Live music venue plans at the new seafront Copas Bar, Felixstowe

East Anglian Daily Times: MJ Soul who is appearing at the Copas Bar in February.MJ Soul who is appearing at the Copas Bar in February. (Image: Archant)

More live music is coming to Felixstowe.

Plans have revealed to make the seafront Copas Bar in Felixstowe an all-year-round live music venue.

The first floor bar, at the front of Mannings Amusements park, already has a number of live acts and entertainers booked for February.

Owner Charles Manning said: “We want the Copas Bar to be the go-to place for live entertainment in Felixstowe, with live bands and themed nights including funk and soul.

East Anglian Daily Times: Singer songrwiter James NunnSinger songrwiter James Nunn (Image: Archant)

“There are also burlesque nights and a music festival, Beach Fest, in May.”

Each month they ill also choose a local charity to support, with February being in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

A funk band will be performing on Saturday, February 3 with lead singer Vania Lima.

Singer/songwriter James Nunn entertains on February 10, and there is soul music from MJ Soul on February 17 and Felixstowe’s own Josh Locke entertains on Saturday, February 24.

East Anglian Daily Times: Vania Lima, lead singer of a funk bandVania Lima, lead singer of a funk band (Image: Archant)

Charles added: “We want there to be live entertainment in the venue all year round, and private ticket events too.

“We are already planning the line-up of acts through March.”

Further ahead he revealed there are plans for the first-ever music festival at Mannings Amusements, in association with the Copas Bar.

“Beach Fest will be over Star Wars Bank Holiday weekend - starting on May 4, with live music on the Friday and Saturday.

“The plan is to have a range of live music through the day and the evenings, with family entertainment during the day.

“Then, later on, we will have a `silent disco’ - with people with wearing headphones - so as not to annoy our neighbours.

“We are already talking to organisers about the event.

“This is an entertainment centre and we have the staff and expertise to run the festival.

“It is a secure site and it will be a ticket only event.

“We are really excited. This really is a first for Felixstowe and another big attraction for the town.

“Felixstowe really is on the up-and-up as a destination.”