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Every year, local organisations across Sudbury make an enormous difference to the lives of residents. From sports clubs and community groups to charities, cultural organisations, educational projects and volunteer-led initiatives, these groups help make our town a stronger, more vibrant and more connected place to live. To support this valuable work, Sudbury Town Council offers Grant Aid funding to eligible organisations and individuals whose activities and projects benefit the local community. Who Can Apply ? Grant Aid is available to non-profit organisations working for the benefit of people in Sudbury. This includes: · Community associations · Charities and voluntary groups · Educational organisations · Cultural and arts groups · Sports clubs · Volunteer-led initiatives Funding is also available to individuals achieving sporting or artistic excellence at national level. What Can Be Funded ? Sudbury Town Council considers applications for a wide range of projects and activities, including: Capital Projects, funding can help with: · Creating new community facilities · Addressing health and safety issues · Replacing worn-out equipment or infrastructure · Improving existing facilities Grants of up to £10,000 are available, with the Council generally contributing up to one-third of project costs for larger schemes. General Grants, where funding can support with: · Equipment purchases · Community services · One-off events and projects Organisations seeking support for ongoing operational costs will need to be able to demonstrate a particularly strong case. Individuals selected to represent their chosen sport or artistic discipline at national level may be eligible for awards to help with training and competition expenses by applying for Sporting and Artistic Excellence Grants Why Apply ? Grant Aid can help turn good ideas into reality. Whether you are planning a new facility, expanding services, replacing essential equipment, or delivering a project that will benefit local residents, Sudbury Town Council Grant Aid funding could provide the support needed to help move your plans forward. We are particularly keen to support projects that: · Meet a clear community need · Deliver lasting local benefit · Demonstrate good management and financial planning · Leverage funding from multiple sources Key Dates The annual Grant Aid programme follows a set timetable: 31st March 2026 – Application forms become available 30th of June 2026 – Deadline for applications September 2026 – Applications are considered by the Finance Committee, with successful applicants notified following the September meeting. Make Your Case Applicants are encouraged to clearly demonstrate: · How their project will benefit Sudbury residents · Why funding is needed · Evidence of good governance and financial management · Efforts to secure additional funding from other sources Representatives of applicant organisations will be invited to attend the September Finance Committee meeting to present and explain the value of their proposal. Don't Miss the Opportunity ! If your organisation has a project that will make a positive difference in Sudbury, now is the time to start preparing your application. Grant Aid has helped many local organisations deliver valuable improvements and services for residents and your project could be next. For further information and application forms, visit Grant Aid | Sudbury Town Council.

Just down Gaol Lane you'll find newly opened Little Oaks Play Cafe, a lovely little indoor play area for 0-5's. Not only that, but they have a cafe with their Summer Special drinks, pictured below is their yummy Oreo Frappe (which did not last long!), as well as other drinks to meet your needs. The delicious baked goods are provided by Brown's Bakes, a local 5* rated bakery. Since opening in January this year, this family owned business has grown and blossomed, having sold out events and available for private hires. On Saturday 6th June they held their first Bluey Brunch, and based on the kids reactions, it was a huge success! The brunch was from 10 until 12, with playtime all the time throughout. The kids also got to enjoy a range of snacks laid out for them, from sandwiches and biscuits to cheese and strawberries, everything a little one could ask for! Then once the kids where having their snacks the big surprise emerged as Bluey came and danced with the children, played with them and even got her hair and makeup done! Entertainment was provided by Dreams Come True - Character Appearances The event has been so popular that they have added in another date, Friday 12th June, so your little ones won't miss out! They are also hosting School starter sessions from June to July for any little ones due to start school this September to start creating those bonds that can last a lifetime. Follow them on Facebook for more information on how to book, to get in touch and to see even more events!

