RENOWNED for its cultural vibrancy and glorious architecture, the Georgian era is one of the most celebrated in British history.And now, thanks to an initiative celebrating a Suffolk town's heritage, the 18th and 19th Centuries are being brought to life with a series of unique events and activities this summer.

RENOWNED for its cultural vibrancy and glorious architecture, the Georgian era is one of the most celebrated in British history.

And now, thanks to an initiative celebrating a Suffolk town's heritage, the 18th and 19th Centuries are being brought to life with a series of unique events and activities this summer.

From lectures and plays, to concerts and cookery classes, Georgian Gem is designed to give residents in Bury St Edmunds an insight into what life would have been like in the town 200 years ago.

The idea for the five-month long scheme was thought up by bosses at Bury's Theatre Royal, to help promote the re-opening of Georgian playhouse in September following extensive renovation work.

Other organisations including the town's art gallery, the Greene King brewery, the National Trust and St Edmundsbury Borough Council, have signed up to take part in the scheme by organising a wide range of events, all focused on the Georgian fabric of Bury.

“We approached lots of different cultural organisations in the town, who have agreed to contribute to Georgian Gem,” said Theatre Royal chairman Judith Shallow.

“We wanted to promote the theatre, which is going to be so unique when it is complete, whilst celebrating the town and its beautiful buildings at the same time.”

Over the months, residents and visitors can enjoy a long list of events, including a display of Georgian prints at Gainsborough's House in Sudbury, an evening of food, beer and history at Greene King, a Georgian costume weekend at Ickworth House in Bury, and a Georgian cookery demonstration evening courtesy of the Malthouse Project in the town's Elsey's Yard.

Melanie Lesser, chairman of the Bury St Edmunds Tourism Group, said she hoped Georgian Gem could become an annual event in the town.

“The exciting reopening of the Theatre Royal in September provided as excellent opportunity for the tourism group and new organisations to come together to celebrate the rich Georgian heritage of our town.

“The team spirit that has been generated has been superb and has enabled organisations such as the library and the records office to link with the Georgian theme.

“We look forward to welcoming many visitors to the town in the coming months.”

For more information on Georgian Gem, log-on to www.georgiangem.com.

lisa.cleverdon@eadt.co.uk