The project to mark 550 years since the birth of Ipswich's most famous son as hit the National Lottery jackpot with nearly £250,000 to launch the festival.

The Thomas Wolsey 550 project has received a grant of £249,975 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the project’s first ‘public engagement’ phase.

The 550-day public programme of events and activities will increase social mobility across Ipswich communities, and help build a sense of pride in our town by engaging people with local heritage in new ways.

Thomas Wolsey was born and educated in Ipswich and became the most powerful position within the King’s Court as Cardinal and Lord Chancellor and the Pope’s representative in England.

East Anglian Daily Times: The project aims to bring Wolsey's Ipswich to life.The project aims to bring Wolsey's Ipswich to life. (Image: Wolsey 550 project)

The project includes an exhibition about Thomas Wolsey and Tudor Ipswich at Suffolk Archives, town centre events, music, theatre, screenings, talks, guided walks, and activities for families. 

It is a colloboration between the borough, Ipswich Central, and other organisations in the town.

Ipswich council director James Fairclough said: “This support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will enable a series of events and activities programmed in 2023 and 2024 that will help boost awareness of Ipswich’s amazing heritage, provide opportunities for local people and visitors, and bring economic benefit to the town.

Terry Hunt is Chair of the Thomas Wolsey 550 project board which aims to build on Wolsey's example to inspire today's younger generation.

East Anglian Daily Times: Terry Hunt with Ipswich Central chief executive Sophie Alexander-Parker at the Wolsey statue on St Peter's Street.Terry Hunt with Ipswich Central chief executive Sophie Alexander-Parker at the Wolsey statue on St Peter's Street. (Image: Ipswich Central)

He said: “With the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we can use his story to inspire our young people to want to succeed and to feel proud of their hometown’s rich history.

"Ipswich has a proud tradition of producing high achievers, from Wolsey himself 500 years ago, to our very own Oscar winner, Aneil Karia."

Later in September this year, a 12-month schools programme for primary and secondary schools and a careers education programme will launch, designed to help children and young people build their confidence, situate themselves in the world, and broaden their perceptions of the range of careers available to them.

Terry Baxter, Chair of Ipswich Central said: "Our town centre includes an important heritage area, stretching from St Nicholas Street to the Waterfront that could become a major visitor attraction.”

During the 18 month programme, the project team will consult widely with local participants and partners at events to record their views about the significance of Ipswich’s local heritage and plans for phase two of the project.