We are being treated to a host of great events over the weekend of the 13th-14th June! Not only do we have the Simon of Sudbury festival at St Gregory's Church, but it is also Sudbury Open Gardens, Artist Open Studios & Art Trail and to top it all off we even have a Vintage & Retro market at Sudbury Arts Centre! But how do you choose we hear you ask? Well, you don't have to. Here's how we suggest planning your weekend to make the most of what is on offer. Whilst the medieval banquet on the Friday night of the Simon of Sudbury festival is now sold out, you can still attend St Gregory's for the other fantastic events. Saturday 13th June: From 10am, you can open your map and start exploring the beautiful gardens of local residents who are opening them to the public for this one day only, Sudbury Open Gardens. There are 22 local gardens to visit - map and tickets can be found here: Sudbury Open Gardens 2026 | Map, Dates & Tickets Saturday 13th June: At 2pm, there are 2 short talks at St Gregory's church on Simon of Sudbury's time in Avignon and Sudbury. There will also be the opportunity to purchase light refreshments including hot drinks and homemade cakes and bakes. Sunday 14th June: 10am marks the start of the Vintage and Retro market at Sudbury Arts Centre. With free entry, you can treasure hunt to your hearts delight and even stop for refreshment in their cafe, which also offers outdoor seating. Sunday 14th June: After your retro treasure hunting, find some local treasures as you take a wonderful opportunity to explore local artists' studios and see how their creative process unfolds by taking part in the Sudbury Artists Open Studios and Art Trail. Maps can be found at The Mill Tye Gallery and also here. When 5pm hits, and the trail closes, treat yourself to a well-earned rest with a bite to eat and drink in one of our many local eateries which can be found on our website. Enjoy making the most of this fantastic weekend!

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 1st June @ 18:30 Finance – Tuesday 2nd June @ 18:30 Full Council – Tuesday 9th June @ 19:00 Planning, Development & Highways – Monday 15th June @ 18:30 Leisure & Environment – Tuesday 29th June @ 18:30 Keep an eye out for our next newsletter in July!

May is here, the sun is shining and Spring is edging closer towards Summer. The meadows are buzzing with wildlife, the weather is getting warmer, even lighter nights are just around the corner and Sudbury is looking blooming lovely! HIGHLIGHTS Sudbury Plant & Flower Fair - 4th April Guided Tour: Step In To the Sudbury Story - 16th May Love Your Local Market - From 16th May If this isn't the perfect time of year for walking then we don't know what is - head out to the meadows to see the cattle, who are now back grazing (as they have done for hundreds of years), take in the scenery and stop for a spot of lunch at The Mill Hotel. Alternatively, pop into the Tourist Information Centre for more information and maps of local walks and trails. Photo credit: The Mill Hotel If you prefer spending the sunnier days in the comfort of your own garden, don't forget to pop along to Sudbury's annual Plant and Flower Fair on the early Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May, on Market Hill between 9am-3pm, to get all you need for a glorious summer sanctuary. Other ways to spend your May days Friday 8th May: Luke Wright returns to Sudbury Arts Centre for a performance of his book of poems "Later Life Letter" Saturday 9th May: Pure Floyd - The Wall. A fantastic Pink Floyd Tribute Band at Sudbury Arts Centre. Sunday 10th May: Sudbury Arts Centre holds another fabulous and free Craft Market 10am-3pm. Thursday 14th May: Gainsborough, Turner & Constable Breakfast Tour at Gainsborough's House, 9am-11am. A breakfast tour on Gainsborough's birthday to discover the story behind the exhibition Gainsborough, Turner & Constable: Inventing Landscape. Saturday 16th May: Step into the Sudbury Story Guided Tour - This fantastic guided tour of Sudbury starts at the Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall (Gaol Lane entrance), Sudbury, CO10 1JL at 11am. Tickets are: £7.50 adult, £4.50 child (12 – 16), under 12s go free. Pay your tour guide on the day of your tour (cash only). Saturday 16th May: Robbie Gladwell Band and Special Guests at Sudbury Arts Centre. Friday 22nd May: The Bootleg Shadows - Take a tour of the Shadows career with this tribute act at The Quay Theatre. Sunday 24th May: Fiona Bevan & Adam Beattie double headline tour at The Quay Theatre. Monday 25th May: Teddy Bear Boat Trips from The Granary - free boat trips for under 13's with a fare paying adult, just bring your teddy bear! Wednesday 27th May: The Groovy UV Show - colours, catchy music and a fun-filled family show at The Quay Theatre. Guided Tours start at 11am at the Tourist Information Centre Sudbury Market Sudbury Market runs throughout May on Thursday and Saturday's 7:30am-3pm on Market Hill and Old Market Place. This month, from the 16th-30th May, keep an eye out for special giveaways (please check our Instagram and Facebook pages), free children's activities, special promotion and more for "Love Your Local Market". Suffolk Market Events also brings us the Farmers Market on the last Friday of every month. Sudbury Council Meeting Dates - May: 5th May - Planning, Development & Highways Committee @ 17:30 5th May - Finance Committee @ 18:30 12th May - Full Council @ 19:00 Planning, Development & Highways Committee @ 18:30 Leisure & Environment Committee @ 18:30 Next Newsletter - 1st June 2026

