The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge and directed by Caitrona McLaughlin Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins anna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synges riveting play of youth and self-discovery. Pegeen Flahertys life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that hes killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Caitrona McLaughlin directs this darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton based on the novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos and directed by Marianne Elliott BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new staging of Christopher Hamptons celebrated adaptation of the classic novel, where among the glittering salons of the super-rich, one misstep can mean ruin. Marquise de Merteuil is a master in the art of survival. Alongside the magnetic Vicomte de Valmont, they turn seduction into strategy and weaponise desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, the battle between them threatens to destroy everyone in their path. Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Marianne Elliott (Angels in America) directs this thrilling game of love, lies, and social warfare.

Mai Black will be telling the true story of the Georgian women who saved Shakespeares literary reputation. She will be reading from her debut novel based on the clubs original membership and inviting audience members to enact some of the Shakespeare Ladies Clubs likely activities. Mai Black is an Ipswich author, performing poet and founding member of Suffolk Writers Group. She was recently nominated for the Norwich City of Literature Award for her contribution to the literary life of East Anglia. Mais debut novel The Women Who Saved Shakespeare is due for release in May 2026.

Discover the cruel punishments, dreadful diseases and the overflowing graveyards of the past, and about trial by ordeal and a haunted pub! Come and see where it all really happened in Ipswich. Suitable for children and adults, but children must be aged from 8 upwards and must be accompanied by an adult.

A gentle introduction to the fascinating skill of reading old handwriting, focussing on archival documents written in English between 1600 and 1900. Upon first inspection many documents can appear illegible, but with a little practise and the tips and tricks we'll show you during this workshop, you should find it much easier to navigate the material you come across in your research. We'll look at parish registers, churchwardens accounts, wills and inventories and work through some example texts together. There will be a variety of handouts to take home, to allow you to build on, and practise what you've learnt during the session.

Friday 27 February Saturday 30 May 2026 Beyond Labels [https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-news/new-suffolk-exhibition-shines-a-light-on-disability]shines a light on the lives, achievements, and challenges of people with disabilities in Suffolk, past and present. It showcases the resilience and contributions of Suffolk people with lived experience of disability, and explores the barriers faced and promotes awareness and understanding. Explore themes of visibility, independent living, discrimination, and making change happen. Understand how national campaigns, and social and political changes have impacted lives in Suffolk. As well as discovering the histories of organisations, schools, and charities that work with and support local disabled people. Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund [https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-news/project-celebrating-disability-in-suffolk-gets-139k-grant-from-the-national-lottery-heritage-fund], this exhibition is co-curated by local community groups and Suffolk Archives and has enabled communities to share and celebrate their authentic experiences. Beyond Labels celebrates disability while sparking conversations about accessibility, equality, and a call to action for work that still needs to be done. For access information please click herewww.suffolkarchives.co.uk [https://www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/accessibility/] Ipswich, Suitable for All, Free admission Prebook and get 15% off in our cafe with your sticker.

Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge). One family, the heart of the American dream. When wartime delivers profits for Joe, it comes at a price when his partner is charged with criminal manufacturing deals, and his eldest son goes missing in action. Will peacetime bring peace of mind, or will he be confronted by the consequence of his actions? Filmed live from the West End, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), Tom Glynn-Carney (House of the Dragon), and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake) also feature in this disturbingly prescient play.

Come and explore the themes of the Beyond Labels exhibition with some crafty family fun which shows children that creativity knows no bounds and that difference is something to be celebrated. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund Suitable for children aged 4-11. Children need to be accompanied by an adult Free funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Beyond Labels Project

Join us for a calm and creative craft session designed especially for children who enjoy a quieter space. With gentle lighting, minimal noise, and simple hands on activities, kids can make fun crafts at their own pace. Friendly helpers are on hand to offer support, making this a relaxed and comfortable place to get creative at The Hold, Ipswich. Free - funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Beyond Labels Project Suitable for children aged 4-11

Join Suffolk Records Society for the launch of their 69th volume - An Ipswich Mans War: The First World War Diaries of George Punchard. The book will be introduced with an illustrated talk by its editor Paul Botwright. The diaries give a detailed account of George Punchard's experiences in France, Belgium and on home service and also reveal the inner thoughts of an ordinary working man who served for the entire length of the War. Written-up in 1919 from his pocket notebooks, and supplemented with photos, postcards and some sketched plans, Punchard's diaries also cast light on his fellow soldiers from Ipswich and East Suffolk who fought with him in the 4th Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment. They include accounts of the battles of Givenchy, 2nd Battle of Ypres, and Neuve Chapelle (1914-15). Punchard was supportive of the war but also outspoken; the diaries highlight his strong belief in the importance of honesty and fairness, as well as his dry sense of humour. Copies of the book will be available at a special launch price. Non-members of Suffolk Records Society are most welcome and entrance is free - by ticket only. 7.00pm Reception, with light refreshments available 7.30pm - The talk follows a very brief AGM of Suffolk Records Society

The Guncotton Explosion in Stowmarket in 1871. This tragic incident caused two explosions which claimed 28 lives, including children. It caused widespread damage across Stowmarket and neighbouring villages, and the blast was heard as far away as Southwold, 32 miles away. It also led to one of the earliest forensic investigations in the country. Come and hear what happened, why the explosion was believed to have occurred, and the aftermath of the explosion. There will also be an opportunity to view original photographs taken at the time, from the Stowmarket Local History Group Archive held at The Hold.

