Take a look at the exciting events happening in Suffolk and north Essex this weekend, August 4 and 5.
Theatre in the Forest, Jimmy’s Farm, Wherstead, August 1-26
Get ready to enjoy some open-air Shakespeare with the return of Theatre in the Forest, which is once again being performed at Jimmy’s Farm. This year Red Rose Chain is performing romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing, with sparring couple Benedick and Beatrice taking part in battles of wit. Set in the 1940s with fighter pilots and jitterbugging, this production features many familiar faces, and there is a strong musical element too. Performances are at 7.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday, with matinees at 2pm on Saturday and an extra show at 7.30pm on Sunday, August 26. For more details and to book, see the Red Rose Chain website.
BeachFest - Music and Food Festival, Manning’s Amusements, Felixstowe, August 4
If you’re looking for a fun day out at the seaside, this live music event should fit the bill. Acts taking part include JS and the Lockerbillies, Motherfvnker, Impilo, Serena Grant, The Craze, Roma’s World and Purplestar Karaoke, and there will also be 80s and Summer of Love DJ sets. Funfair rides and street food are also on the menu. The event runs from 1pm to 10.30pm and admission is free.
Festival of Wheels, Trinity Park, August 4-5
Thrills and excitement are in store as a major new motoring event arrives in Ipswich this weekend, with gravity-defying stunts and cars from films among the attractions. Bolddog FMX will perform on Saturday, with riders jumping gaps over 75ft and a wide selection of freestyle motocross stunts. Then on Sunday Broke FMX Stunt Team will perform a wide range of tricks and stunts, including jumps up vertical walls. The Tumbler from Christopher Nolan’s smash hit film Batman Begins will be on show, as well as Bumblebee from the Transformer movies and other cinema vehicles. There will also be many other events and attractions to enjoy, including monster truck rides, motorbike football, a live action arena, open air cinema, a food fair and Happy’s Circus in the big top. Children can enjoy varied entertainment, as there will be a fun area with inflatables and racing simulators, a funfair, entertainers and mini movie trucks. The event runs from 10am to 5pm on both days. For more details and to book, visit the eventbrite website.
Colour Dash, Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds, August 5
Head down to Nowton Park in Bury St Edmunds for a fun day raising money for a good cause. The EACH Colour Dash is a great way to help raise valuable funds for the charity and have a great day out with family, friends and colleagues. The dash is a short route which you can run, jog or walk whilst colour pirates shower you in clouds of colourful powdered paint. At the end you can join in a paint party to celebrate. The route is 5km and starts at 11am however registration opens at 10am. Tickets include entry, a t-shirt, a medal and a pot of paint you can purchase tickets on the EACH website now.
Bacton Fayre and flower show, in the meadow opposite Bacton Manor, Church Road, August 5
Spend your weekend in the sun enjoying the Bacton Fayre and flower show with family and friends. The flower show marquee will be filled with flowers, fruit, vegetables and cooking classes. It will be the 116th show and will have performers The Stowmarket Concert Band and The Stowmarket Boys Brigade Marching Band. There will be lots of things to eat and drink, local charity stalls, craft stalls, trade stands, Michael Starmers vintage chairoplanes with free rides, supporting fairground stalls, vintage and classic cars, arena displays, a fun dog show with canine capers splash pool for dogs. The event starts at 12pm and is free for anyone under 16, adults are £4.
Fun day and dog show, Clacton Parish fields, August 4
Gather your family and your four-legged-friends and take them to this fun day to raise funds for NAWT Clacton. The day is packed with things to do from lots of stalls, raffles, tombolas, kids games and refreshments.There will be have-a-go competitions running throughout the day and a fantastic display from the Tendring Agility Group. The main event is the amazing 15 class novelty dog show. With classes for every pooch, there is something for everyone and lots of chances of winning great prizes. There will be rosettes, certificates and prizes available for the winners plus show stopping hampers for the best in show and the runner up.
The Helmingham festival of classic and sports cars, Helmingham Hall Gardens, August 5
Do you have a car lover in your life? Treat them to a day at Helmingham Hall Gardens as they will be hosting a large display of classic and sports cars. There will be over 900 exhibiting cars, entertainment, local food and drink, music and children’s activities. With so much to do you don’t have to be a car fanatic to enjoy the day. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on leads.
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