In the mid 90's, Pokémania took the world by storm, starting in Japan as a game for the Nintendo Game Boy and slowly making it's way internationally over the next few years into more games, an anime series, merchandise and a trading card game. Who would have thought that 30 years later, it would still have such popularity, a loyal following and the residents of Sudbury, Suffolk, would be treated to their very own Pokémon shop? Back in September last year, Myles Morley decided to take his love and knowledge of all things Pokémon, especially trading cards, to Sudbury Market and Sudbury immediately showed that their interest and passion matched his. As his business, Catch n Collect, gained popularity, Myles began trading every Saturday and alternative Thursdays, eventually taking a step down from his Manager role at Waitrose, to give his Pokémon business the attention it needed. Fast forward to March and Catch n Collect have now moved just down the road to their first shop at 48 Gaol Lane, and it is already as much as a hit as the stall was, with customers queueing an hour before opening. We popped down to speak to Myles on a quieter, although still busy, week day, to ask him about his Catch n Collect experience. Myles explained that he was travelling 45 minutes to get to his nearest Pokémon card shop so, decided that Sudbury needed something similar of it's own. He continued, "So I contacted the Council to find out if they had any space on their market. I kind of wanted to test the waters there before I went fully into a shop and they welcomed me with open arms, were really helpful with getting me started and 6 months later, here we are!" When asked about the support the people of Sudbury have given to his endeavour, Myles said, "The people of Sudbury are definitely into their Pokémon! Everyone's been so supportive. I've got regulars that come down every week and I've got new people from Sudbury that are coming down. I've got a seating area in here, so people are playing the game with each other, people are making friends with each other. It's really nice to just see people bonding over something that they all like, which is Pokémon" When telling us about the first day madness, Myles recalled "That was not what I expected! I think the first people started queuing about quarter past nine and we had that long queue until about 3 o'clock and then it was still busy in here. There was a queue out the door, it was crazy". This is another welcome addition to our high percentage of independent businesses in Sudbury and we wish Myles all the best with Catch n Collect. To see it grow from a stall on our Market to a bright, welcoming shop for Pokémon fans to meet, play and enjoy has been a pleasure. Pop in and see for yourself Wednesday and Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 12pm-8pm and Saturday 10am-5pm at 48 Gaol Lane, Sudbury. Thinking of trading on Sudbury Market? Follow this link to apply: Sudbury Market | Sudbury Town Council