Part of Dying Matters Awareness Week 2026 Across cultures and faiths, people honour death and bereavement in many different ways. While traditions and beliefs vary, universal emotions like love, loss and the search for meaning connect us all. This panel event, hosted by St Elizabeth Hospice at The Hold in Ipswich, highlights the importance of recognising both shared humanity and individual differences, encouraging open, respectful and person-centred support. By building awareness of diverse cultural and bereavement practices, we can foster more inclusive and compassionate care for those facing loss. Join our free panel discussion and Q&A to explore cultural perspectives and compassionate, inclusive support at the end-of-life. A buffet lunch will also be provided. What to expect from the day: Explorehow culture, faith, and beliefs shape grief, loss, death, and dying Learnculturally sensitive practices for end-of-life care and bereavement support Createa safe, respectful space for dialogue across diverse perspectives Encouragecompassionate, person-centred conversations about death and loss Reflecton shared human experiences while respecting individual differences The session is open to all but ideal for: Health, social care and hospice staff Chaplains, spiritual care and faith leaders Counsellors, therapists and bereavement practitioners Students and anyone interested in cultural or spiritual perspectives on death and grief

A presentation by James Mellish, Project Manager and Alex Sydney, representing English Heritage. Join us to hear how this ambitious vision will bring new life to one of Englands most significant historic sites. A 9.8m bid has been submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn Projecta bold partnership between St Edmundsbury Cathedral, West Suffolk Council and English Heritage to transform the historic Abbey site. This once-in-a-generation scheme will reunite the 60-acre site, conserve its fragile ruins, and create new visitor facilities, including an accessible route and immersive experiences. With strong environmental ambitions and a wide programme of community activities, the project aims to secure the Abbeys future as a vibrant heritage destination.

The Holds Primary History Conference will be on Friday 5th June 2026. It will take place at the Hold in Ipswich. It is aimed at subject leads, or ECTs/trainees who might want to move into that area. Areas covered: Curriculum design the importance of golden threads & enquiry questions Diversifying the curriculum Local History (including free resources) Developing literacy through history (particularly extended writing) Creative inter-disciplinary outcomes that create a real sense of audience & purpose Assessment What does progression look like in History? Memory & Metacognition How to make sure learning sticks Refreshments will be served from 9:15. Talks and workshops from 9:30 - 3:30, with lunch provided.

Come and join us to Celebrate Beyond Labels! Beyond Labels shines a light on the lives, achievements, and challenges of people with disabilities in Suffolk, past and present. It showcases the resilience and contributions of Suffolk people with lived experience of disability, and explores the barriers faced and promotes awareness and understanding. It explore themes of visibility, independent living, discrimination, and making change happen. Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project has enabled communities to share and celebrate their authentic experiences. This event celebrates the lives, achievements, and challenges of people with lived experience of disabilities in Suffolk, promoting awareness and understanding. Food, music, crafts, pop-up exhibition and more! Free and open to all.

Humans have gazed up at the Moon for millennia, now you can come a little closer to our nearest neighbour this summer at The Hold in Ipswich. Discover the science and mythology of the moon, re-live historic moments in lunar discovery, and encounter astonishing objects including real touchable Moon rock in this touring exhibition by Bespoke Scientific. Explore how the moon influences our natural environment from tides and seas to nighttime animals. Understand how the Space Race unfolded and the key moments of the 1969 moon landing. Marvel at a large-scale solar system installation suspended above your heads and understand our place in the universe. Explore Suffolk space stories including Alice Grace Cook, a pioneering female astronomer from Stowmarket. Unpack the legend of the Rendlesham UFO and get involved with local astronomical groups to understand how you safely observe the night skies closer to home. Set off on an out of this world adventure to the moon and back this summer. Prebook and get 15% off in our cafe with your sticker. Free Admission for All Ages

