A week of beer festivals, boating, bands and book signings are on offer in a new festival set to hit the River Deben this summer.
A festival of events on the river will unfold in August, highlighting the local clubs, businesses and charities that have weathered the pandemic and are determined to make the most of what looks like it could be a return to the nearly normal.
The River Deben Association (RDA) is organising the Deben Summer Festival, to run in the week of August 7 to August 15 at locations along the river.
It will feature a multiplicity of contributing events organised by local clubs, restaurants, pubs and businesses, who are being asked to get involved.
Moray MacPhail, the RDA membership secretary and festival co-ordinator, said: “The idea is simple. During that week, get as much going on as possible.
“If you run a pub, it could be a beer festival, quiz, live music or a BBQ.
"If a sports club, try-it-out sessions, games, races. Or well-being sessions at your spa, author signings at your bookshop, exhibitions at your gallery, talks at your museum, walks by birdwatchers, demonstrations by boatbuilders…
“Anything by anybody, just something to look forward to which can be adjusted to suit whatever social distancing restrictions are still in place in August.
“It is hoped that in 2022 the Woodbridge Regatta and Maritime Woodbridge events will return but, with the unique event planning constraints of 2021, we felt that this year needed something different to celebrate a return from self-isolation and social deprivation to the joys that once made this part of Suffolk so attractive are gradually returning.
“After a year of cancellations it’s time for something to look forward to.”
The intention is that the Deben Summer Festival will encourage businesses and other organisations up and down the river to show that they keen to take part in what is expected to be an economic resurgence as Suffolk folk emerge from lockdown and start to enjoy themselves again.
The Association is contacting local businesses, organisations and other bodies that may be interested in taking part.
Those interested in taking part should email here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here