May is a standout month for readers in Suffolk, with opportunities to discover new writing, hear from celebrated authors and experience storytelling in a wide range of creative forms.
At the heart of the month is the launch of In the Works Festival in Ipswich, a brand‑new celebration of emerging creative talent featuring theatre, poetry, music and comedy across the town.
Elsewhere, the diary includes author talks, large‑scale weekends dedicated to Shakespeare and distinctive events that take storytelling beyond the page – from river journeys with crime writers to behind‑the‑scenes looks at food, culture and craft.
Whether you’re planning a full weekend immersed in words or looking for a single event to enjoy, this month’s listings offer plenty of ways to connect with Suffolk’s lively literary scene.
MONDAY, MAY 11 – WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
In the Works Festival
- Various venues across Ipswich
- Times vary across the festival
- Ticketed and free events, book via New Wolsey Theatre
In the Works is a brand‑new, collaborative arts festival taking place across Ipswich, offering audiences the chance to experience bold new creative work at the earliest stage.
Spanning more than two weeks and featuring over 30 events across eight venues, the programme showcases emerging local talent through theatre, live music, poetry, comedy and more.
Designed to celebrate experimentation and creative risk‑taking, the festival invites audiences to connect with artists, discover new voices and explore Ipswich’s cultural landscape – all while supporting the town’s ambitions as a future UK City of Culture.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
Ashley Hickson‑Lovence
- The Atrium, University of Suffolk, Ipswich
- 7.30pm–9pm
- Ticketed event, book via Suffolk Book League
Join novelist, poet and academic Ashley Hickson‑Lovence for an evening of conversation about his work and writing career.
A lecturer in Creative Writing and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Hickson‑Lovence is the author of The 392, Your Show, Wild East and Why I Am Not a Bus Driver.
This event offers the chance to hear about his latest novel, About to Fall Apart, alongside reflections on youth culture, identity, politics and storytelling in contemporary Britain.
SATURDAY, MAY 16
Pre‑Festival Write Away! at Hotel Coco Felixstowe
- Hotel Coco, Felixstowe
- 9.30am–4pm
- £15, book via Felixstowe Book Festival
Join Felixstowe Book Festival for a full day of writing workshops, talks and discussion in the elegant surroundings of Hotel Coco.
Designed for both beginner and experienced writers, this pre‑festival event explores writing practice and the publishing world, with contributions from independent publishers Urban Pigs Press, novelist Virginia Betts, and Orwell Writers Plus.
The day includes mini writing workshops, a Q&A on publishing and conversations about the value of writers’ groups, with tea, coffee and biscuits provided throughout.
TUESDAY, MAY 26
Melissa Harrison: The Given World
- Aldeburgh Library, Aldeburgh
- 6pm
- Free, RSVP via the Aldeburgh Bookshop
Join novelist Melissa Harrison to discuss her latest novel, The Given World, a dark pastoral exploring the deep and fragile relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Set in an English country village unsettled by an uneasy shift in the seasons, the novel illuminates natural, personal and national transitions that feel increasingly urgent today.
FRIDAY, MAY 29 – SUNDAY, MAY 31
Mad About Shakespeare
- Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall and Aldeburgh Cinema, Aldeburgh
- Times vary across the weekend
- Ticketed events, book via Ticket Tailor
Mad About Shakespeare is a compelling weekend festival exploring the theme of madness in Shakespeare’s plays through performances, talks, film and discussion.
Taking place across Aldeburgh, the programme brings together leading performers, scholars and artists to examine how Shakespeare wrote about love, ageing, power and loss — and why his words continue to resonate today.
Highlights include one‑man performances of King Lear and Hamlet, conversations with author and scholar Sir Jonathan Bate, a cinema screening of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and appearances from acclaimed actor Dame Harriet Walter.
Curated by Nick Hutchison, the festival also raises funds for Second Stage, supporting pathways into the creative industries.
SUNDAY, MAY 31
Mackinnon and Rebecca Bishop: What Is Real Bread?
- Food Museum, Stowmarket
- 12pm–3pm
- £30, book via Food Museum
What is real bread — and how did we get here? This lunchtime talk, presented in partnership with EA Festival, brings together baker and author David Wright (Breaking Bread), Ben Mackinnon of E5 Bakehouse and Rebecca Bishop of Two Magpies to explore the history, evolution and meaning of bread.
Drawing on farming, baking and food culture, the discussion looks at how bread is made, why it matters, and what it tells us about the way we eat today. The talk is followed by a special bread‑themed lunch.
Anglian Authors Book Fair
- Sudbury Arts Centre, Sudbury
- 10am–3pm
- Free entry
Meet a wide range of authors from across East Anglia at this lively celebration of regional writing and storytelling.
The Anglian Authors Book Fair brings together writers working across crime, fantasy, the supernatural and literary fiction, alongside opportunities to enjoy live panel discussions, readings and conversations about the realities of writing and publishing.
Whether you’re looking to discover new books, learn how authors craft compelling characters and worlds, or simply spend a day surrounded by stories, this free event offers plenty of inspiration for readers and writers alike.
Nicci French: A Trip on the River Orwell
- Orwell Lady, departing Ipswich Waterfront
- 2pm–5pm
- £44, book via Orwell Lady
Join the writing partnership behind the bestselling Nicci French novels for a special afternoon on the River Orwell, hosted in conjunction with Felixstowe Book Festival.
Sailing through the Suffolk countryside, Nicci Gerrard and Sean French will talk about their careers, writing process and their latest novel, What Happened That Night.
The three‑hour river trip includes time for audience questions, conversation and book signings, with books available to purchase on board. Tickets also include homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, with drinks available from the licensed bar.
Places are limited and early booking is advised as this special event takes place ahead of the main festival in June.
This story is published as part of Born & Read in Suffolk, a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Community Libraries, sponsored by Sizewell C and and Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority, and supported by Ipswich Town Football Club. Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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