Colchester and Ipswich Museums Services presents Ground Horizon Sky, delivered as part ofConstable 250 [https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/constable250/]. This conference positions Constables life and work as a lens through which to re examine historic and contemporary engagements with landscape and offers a timely platform to reconsider how landscapes have been seen, sensed, represented, contested, transformed and how they continue to shape artistic and ecological thinking today. Highlights of the programme include a keynote address by renowned Constable expert Anne Lyles, alongside papers from Nicola Moorby (Tate), Hillary Mushkin (California Institute of Technology), Kate Brock (Researcher Royal College of Art), Clare St George (Writer and Editor), Chris Dobrowolski, Richard Denny, Jevan Watkins Jones, and Andy Corrigan with Eleanor Ling (Fitzwilliam Museum). Together, these talks range from studies of clouds and horizons, to post-war painting, architecture, walking as research practice, and digital interpretations of landscape. Constable 250 [https://ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk/constable250/] is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund [https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/]. It is with thanks to National Lottery players that Ground Horizon Sky is delivered in collaboration with the University of Suffolk and in partnership with thePaul Mellon Centres [https://www.paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk/]Generation Landscape research programme. Ticket price includes lunch. Full programme will be posted here once available. Early bird tickets are available from 1st May - 1st June 2026. Limited Bursary places may be available, please [email protected] for further information. The conference will be followed on the 17th July where the focus will move from discussion to experimentation, with a collaborative Challenge Lab featuring practical workshops led by artist Peter Harrap, and guided walks in Constable Country, offering participants the opportunity to test ideas in the landscape itself and reflect on Constable 250. The day will be held at Flatford Mill in collaboration with the National Trust. Spaces for this second day are limited and will be selected via a ballot. If you would like to be considered for the ballot please indicate so when prompted during booking. Please note your place on the Challenge Lab is not confirmed until after the ballot has been drawn and you have been contacted separately to confirm arrangements. Image: John Constable, Golding Constable's Kitchen Garden, Summer 1815. Ipswich Borough Council Collection

A workshop which focuses on Women's Institute collections held by Suffolk Archives. The workshop includes an opportunity to view highlights from our WI collections and guidance around offering WI archives to the Hold. There will also be a guided behind the scenes tour.

Join one of our archivists for a tour of our award-nominated archive building, The Hold in Ipswich. Get an exclusive look at our impressive strongrooms and speak to an archivist about the rich collections we house, and the archival work of the team. Please note that the tour lasts approximately one hour and there is an access ramp available in the public areas. This is a walking tour with some opportunities to sit during the event, although periods of standing are required at points. Please let us know if you need additional support.

Discover the history of the people of Suffolk through an introduction to the Poor Law and its host of records. Includes where to find records in Suffolk Archives' collections, and what information you can expect to discover.

Join one of our archivists and our conservator for a tour of our award-nominated archive building, The Hold in Ipswich. Get an exclusive look at our impressive strongrooms and conservation studio. Speak to an archivist and conservator about the rich collections we house, and the work of the team. Please note that the tour lasts approximately one and a half hours. There is an access ramp available in the public areas. This is a walking tour with some opportunities to sit during the event, although periods of standing are required at points. PLease let us know if you need additional support.

Join us for a behind the scenes tour of The Hold. See our award-nominated archive building and experience our collections in their natural habitat. This is a walking tour with some opportunities to sit during the event, although periods of standing are required at points. Please let us know if you need additional support.

Join us for a behind the scenes tour of The Hold. See our award-nominated archive building and experience our collections in their natural habitat. This is a walking tour with some opportunities to sit during the event, although periods of standing are required at points. Please let us know if you need additional support.

Join one of our archivists and our conservator for a tour of our award-nominated archive building, The Hold in Ipswich. Get an exclusive look at our impressive strongrooms and conservation studio. Speak to an archivist and conservator about the rich collections we house, and the work of the team. Please note that the tour lasts approximately one and a half hours. There is an access ramp available in the public areas. This is a walking tour with some opportunities to sit during the event, although periods of standing are required at points. Please let us know if you need additional support.

Miss Lilian Redstone was one of a tiny group of pioneering women archivists who laid the foundations of English local archives in the early 20th century. Each of them acquired an education at a time when that was unusual for women, which enabled them to work as scholarly historical researchers and earn an independent income. Together, their work in the emerging historical, antiquarian and archival enterprises ensured that local archives were identified, preserved and used. How did Lilian Redstone, born in Woodbridge in 1885 as the youngest daughter of parents brought up in orphan asylums, acquire the education, skills and experience to found the archive services in Suffolk in the 1930s? This talk will examine her family background, her education and her work as a record agent and for some of the great historical enterprises in the early 20th century. How did she come to work for the University of Chicago on the life of Chaucer or for Prince Duleep Singh, son of the last Maharajah? Why was she awarded an MBE in 1919? And why should she be celebrated as the founder of Suffolk Archives? This talk will tell the story of this remarkable pioneering woman archivist, Lilian Redstone. Elizabeth Shepherd, Pioneering Women Archivists in early 20th century England, London: Routledge, 2025. Biographical note Professor Emerita Elizabeth Shepherd, UCL. Her research interests are in rights in records, information policy compliance, and government administrative data. She led the research project, MIRRA (Memory-Identity-Rights in Records-Access), which focuses on information rights for care-experienced adults. She is an acknowledged expert on the history of the archive profession in 20th century England. She has published widely, including (with Geoffrey Yeo) the best-selling book Managing Records: a handbook of principles and practice (Facet Publishing, 2003) and the monograph, Archives and archivists in 20th century England (Ashgate, 2009)

Ever wondered what treasures there are to be found in the collections at Suffolk Archives? This talk will highlight some of the gems of the archives at The Hold and explore some of the stories that sit behind them.

