STC October Newsletter
Updated: 3 hours ago
October is here, bringing Autumnal walks, cosy café visits, Halloween preparations and plenty happening across Sudbury. Whether you are interested in discovering more about the town's fascinating history, supporting local businesses in the town or at the market, catching a show or simply enjoying the changing season, there is lots to look forward to this month.
Step Into the Sudbury Story – Saturday 17 October
Fancy seeing Sudbury from a different perspective? Join us for our Step Into the Sudbury Story Guided Tour on Saturday 17 October at 11am.
Starting at the Sudbury Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall, the one-hour tour takes you through some of the stories that have helped shape our town. From Saxon settlement and Sudbury's artistic connections to the Peasants' Revolt and the town's historic silk industry, there is plenty to discover along the way.
Tickets are £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for children aged 12–16, with under-12s going free. There is no need to book in advance; simply meet your guide outside the Tourist Information Centre at 11am and pay on the day. Please note that payment is cash only.
October Awareness and Celebrations
Baby Loss Awareness Week, running from 9–15 October, provides an opportunity to remember babies who have died during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy, while raising awareness of the support available to bereaved families. The week concludes with the international Wave of Light on 15 October, when people around the world light candles in remembrance.
World Mental Health Day takes place on 10 October. The 2026 theme is “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”, highlighting the importance of listening to people's experiences and creating space for conversations about mental health. The Mayor's charities this year are Sudbury based Number 72 and Kernos Centre, both aiming to help those who may struggle with their mental health. The Mayor is hosting a cheese & graze night on the 20th October. A portion of the ticket price goes directly towards these brilliant causes. Book your ticket here: https://www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/product-page/mayor-s-wine-graze-evening-tickets#
For those looking to make a positive change to their health, Stoptober returns throughout October, encouraging people who smoke to make a quit attempt. Free NHS support and resources are available for anyone thinking about stopping smoking: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
And, of course, Halloween arrives on 31 October! Whether you're planning a spooky night in, dressing up or simply enjoying the autumn atmosphere around town, October is the perfect time to embrace a few spooky vibes. Keep your eye out for the town's wonderful shops decorating for the spooky season!
Your Town Council in October
Residents can attend Sudbury Town Council meetings throughout the month. Meetings are held at Sudbury Town Hall and are open to the public.
Planning, Development & Highways Committee Monday 5 October and Monday 19 October – 6.30pm
Finance Committee Tuesday 6 October – 6.30pm
Full Council Tuesday 13 October – 7pm
Leisure & Environment Committee Tuesday 27 October – 6.30pm
Following September's Leisure & Environment Committee meeting, the closure of Kingfisher Swimming Pool was among the matters discussed. The relevant meeting minutes are available to view online.
For agendas, minutes and information about upcoming meetings, visit the Sudbury Town Council website: https://www.sudbury-tc.gov.uk/meetings2026
What's On Around Town
Sudbury Arts Centre
Please note that Sudbury Arts Centre will be closed from Monday 5 October to Friday 9 October for lighting maintenance.
Later in the month, the Arts Centre will host a second screening of The People's Emergency Briefing on Wednesday 28 October at 7pm. Presented by Chris Packham, the film brings together experts to discuss climate change, nature loss and practical ways communities can respond. The screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion about resilience in Sudbury and the surrounding area.
The screening is free, but advance booking is essential. It is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over.
Gainsborough's House
There is plenty to explore at Gainsborough's House this autumn, including the final weeks of Gainsborough, Turner & Constable: Inventing Landscape, which runs until 11 October.
October also sees activities from HOUSE COLLECTIVE at Mill Tye Gallery, including a creative display from 10–11 October, a communal Field & Table event and a drop-in screenprinting session.
Gainsborough's House is open daily from 10am–4.30pm, although visitors should be aware that the café will close for improvements from the afternoon of Sunday 11 October until Tuesday 13 October.
The Quay Theatre
October brings another varied programme to The Quay Theatre, with comedy, music, drama, family entertainment and live cinema.
Highlights include Cult Figure: Kenneth Williams on 1 October, Around About Dusk on 8 October, The Jam'd on 9–10 October, family show Darryl Carrington: Out of the Box on 11 October and Sister Queens on 29 October. The month rounds off with Dracula the Panto on 30 October – a suitably spooky way to head into Halloween weekend!
Shop Local This Autumn
October is a great time to support Sudbury's independent traders and enjoy the town's historic markets.
Sudbury Market continues every Thursday and Saturday, with stalls offering everything from fresh produce and baked goods to clothing and other goods. The market has deep roots in Sudbury's history, with a Royal Charter indicating that a market was being held here as far back as 1009.
Following the sad news that Finnegan's Whiskers Cat Café would be closing, the café is currently undergoing a refurb & rebrand into Shelley's - see more information on their Facebook.
Keep your eyes peeled for opening of Sudbury's very own reptile care and rehoming centre, Green's Reptiles. You may have noticed their eye-catching shop front pop up on Gainsborough Street and they'll be opening soon. Find out more info on their website: https://www.greensreptiles.com/
And don't forget the Sudbury Farmers' Market on Friday 30 October, 9.30am–2pm. Held on Market Hill on the last Friday of each month, the market brings more than 25 stalls to the town centre, making it a great opportunity to shop locally and pick up some seasonal treats.
Autumn in Sudbury
As the leaves begin to turn, October is an ideal month to slow down and enjoy some of the town's green spaces and riverside walks. Wrap up warm, take an autumnal stroll and then head into town for a seasonal coffee and slice of cake.
From historic streets and market stalls to galleries, theatre and riverside walks, there is plenty to enjoy on our doorstep this autumn.
We hope to see you around Sudbury this October!
Comments