STC June Newsletter

What a scorcher of a May we had! It was perfect timing for the river swimming season to start on the 15th. The River Stour gained a lot of attention after being named the only one out of fourteen rivers tested to be given a "good" designated bathing status. The full BBC article can be found here. If you do decide to hop in the river, ensure you check all information on the Swimfo and Anglian Water websites before taking a dip to make an informed choice.

Photo credit: BBC/Jonah Fisher.

On the 12th May, we thanked and said our goodbyes to Councillor Andy Welsh in his role as Mayor, and welcomed our new Sudbury Town Mayor, Adrian Stohr. We wish Adrian the best of luck this year and have every faith, that with his love for Sudbury and bounds of enthusiasm, he will do a stellar job.

Photo Credit: STC/Tilly Snell - The newly elected Mayor Of Sudbury, Adrian Stohr.

May also saw Love Your Local Market return, an initiative where we celebrate our beloved local markets. Sudbury Market produced eye-spy trails for the kiddies and also gave away a hamper of market goodies to one lucky winner of the online competition. Remember to give the market a visit on a Thursday and Saturday and to continue the love your local market ethos all year round!

Supporting local is always something we encourage, so with Father's Day approaching (Sunday 21st June), why not buy something special locally:

• A retro collectible for Ray's Retro (North Street)

• Something for the coffee lover from The Barista Shed (North Street)

• Catch something for the Pokemon fanatic at Catch n Collect (Gaol Lane)

• Shop for the fashionistas at Javelin and/or Peddars (Market Hill/King Street)

Why not enjoy a mooch around Sudbury hunting the perfect gift, fuelling yourself at one of our local eateries whilst you're at it?

We may also see a few more visitors for Father's Day and the rest of Summer after being named the No.2 UK staycation location on Expedia's Unpack 26 Summer Destinations.

Photo Credit: STC/Tilly Snell - The Victorian Bathing Site at The Croft, Sudbury

With our beautiful water meadows, our art history, guided tours, breweries, historic market, and cultural venues, it's no wonder Sudbury is reaching so high on these lists. If visiting our hidden gem nestled along the River Stour, make sure you check out our website or visit our Tourist Information Centre for all of the information you need to make the most of your stay, including where to stay, where to shop, and where to go for a bite to eat and a drink.

Photo Credit: Andy Longhurst - The Mill Hotel and Mill Pond, Sudbury

Also be sure to check out our events page which lists a variety of local events, including Party In The Park coming up on July 19th in Belle Vue Park. Come along to enjoy an array of entertainment, fairground rides, stalls, food vendors and more for a fun family day out!

Belle Vue Park, Sudbury.

June Events:

Wednesday 3rd June: A Study In Scarlet - The very first Sherlock Holmes story at The Quay Theatre.

Saturday 6th June: Life Drawing with Sue Marsdon - An untutored full day of Life Drawing at Gainsborough's House, a perfect way to refine and refresh your skills.

Friday 12th - Sunday 14th June: Simon Of Sudbury Weekend - Come and hear from the Curator of the Tower of London and dine at a medieval buffet in St Gregory's Church Sudbury on Friday 12th June. Tickets now on general release at ticket source.

Saturday 13th June: Sudbury Open Gardens. Take a tour around some of the local private gardens in Sudbury, as residents open their personal beautiful outdoor spaces for you to enjoy. Map and tickets can be found here Sudbury Open Gardens 2026 | Map, Dates & Tickets

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June: Sudbury Artist Open Studios & Art trail. The Sudbury Artists' Art Trail takes place over the weekend of 13th and 14th June, from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, offering visitors the chance to explore artists' studios and discover their creative processes. Art trail leaflets, including a map, will be available at the Mill Tye Gallery. More info can be found here Sudbury Artists' Open Studios 2026 | Mill Tye Gallery

Sunday 14th June: Vintage & Retro Market - Love Vintage Finds? Come Treasure Hunting in Sudbury!

Join us for a fabulous day out at our Vintage & Retro Market at Sudbury Arts Centre.

Friday 19th June: Walk n Water - Join the River Stour Trust to enjoy wonderful views on a 3.5 mile walk between Sudbury to Great Henny along part of the St Edmund’s Way and Stour Valley Path. This is followed by a 1-hour boat cruise along the River Stour with passage through Great Cornard Lock. Get tickets here.

Saturday 20th June: Step Into Sudbury Guided Tour - Sudbury Guided Tour led by professional Blue Badge guides. Meet outside the Tourist Information Centre on Gaol Lane at 11am and pay your guide directly by cash only. Tickets are: £7.50 adult, £4.50 child (12 – 16), under 12s go free.

Saturday 27th June: That 80's Rock Show - That 80s Rock Show takes over Sudbury with powerhouse vocals, epic guitar solos and all the rock hits and power ballads that you know and love – from Bon Jovi, Queen, Bonnie Tyler, Heart, Journey, AC/DC and so many more! At The Quay Theatre

Saturday 27th June: Armed Forces Day parade - The armed forces day parade, welcome to all who have served, will be taking place at 11am on Market Hill.

For a full list of events, visit our events page and download our 'What's On Guide'.

With June being Pride month, don't forget that Sudbury Arts Centre holds the Sudbury LGBTQ+ Pride Cafe on the 3rd Saturday of every month (Saturday 20th June). The cafe is relaxed and friendly social get-together for our LGBTQ+ community and allies! It’s a lovely chance to connect with like-minded people, make new friends, and dream up plans for future events.

STC Committee Meetings

Planning, Development & Highways – Monday 1^st June @ 18:30

Finance – Tuesday 2^nd June @ 18:30

Full Council – Tuesday 9^th June @ 19:00

Planning, Development & Highways – Monday 15^th June @ 18:30

Leisure & Environment – Tuesday 29^th June @ 18:30

Keep an eye out for our next newsletter in July!