Cartoon classics, circus acts, pop music and even a cheeky robot; get ready to be wowed by a series of money-saving family days out on Ipswich’s Cornhill. Entertainment writer WAYNE SAVAGE found out more.

Ipswich Central is rolling out the red carpet - or rather green, artificial lawn - for another round of budget family days out in town.

The Cornhill will once again host the events, which proved a smash hit with visitors last summer and Christmas.

Sponsored by Fresh Ways to Travel, with support from Town 102 and Primary Times magazine, WOW! aims to keep kids entertained while not stretching mum and dad’s pockets.

“We know how challenging, not forgetting expensive, it can be to keep the kids entertained over the long summer holiday period,” says Paul Clement, executive director of Ipswich Central.

“With this in mind, we have created an affordable, yet enjoyable, day that provides a safe environment for families to come along and delight in some classic children’s entertainment together.”

Kicking things off this year is From Films to Fun, from 10.45am-4pm, next Wednesday.

Family favourite Shark Tale will be screened outside at 10.45am, 12.30pm and 2.15pm so visitors have loads of time to stretch out on the lawn and hopefully soak up some sunshine. There’ll also be face painting from 11am and the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

The following Wednesday, from 11am-3pm, Caricatures to Circus Acts will bring a spot of magic to the Cornhill.

Mr Alexander’s Classic Variety Show is fabulous fun for all the family. Accompanied by the sounds of the Ipswich Youth Steel Band, the show features magic, juggling, unicycling and illusions to name just a few of the tricks planned.

If that wasn’t enough, there’ll also be a face painter on hand, along with a caricaturist to catch people at their best.

The first show starts at 11am and run at half-an-hour intervals throughout the day so there’s never too long to wait to watch him in amazing action.

Rounding off WOW!, the third and final Wednesday event on August 24 is From Songs to Superheroes.

Popblast, the UK’s number one band for kids, will be performing; teaching children about important educational topics like environment and safety in a fun way.

Unpredictable robot Titan returns after going down a storm last year.

He’ll be singing, laughing, telling jokes, recounting historical speeches, chatting about the weather and has even been known to chat up people’s girlfriends in the past.

Popblast will be appear throughout the day from 11am and Titan will be at the Cornhill at 11.45am, 1pm and 2.15pm.

There will also be face painting, interactive fun games and challenges and a fabulous WOW competition until 3pm.

Each WOW! event costs just �1 per person, which is payable on entry and entitles you to a whole day full of festivities.

Ipswich Central Plus, the promotional website, will be running a series of offers in conjunction with shops, which will enable you to create your very own picnic to enjoy while relaxing on the lawn.

It will be laid out across the Cornhill with the perimeter staffed by the Ipswich Central Street Rangers, providing a secure atmosphere so parents can be sure their children can run about freely and safely.

“It’s events like this which bring the whole town together and create a sense community within our area. By setting the price at just �1 we’re hoping it will be accessible to all,” adds Paul.