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Sudbury Town Council Releases 2025 Gift Guide featuring the town’s Independent Business community For the first time, Sudbury Town Council is proud to unveil their Christmas Gift Guide 2025 – a beautifully designed and comprehensive booklet which aims to help residents and visitors alike discover the best of Sudbury’s independent shops and festive events this festive season. Available for free from the Tourist Information Centre on Gaol Lane, from a number of Sudbury’s independent businesses and viewable online at sudbury-tc.gov.uk/christmas ; the guide shines a spotlight on Sudbury’s independent businesses and is packed full of festive inspiration – from unique gift ideas and party venues to beauty and wellness spots to help you look and feel your best, plus a full line-up of community events to get everyone in the Christmas spirit – all whilst supporting the incredible diversity of businesses on our doorstep. Sudbury’s town centre comprises over 75% independent businesses, complimented by our much-loved market traders - many are family owned and run, all offering high quality items and experiences with something out there for everyone. The gift guide celebrates our vibrant town economy and aims to encourage residents and visitors to to explore Sudbury’s businesses. Spending locally really makes a difference - for every £1 spent at a local business, 63p stays in Sudbury’s economy, versus only 40p when shopping at multi-national retailers, so it’s important that we all prioritise shopping local if we want to keep Sudbury’s town centre unique. The Mayor of Sudbury, Cllr Andy Welsh Comments: “As Christmas approaches, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible variety of independent shops and traders that make Sudbury special, this catalogue is a brilliant guide to one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting the local businesses that are the heart of the community. By shopping locally, you’ll be helping Sudbury and its businesses thrive this Christmas and beyond!” In addition to gift inspiration, the guide features a full schedule of exciting events to get you in the Christmas spirit, including: The Sudbury Christmas Fair and Light Switch On – 28 th November 5pm – 9pm, Market Hill. Dickensian Christmas Guided Tour of Sudbury – 13 th December 11am-12:30pm, Tourist Information Centre. Sudbury Christmas Window Display Trail & Competition 2025. Copies will be available from the Tourist Information Centre, located in Gaol Lane, in participating shops across Sudbury and online. Pick up a copy and support the businesses that make Sudbury so special! Businesses featured: Sudbury Arts Centre, Imarri Kenattie's Crystals Catch N Collect Rewind Records The Wine Boutique

If you're heading into town on Saturday 11th October, be prepared to see more than your usual familiar faces, as we are being joined by some very special guests. To celebrate the 5th anniversary of Ray's Retro Classic Toys and Collectibles, Synergy Cosplay will be invading Sudbury with their range of fantastic characters and donation buckets, raising money for Autism Anglia. Will it be a Spidey Saturday? In addition to this, there will be a huge range of discounted items in Ray's Retro's, with anything priced £5 or over being discounted. 75 North Street Tony Byfield, who owns Ray's Retro with his brother, Steve, has said: Steve and I are so grateful for everyone's support over the past 5 years and we hope you will join us on the 11th. Donning your own costume in encouraged but whether you're in your Superman and Batman capes or Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne attire, pop down to Ray's Retro at 75 North Street, Sudbury, and get yourself a bargain - and a photo or two with a Superhero! Synergy Cosplay in some of their amazing outfits.

Friday 15th August 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VJ day, when Imperial Japan surrendered in WWII, in effect bringing the war to an end. On this landmark anniversary, Sudbury Town Council, Sudbury Arts Centre and The Royal British Legion will be coming together to remember all of those who fought and lost their lives for our country, but also celebrating their memory. There will be a historical re-enactment, music in the form of a ukulele band and a sing-a-long, an informative talk at Sudbury Arts Centre and 1940's style snacks in the Mayor's parlour. The day will finish with a memorial service and the lighting of the beacon. All are welcome, and encouraged, to wear 40's themed clothes and the first 100 children to do so will receive a flag goody bag. The programme of events is as follows: 12:00pm - 2 minutes silence. 2:00pm - Opening announcements. 2:05pm - Chasin' Rainbows - Ukulele band. 2:30pm - Civic Party & Re-enactors arrive. 2:35pm - Deputy Mayor's speech and the Re-enactment begins. 2:55pm - National Anthem's, both UK & US. 3:00pm - Final announcements & introductions. 3:05pm - Chasin' Rainbows - Ukulele band. 3:30pm - Jaclyn Byham leads the sing-a-long. 4:00pm - Mayors Parlour open to the public for 40's style snacks. 6:00pm - David Williams talk & presentation at Sudbury Arts Centre. 8:00pm - VJ Day 80 memorial service at St Gregory's Church. 9:00pm - Lighting of the beacon. Timings are approximate. The 6pm talk is free but does need to be booked - scan the QR code on the poster to secure your spot.