For many years, Sudbury Town Council has produced it's own in-house calendar, with the help from the Sudbury community. Last year, we had a calendar hiatus but this year it is back! We are now asking for your photos, which are what gives it that true, unique Sudbury feel! This year the theme, chosen by followers on Facebook, is all things Sudbury - Nature, architecture, people, Sudbury related creations, local walks and everything else related. If you would to enter your photo, please send to catriona.coote@sudbury-tc.gov.uk referring to the terms and conditions below: *A maximum of 3 photos per person. *You must own the photos you are entering. *The photo must be of, or related to, Sudbury - e.g - if it is something made in a workshop, it will need to be of something Sudbury related, not just made in Sudbury. *Please provide a title of each photo. *If there are people in your photo, you must have their permission to enter it and for it to be used in the calendar. *The photo must be recent (in the last past 12 months) *By entering, you confirm that you are happy for us to hold your name and e-mail address for the purpose of the calendar. Please can we get some photos from different times of the year/seasons where possible. Entries need to be in by 30th June 2026 where they will then be collated and voted on by Sudbury Town Council Councillors and Officers. The calendars will be available by our Heritage Open Day event in September. We cannot wait to see all your fantastic entries!

March (and the sun! hooray!) is here and it brings a host of exciting Sudbury Town Council events to Sudbury. On the 17th March, Mayor, Andy Welsh, hosts his second fundraising event in order to raise money for his chosen charities - Sudbury Defibrillators & Prostate Cancer UK. Following the success of his first event in October, the second fundraiser will be held in the Town Hall Assembly Room and will consist of a wine tasting evening, paired cheeses and a raffle full of fantastic prizes donated by a range of generous local businesses and residents. Event tickets are priced at £25 and include your wines, cheeses and a donation to the charities. These can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre on Gaol Lane, along with raffle tickets (raffle tickets can be purchased with cash only). Raffle tickets can also be bought on the night. The following week, on Wednesday 25th, we see Sudbury take part in The Great British Spring Clean - a nationwide litter picking campaign by Keep Britain Tidy. All are invited to join The Mayor, Councillors, Council Officers, local schools and more, as we clean the streets of Sudbury, one piece of litter at a time. All equipment will be provided and you can join by simply meeting outside of Sudbury Town Hall between 10-10:15am, for a 10:15am start. Just 3 days later, on Saturday 28th March, over 50 local charities and not-for-profit organisations come together over two iconic Sudbury venues, Sudbury Arts Centre and the Town Hall, as we see the return of Sudbury on Show. Here you will be able to find out about an array of different organisations and groups including art classes, sports clubs, crafting groups, gardening clubs, baby groups, local charities plus many more and find out how you can get involved, whether it's joining as a member or donating your time as a volunteer. There will also be a new addition to the event this year, with free arts and crafts activities for children being held in the Town Hall. The event is free of charge and hot drinks and snacks are available to purchase in the café in Sudbury Arts Centre. Give your March a real community feel and come along to what you can.

Following the success of Mayor, Andy Welsh's, last charity fundraiser at Ballingdon Valley, where £850 was raised for his chosen charities, he is now looking forward to hosting his next event. Ballingdon Valley present a cheque for £850 for the Mayor's charities, raised at their restaurant when they hosted the Mayor's last charity event in October last year. On Tuesday 17th March at 6:30, the Mayor invites you to join him in a wine tasting and cheese evening, in the Town Hall Assembly Room. Here you will test a variety of 6 different wines, all carefully paired with some beautiful cheeses. Not only that, you will also be able to buy tickets for the charity raffle, full of amazing donated prizes from both local businesses and residents. Tickets for the event are just £25 and include not only your wines and cheese, but also a donation to Prostate Cancer UK and Sudbury Defibrillators, of at least £5. So join the Mayor to eat, drink, donate and hopefully win! Tickets for the event, as well as raffle tickets, are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Gaol Lane. Raffle tickets are £1 each or 5 for £4 - please note that these are cash only . Your event tickets can be paid by card. We would like to say a big thank you to all who have generously donated prizes so far, including, Sudbury Tesco, Lumen Hire, Roy's of Sudbury, Lipstick & Locks, Sudbury Learning Centre, Painters @ The Angel, Gainsborough House, Clarkes Bakery & Sudbury AFC. If you would like to donate a prize to the charity raffle, please e-mail info@sudbury-tc.gov.uk or drop into the Tourist Information Centre on Gaol Lane.

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