School's out for summer

Today's the day. Whether you wait for this day all year with plans already in place, or you're facing a long 6 week's ahead with no idea what you're going to do, the school Summer holiday's have officially started.

Panic not!

Along with our historic water meadows, the beautiful Belle Vue Park and our fab and free Talbot Trail, there is plenty to do right here in Sudbury.

We have selected a few of our favourites that we have seen to inspire you and channel your inner Mary Poppins! Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

1: Located on North Street, Finnegans Whiskers is home to 7 friendly felines: Peanut, Bootsy, Ziggy, Olive, Sinbad, Biscuit and Pip! Finnegan's general admission requirements are that you are aged 8 and above but after trialling a few under 8's Family Sessions recently with success, they are opening their doors to their younger guests again several times over the holidays. At just £8.50 a session and the options of many delicious drinks and snacks, including Vegan and Gluten Free options, this is a great way to spend an hour.

Booking is essential so head over to finneganswhiskers.co.uk

2: One of the most well-known locations in Sudbury, The Quay Theatre is kicking off the Summer Holidays with a family friendly show - Robin Hood. Presented by DOT Productions, the show is filled with memorable characters, songs, silliness and smiles. Fun for all at just £11 a ticket. Book at quaysudbury.com

3: Making good use of Sudbury Sports Centre on Tudor Road, Skate Happy is bringing roller skating fun to the town. Hosting not one but two holiday fun skates, they are also offering buy one get one free on tickets and we all love a BOGOF! So head over to their website to book either the Sunday 27th July or the Sunday 10th August session, both 2:30pm-5pm, for just £7.50 for two. Bring your own skates or hire them from Skate Happy for £1. Skates also need to be reserved. Skatehappy.co.uk

4: Rainbow Fun have teamed up with Sudbury Market favourite, Add A Bit Of Jazz Personalisation. This dream team are bringing not just entry to the play frames but a Croc charm bracelet party where your little ones can pick their own bracelet and decorate it with 4 charms of their choosing. The price of £8 per child includes all of this plus a free fruit shoot. Visit the Facebook page to book - facebook.com/rainbowfunsudbury

5: Sudbury's artistic Son, Thomas Gainsborough, is sharing his love for art with the children of Sudbury every Tuesday. Tom's Tuesday's run throughout the summer holidays and offer a different workshop each time. There are 2 sessions per day that last 2 hours each and cost just £5 per child with up to 2 accompanying adults. Not only that, but collect a voucher on your visit and your child eats for free in The Watering Place cafe when purchased alongside an adult's meal. What's not to like?

Booking essential at gainsborough.org

6: When you just want a little time to sit back with a coffee or a bite to eat and watch your kids play, head to Painters at The Angel. Not only do they do a lovely array of hot and cold food including Vegan and GF options but you can now enjoy this in the garden while your children release some energy on the outside play frame. If the weather's not allowing outside fun, there is an activity table inside with games, books and colouring. There is also a build your own breakfast option just for children but if your child is a fussy eater, Painters at The Angel are more than happy for you to bring your own food for them.

To view their menu head to paintersattheangel.co.uk

7: Have a child aged 9 or above that loves art? Lia Sconcia of Lia's Art For Wellbeing is holding workshops on several dates over the summer holidays at Esquire's coffee on Market Hill. These will be in groups of no more than 8 and all materials are included for £12 per session. No experience is necessary and it's a great excuse to grab yourself a coffee while your budding Gainsborough let's out their creative side. Head over to facebook.com/liasartforwellbeing for more information.

8: This year we commemorate VJ Day on it's 80th anniversary. The Town Council are working alongside Sudbury Arts Centre to bring you a way to remember, commemorate and celebrate. From 1940's sing-alongs, a ukulele band, commemorative talks and even 1940's theme snacks in the Mayor's Parlour, this will be a great family-friendly day out, ending with the lighting of the Beacon at The Croft. There is an extra little treat for the first 100 children dressed up in their best 40's attire - a bag with a flag and other small goodies.

sudbury-tc.gov.uk/vjday80

Make it a Sudbury Summer.