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.

If you've found yourself standing outside Greggs on your lunch break this week only to remember it's closed for refurbishment, don't panic! This is the perfect time to discover, or re-discover, the incredible local cafés on your doorstep. We've listed some of our favourite spots to satiate our sweet and savoury cravings in Sudbury below: Sudbury Arts Centre – St Peter’s Church, Market Hill Enjoy hot drinks and cake in a beautiful 12 th  Century former church, with seating inside and out and a lovely view over the market place. Gainsborough Coffee House – 3 Gainsborough Street Serves locally roasted coffee, breakfasts, sandwiches and more, to eat in or take away. The Watering Place – 47 Gainsborough Street Sandwiches, scones and more with a lovely outdoor area at Gainsborough’s House. David’s – 51-52 Gainsborough Street Provides relaxation and daily news over a great coffee, breakfast or lunch, for those seeking peace and quiet. Painters @ The Angel – 43 Friars Street Breakfast, cream teas and home baked cakes with locally sourced ingredients. Vegan and GF choices. Aunty Ree’s – Unit 3, 101 East Street A delicious range of home baked cookies and cakes as well as some tempting desserts and shakes. Bishops Coffee – Unit 5, 101 East Street Not just great coffee, but hand made bagels fresh from the oven as well as paninis, toasties and pastries, in a lovely botanical themed setting. Twenteaone – 21 North Street A cosy and comfortable café with indoor and outdoor seating, offering hot and iced drinks, breakfasts, lunches and more, with the added bonus of a lovely deli on site. The Barista’s Shed – 83 North Street Coffee to die for, delicious cake and custard tarts with a warm and friendly welcome and atmosphere. Their selection of delicious coffee can also be bought to brew at home. Joe’s Sandwich Shop – 86 North Street Home made cakes as well as sandwiches and French baguettes filled with the freshest ingredients alongside a selection of hot drinks.   Dinky Treats – 3 King Street Serving hot sausage rolls and pasties alongside their selection of delicious desserts and pick n' mix. Huffers Café Restaurant – 32 King Street Family friendly café/restaurant offering hot breakfasts and lunches alongside a selection of sandwiches, omelettes and the biggest jacket potatoes around. Additionally, Clarkes Bakery will be opening their doors soon as a newcomer to the Sudbury highstreet. Keep your eyes peeled for their shop at 84 North Street when they open!

Starting off as a mobile coffee trailer that visited local markets and events, including Sudbury’s own market, The Barista's Shed expanded into a small unit on Gaol Lane in April 2023 , before settling in at 83 North Street earlier this year. Jos é and Joana have truly transformed the space into a cosy coffee lover’s haven. Writing to Sudbury Town Council, Jos é reflects on the physical evolution of his business: " In June 2021 we've launched our mobile coffee business in Sudbury Market, bringing quality coffee and looking to foster a relationship with the local community . This helped us to build a loyal customer base and gather insights into customer preferences.  By April 2023, the demand for our coffee drinks and beans led us to open a small coffee shop in Gaol Lane. This location allowed us to create a cosy atmosphere and strengthen the relationship with customers whilst expanding our coffee beans offerings which we've started roasting onsite.   Now in March 2025, our dream culminated in a bigger coffee shop & roastery on the high street. This vibrant new space aims at not only showcasing our dedication and passion to quality with freshly roasted coffee but also to serve as a community hub where locals (and non locals) can gather, socialise and enjoy a great cup of coffee. " From Latte to Americano, Cappucino to Cortado, The Barista's Shed is the perfect spot for your caffeine fix. Sit back and relax to the soundtrack of carefully curated vinyl records as you sip on your freshly prepared coffee – and that’s not all you can experience here! The Barista's Shed also roast their coffee beans in house, and you can pick up a bag in store, or subscribe online to get 2 bags (227g) of freshly roasted coffee delivered to your doorstep every month. Fancy yourself a coffee expert? You can expand your knowledge with The Barista Shed’s coffee roasting experience. You’ll receive a tasting flight of coffee with different roasting methods, learn about how the beans are roasted, and leave with a free bag of coffee! As part of this spotlight feature, we reached out to The Barista's Shed with some questions to provide further insight into their business. How has your business evolved since you first opened? Since moving to a bigger space on the high street, our business has experienced great evolution. This prime location has attracted more customers, expanding our reach and introducing our products to a wider audience. This larger space allowed us to create a more inviting atmosphere with more seating and a cosy ambiance that encourages customers to linger and socialise. Our presence on the high street has helped strengthened ties with the local community   How would you describe your business in 3 words?  Welcoming. Passionate. Community Do you have any particularly memorable moments you’ve experienced whilst working in Sudbury? Some of the most memorable moments we've experienced come from trading at Sudbury Market. From the very beginning we've experienced first hand the spirit of community and support the other traders and the locals extended to us by welcoming us with warmth and creating an atmosphere of collaboration. All the meaningful experiences and the genuine connections forged at Sudbury Market have made it not just a trading place, but  a vibrant community hub that we still feel part of and that we will always cherish as a pivotal part of our journey. Finally, do you have any exciting news or events coming up? Coffee & Live Music Morning with Tim Hackford on the 10th of July 11am-1pm (Free entry). More Coffee & Music mornings coming up, dates TBC.  Coffee Roasting Experience (Tickets for sale. More info available on the website) on the 19th of October and 23rd November 10am-1pm.  Have you tried the coffee from The Barista's Shed? Why not leave a review on Google to share your feedback? Or support them by dropping them a follow on social media using the links below.