Interested in a career in archives, or ever wondered what an archivist does? This is your opportunity to find out from our Collections Team about their professional pathways and work at Suffolk Archives.

WALL-E is the last robot left on Earth. He spends his days tidying up the planet, one piece of garbage at a time. But during 700 years, WALL-E has developed a personality, and he's more than a little lonely

Bill Barton talks about Suffolk archaeologist Basil Brown (1888-1977), concentrating on his work in astronomy. Bill is a trustee of the Orwell Astronomical Society (Ipswich), deputy director of the British Astronomical Associations Historical Section, and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society where he has a seat on the Heritage Committee. He also serves as the Suffolk County Coordinator for the Society for the History of Astronomy. Tea and coffee included.

The Mendlesham Armoury, housed over the north porch of the church for more than 500 years is the only one of its kind left in England. It is amazing that it has survived for so long when others have vanished, making it vitally important to our national heritage. The talk will take the story from 1695, when the Militia and Armoury cease to be mentioned in the Church Wardens Accounts, documenting the change of circumstances the Armoury both armour and documentary evidence has gone through in the centuries since the doors closed for the last time. Itll bring the story right up to date with information about the Armoury Facelift Projects exciting plans for better conservation, interpretation and display of this unique heritage so it can be passed onto future generations in the best condition. All money from this talk goes towards the Mendlesham Armoury Projects.

Featuring the discoveries of Suffolk amateur astronomer Alice Grace Cook (1877-1958), and what lead to her becoming one of the first female Fellows of the Royal Astronomical Society. Presented by Bill Barton, a trustee of the Orwell Astronomical Society (Ipswich), deputy director of the British Astronomical Associations Historical Section, and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society where he has a seat on the Heritage Committee. He also serves as the Suffolk County Coordinator for the Society for the History of Astronomy. Tea and coffee included.

The artist was a regular visitor to Ipswich. The River Orwell and the Waterfront inspired his paintings, as did local resident Sarah Lyon. Come on this walk to discover what Ipswich was really like in late Georgian times. Its step free and accessible for people with restricted mobility. Part of theConstable 250 project led by Ipswich Museums

Margaret Catchpole was a devoted Suffolk serving girl transported to Australia for falling in love with the wrong man according to local legend. Is it possible to separate fact from fiction two centuries later? Hear about the people she knew and discover some of the buildings associated with her story. This walk is step free and accessible for people with restricted mobility.

Join us to learn the art of granny squares in a fun, guided session. This laid-back event is all about good vibes, colourful granny squares, and great company. Bring your current project or start fresh while enjoying a drink and meeting fellow crafters.

Crafting nature the Constable way. Join us for some crafty fun inspired by the artist John Constable. Ages 4-11 Part of the Constable 250 project led by Ipswich Museums

Blast off into a summer of creativity. Galaxy inspired fun under the sun. Ages 4-11

Blast off into a summer of creativity. Galaxy inspired fun under the sun in a calm and creative session for children who enjoy a quieter space and can craft at their own pace. Ages 4-11. Children need to accompanied by an adult.

Have you ever wanted to look at the sun? Now is your chance. Come along to this public solar observing session with the Orwell Astronomical Society (Ipswich). Using safe, specialist equipment, youll be able to view the sun and learn more about our nearest star. Free and open to all just drop by at The Hold.

Ipswich has long been at the forefront of invention and innovation from George Biddle Airy, Astronomer Royal to Nobel Laureate Charles Scott Sherrington. This walk showcases the huge contribution our town has made to science and exploration. Its step free and accessible for people with restricted mobility.

For the 20th anniversary of this fable about a peaceful alien marooned on Earth, Spielberg dusted off his beloved original and re-released it in a new and improved form featuring digital tinkering (ET's eyes, for example, have been 'enhanced' to make him appear more alien) and never before screened scenes such as ET having a bath. But most interesting is the excision of all the firearms - the American authorities chasing ET and his human friend Elliot are now armed with nothing more threatening than mobile phones. There's something a bit precious about this kind of cleansing of the film. Still, as a fantasy adventure for kids and 'adult kids' alike, 'ET' remains some kind of modern classic.