Suffolk Day: West of the county celebrates with special events to mark the occasion

Businesses, community groups and charities in the west of the county got well and truly into the spirit of Suffolk Day with a series of special events to mark the occasion.

Bells rung, free lunches were delivered, and live music and entertainment took place to mark the county’s very own celebration – all on the country’s hottest June day since 1976.

A special organ recital to celebrate Suffolk Day was by performed to an audience at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds by assistant director of music Alexander Binns, and featured music by Benjamin Britten and Harrison Oxley.

The Suffolk Family Carers bus was parked on the Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds to listen and respond to family needs, alongside the Suffolk West Citizens Advice, who offered people energy saving advice.

Pete Wells, bus driver for the charity, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to support Suffolk Day.

“For us, it’s about raising awareness of the charity and how we can help unpaid family carers. We get all around the county, including rural areas, and the bus is the physical profile of the organisation.

At the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket, visitors enjoyed a mini food market in the barn, as well as entertainment from the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust and an ensemble of Morris Dancers.

Enterprise agency MENTA teamed up with Natwest Bank to deliver lunch to small firms across Suffolk to recognise the county’s entrepreneurs as well as celebrating business in the county.

A bustling mini market was held outside the town hall in Sudbury, with local produce and art showcased as well as a performance from Woodhall Primary School pupils during the afternoon.

Ami Birrell, Sudbury Town Council town centre manager and events coordinator, said: “It was a good turnout, considering the hot weather.

“There was a nice constant flow of foot traffic and we’ve had lots of good feedback from the stall holders.

“Many people said how there was a real sense of community and we’re excited to do it even bigger and better next year.”

Bells were also rung around 16 locations in the county throughout the evening to mark the special occasion.