Members of Suffolk Open Studios are inviting members of the public to visit their studios in and around Sudbury on the weekend of the 14th and 15th June this year. Visitors will be able to view artists’ work in a range of mediums including paintings, ceramics, sculptures and more! Interact with Sudbury through the eyes of its resident artists and understand the inspiration behind their work. The event is free to participate in unless you feel tempted to buy pieces directly from the artists themselves! A Wooded Landscape in Suffolk by Thomas Gainsborough Sudbury has a rich artistic history, being the birthplace of classic and contemporary artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and Maggi Hambling. The rolling Suffolk countryside has inspired the work of Gainsborough and Constable, and continues to serve as inspiration for local artists such as Anne Lowe, whose studio will be open for visitors during this event.  Mill Pond by Ilona Johnson The trail is also an excellent opportunity to explore parts of Sudbury you may not have visited otherwise. With 243 listed buildings in Sudbury, be sure to keep an eye out for beautiful architectural details in buildings such as the exposed timber framing on The Chantry in Stour Street, or a former gatehouse to a 1500s Dominican Priory along Friars Street. 'Hope' by Peter Day Pick up a leaflet at the Tourist Information Centre in Gaol Lane or at Mill Tye Gallery.  You'll find an art directory with information on the artists and a map to plan your route. Alternatively, please find the route map and a link to download the information leaflet at the bottom of the page. A full list of artists participating and further information can be found on the Suffolk Open Studios website: www.suffolkopenstudios.org/event/sudbury-art-trial-14th-and15th-june/ To download the information leaflet please click the following link: Route map for Sudbury Artists' Open Studio Trail

Introducing the 2025/26 Sudbury Town Mayor, Councillor Andy Welsh! Last year Andy was the Deputy Mayor of Sudbury while Councillor Alison Owen Was the Mayor. Chained on Tuesday 13th May at the Full Council’s Annual meeting, Andy then had his first experience of being Chair of the meeting and the amount of signing papers involved with being Mayor! Find out about your new Mayor: 1) Congratulations! How does it feel to be Mayor of Sudbury? It is obviously a huge honour and a privilege to be elected mayor of this historic town. 2) Can you tell us about your role as a Councillor for Sudbury, when you started, and what motivated you to run for Mayor of Sudbury? I was first elected to the council in 1999 and served for 16 years before losing my seat in 2015. Having recharged my batteries I was re-elected in 2023 and am looking forward to drawing on my experience to help in the role. 3) Have you chosen your Mayor Charities? My charities are Prostate Cancer as I was diagnosed in 2013 and Sudbury Defibs which raises money to install and maintain defibrillators around the town. 4) What do you feel are some of Sudbury’s biggest challenges, and what would you like to see done to address these? Sudbury has always battled to balance maintaining its intrinsic character and charm against the need to develop and grow to survive as a market town. Maintaining that balance is paramount. 5) What do you feel will be your focus for you term as Mayor? Positioning Sudbury so that is best placed to benefit from the proposed changes to local government infrastructure will be my main focus. 6) Are there any events or special occasions you are looking forward to being a part of? There are a host of traditional events that I will be lending my support to, but Remembrance Day and the Christmas Light Switch On are always special for completely different reasons. 7) What message would you like to convey to the residents of Sudbury as you begin your term as Mayor? I will be doing my best to make sure that Sudbury continues to be the wonderful place that we all love to live in.   If you would like for Councillor Andy Welsh to attend your event as Mayor of Sudbury, please find the application on the Sudbury Town Council website.   And from all of us here at Sudbury Town Council and on behalf of everyone, we would like to thank Alison for her time and dedication over the past year, including dressing up as a witch and a bunny! It has been a pleasure seeing Alison involved in some lovely event over the past year:

Sudbury Town Council is pleased to announce the completion of a new signage, interpretation and wayfinding suite of signage for Sudbury! An Industrious Town - Northern Road Market Town - Waldingfield Road Valley of Artists - Ballingdon Hill The UK Capital of Silk - Kings Hill Sudbury's Ancient Water Meadows - Melford Road Funded by section 106 and Shared Prosperity Funds, the funding was contractually ringfenced for the provision of new signage in Sudbury Town centre. Designed to celebrate Sudbury's rich heritage, Sudbury Town Council prioritised using the funds to create new signage including gateway signs, fingerposts wayfinders and Totem Interpretations & Map Signs. 6 new finger wayfinding posts have been installed in locations determined by early 'walk testers' research and heat maps of Sudbury's footfall, located on Old Market Place, Friars Street, Station Road, Hamilton Road, Walnut Tree Lane and Cornard Road. Helping guide pedestrians to some of Sudbury's landmark buildings and town centre. The beginning of May saw the completion of the project as the last of the Totem Interpretation & Map Signs were installed and ready to be unveiled. Ashley Cooper giving a speech On Friday 2nd May a group, including the Town Clerk, Deputy Mayor Andy Welsh, local historian Ashley Cooper, Talbot Trail creator Robin Drury, members of the South Suffolk Culture Group, Town Councilor's and more gathered on the Croft for the totem 'The Birth of the Town of Sudbury'. Ashley Cooper was invited to speak at the unveiling having been a crucial expert in putting the history together and lending his knowledge to make the totems unmissable. The ribbon was cut by Deputy Mayor Andy Welsh who later said: "The totems have added further information that i didn't know about before, all around its been a fantastic job!" After the cutting the Business Manager Rachel Price, who has been leading this project for the last 2 years took the group on a small tour to the other 4 totems, taking the group through the scenic route, the water meadows. The totems were placed in a way to provide historical information at 5 key points of the Town Centre, with one side a map specially designed with Sudbury's key sites and attractions highlighted with bespoke icons. On the reverse side of the totem tells a story of the place the totem is placed, including the aforementioned ' The Birth of the Town Sudbury' on the Croft, ' The Great Ditch' on Friars Street, ' Sudbury Water Meadows & The Mill' on Walnut tree lane, ' Sudbury's Railways Past and Present' on Station Road or ' Sudbury Market & Market Hill' on Old Market Place. During the group tour, local historian Ashley Cooper and Talbot Trail creator Robin Drury spoke at each totem, giving the significance of the history and showing the influence they have had both on this project and others around Sudbury. Joining in showing her love of all Sudbury both then and now, Business Manager Rachel Price added some of the inspiration to how the project came about. Finishing the tour at the last totem in Old Market Place you can see the excitement by all of who taken part, and played a huge role in making this become a reality. A huge thank you to: Steve Pardue of Differentia for the designs, IS Group for the fabrication and installation of all signs. The Sudbury Museum Trust for access to the town's extensive photo and image archive, And finally to Ashley Cooper, for his valuable input at the research phase and for his continued love of Sudbury. Enjoy the video below of the tour and speeches by special guests. To find out more about Section 106 visit www.babergh.gov.uk/w/section-106-information-guidance

After the Leisure and Environment committee meeting on the 26th November, Sudbury Town Councilor's voted to have a Bleed Kit installed in Sudbury Town centre. On Friday 13th December a new Blood Kit on the wall of the public toilets in Gaol Lane by the community wardens and were joined by Sudbury Mayor, Councillor Alison Owen and the local group, Vibes Not Lives. Mayor Alison Owen & Vibes Not Lives Group Vibes not Lives are a local family orientated group who strives to build a safer environment for our Children and Grandchildren. Having raised money for Emergency Control Bleed Kits and securely installed in some of the busiest towns, these kits will help not only to suppress a bleed, but help to save a life. They travel the UK to teach young individuals the consequences of purchasing and carrying knives, and go above and beyond expectations to fund raise at any event they can. "Bleed kits save lives. This is a great idea having a bleed kit in our Town, hopefully it will never be needed. I would like to thank Vibes Not Lives for fundraising and for making this happen." - Sudbury Mayor, A Owen. Vibes Not Loves are sponsored by Lemzstudios based in Tilbury, who give anyone the chance to show their potential and to become a valued member of society. If you need to use the bleed kit, please ring 999 and follow their instructions.