO KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED AS THE
NIGHTS GROW LONGER...
F
ROM WEDNESDAY 1 to Thursday
9 October, we are thrilled to
present the highly anticipated
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
Tickets are available now, so come and help
us say a heartfelt goodbye to the Crawley's and
their captivating stories.
Be sure to look out for more incredible films
coming this year, including The Running Man,
Wicked 2, and Zootropolis 2!
Remember, Kings Cinema offers more
than just movies...
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE
Mrs. Warren's Profession
Thursday 23 October, 7pm
The Fifth Step
Thursday 27 November, 7pm
Bat Out of Hell: The Musical
Thursday 30 October, 7pm
THE METROPOLITAN OPERA
La Sonnambula
Wednesday 22 October, 7pm
La Bohème
Sunday 23 November, 6pm
Arabella
Wednesday 26 November, 6pm
ROYAL BALLET & OPERA
Cinderella
Sunday 30 November, 3pm
The Nutcracker
Sunday 14 December, 3pm
Tickets available at www.kingscinema.co.uk
or purchased at the box office. Call 01638
475322 (Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm to
9pm). Visit 16 Fitzroy Street, Newmarket,
CB8 0JW. Follow us on Facebook for more
exciting films and screenings!
TREE IN MIST AND FROST - JOHN MCDOWALL
KENTWELL HALL IS THE PLACE TO BE THIS AUTUMN AND
WINTER, WITH A LINE-UP OF UNMISSABLE EVENTS TO
THRILL, ENCHANT AND DELIGHT ALL AGES.
F
ROM WEDNESDAY 15
October to Saturday 1
November, the awardwinning
ScaresVille returns
as East Anglia’s most talked-about scare
experience. Brave visitors will journey
through themed rooms, spooky woods,
and shocking surprises in this immersive
after-dark adventure for over 14s.
For families, our popular half-term
event Halloweenies: School of Sorcery
is back. Dress up for a magical spooky
WHAT'S ON
adventure with wands, potions, dragon
eggs & spells.
As the year draws in, the Hall and
gardens take on a new atmosphere
with Kentwell's Enchanted Gardens Lit
By Night, open on selected evenings
throughout November and December.
Paths and features are lit to create a
wonderful way to enjoy the gardens
after dark.
Finally, in the run-up to Christmas,
Kentwell opens its doors for a
AT KENTWELL
Dickensian Christmas. With Victorian
characters, festive decorations, and
open fires throughout the house, it
offers a warm and welcoming start to
the festive season including a visit to
Father Christmas in his Grotto.
From autumn adventures to winter
traditions, Kentwell Hall makes the most
of this lovely time of year. Early booking
is recommended.
SCARESVILLE
WHAT'S ON WEST SUFFOLK
35

ART AT
THE APEX
GALLERY
ART AND DESIGN BY KING'S ELY
Tuesday 23 September - Sunday 23 November
An exhibition of high-quality work produced
by King's Ely students showing a broad range of
GCSE and A level Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art
and Photography, including examples of exam
and coursework.
HE APEX GALLERY holds a
range of exhibitions throughout
T the year. The gallery features
works by emerging and
established artists, as well as engaging with
West Suffolk's various community art groups,
offering them an opportunity to display their
work in a professional environment.
Read on for information on our upcoming
exhibitions.
Gallery
opening times:
Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm;
Sun: 10am-4pm
PRINTBOX LIVE
PRINTBOX LIVE
Tuesday 25 November – Sunday 21 December
An exhibition of prints from a collective of photographic
artists and print-makers from the region. Their work
encompasses a wide range of subjects and styles from
abstract, through minimalism and into the world of
fantasy. Much is based on photographic capture – but
this is often enhanced by the use of other media and
techniques to produce something a little different.
THE ART OF MARQUETRY AND ME
THE ART OF MARQUETRY AND ME
Tuesday 23 December – Monday 26 January
An exhibition of works by the artist Soraya…
"Ever since I was a girl, I felt words and texts did
not quite express how I feel about life, nature,
the earth or the divine. I also wanted to record
my memories of people I love and value. I was
not good at painting, so I decided to try my
hand at marquetry. Marquetry allows me to
create an intricate storytelling image of scenery,
how I see women, my spiritual belief and
capture the face of my loved ones. I use various
types and colours of natural wood and barks
from trees to bring to life how I feel so perfectly.
Marquetry involves substituting different
parts of a design/ image with coloured pieces
of wood. Each piece is finely cut from various
types and colours of natural wood inlaid
together neatly to re-create an image, scenery or
a shape. The woods or barks are from trees such
as sour orange’s wood, jujube wood, berry wood,
walnut wood and some others."
28

TREE IN MIST AND FROST - JOHN MCDOWALL
SCAN
HERE
for more
information
An exciting, interactive exhibition, featuring
over 50 horseracing board games! Relive
childhood memories and feel the thrill of the
race in our Grand National themed floor game!
Open Tuesday - Sunday
Exhibition included in General Admission (children free)
@nhrmuseum
www.nhrm.co.uk
National Horseracing Museum Palace Street, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8EP
WHAT'S ON WEST SUFFOLK
35

XMAS
THIS SPRING,
ARC SHOPPING CENTRE
HAS SOME EXCITING
THINGS LINED UP!
AT ARC
A
RC SHOPPING CENTRE
is ready to make your
autumn and winter season
truly unforgettable. With
a spectacular series of events for the
remainder of 2025, promising endless
family fun and entertainment for all.
Dive into the spooky spirit with arc
Shopping Centre’s engaging Halloween
event on Wednesday 29th October.
Then, prepare for a magical start to the
festive season at arc’s highly anticipated
Christmas Light Switch On event on
Thursday 20th November, where
the centre will be transformed into a
twinkling wonderland.
Enjoy the Christmas Marcet until Sunday
21st December and browse a range
of artisan products from independent
businesses. For those seeking something
more adventurous, be sure to visit arc’s Ice
Rink from Tuesday 23rd December.
In addition to these events, arc
Shopping Centre continues to offer a wide
range of shopping and dining alongside
leisure options for all. With a diverse
programme of live music and events being
held at The Apex and a redefined cinema
experience available at Everyman Cinema;
arc has everything covered to make this
autumn and winter enjoyable for you and
your family!
FULLER FUN
THERE’S STILL PLENTY TO SEE AT THIS TIME OF YEAR!
Opening times:
Open until 31 October
Wednesday, Friday,
Saturday & Sunday
11am–5pm
ULLERS MILL Garden - an RHS Partner
Garden - was generously gifted to Perennial,
F the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping
everyone who works in horticulture and
their families, for its long-term preservation.
This beautiful, award-winning space is well worth a
visit at this time of year as it shines with vibrant autumn
colour; it’s a serene garden, rich with texture and warm
colour.
Fiery foliage, late-flowering perennials and the gentle
sound of the River Lark create a peaceful atmosphere.
Breathe in the crisp air, soak up the vibrant reflections,
and lose yourself among the dappled light through the
trees in this peaceful seven-acre retreat.
And with every visit to our gardens, purchases from
our cafes, shops or online store and any donations,
you'll be helping Perennial provide vital support to all
those in the UK working in or retired from horticulture
and their families during challenging times.
fullersmill.org.uk
30

A gift for
every season.
Support local
Shop local
www.ourburystedmunds.com
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