Every April, Sudbury Town Council opens applications for Grant Aid, which is available to all local charities, community organisations and social enterprises. Each year, during the process, applications equal a much higher request for grants than available through Sudbury Town Council, resulting in many organisations not getting the amount requested or needed. With this in mind, Sudbury Town Council has looked into other funding options available for these types of groups and organisations, in the hope we can still assist in securing funds, even if not directly. Below provides a list of all alternative options available locally: Grant Funding Service webpage - Suffolk County Council's funding service webpage full of advice, support and funding options. Here you can sign up for funding alerts and also complete an enquiry form where one of the team will try to identify possible funding opportunities available. Visit the Stronger Suffolk portal - The Stronger Suffolk VCFSE Support Programme co-ordinated by Suffolk Community Foundation and delivered in partnership with the Suffolk Funders Network, Community Action Suffolk (CAS) and Cranfield Trust, provides a pathway of funded support based on organisational need. noreply@idoxopen4community.co.uk - E-mail asking to sign up to the monthly funding newsletter for frequent, local updates on available funding. When applying for grant funding from any source, match funding is often favoured, so securing funds from different avenues can be very beneficial. For more information on Sudbury Town Council's Grant Aid - click here

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. Stour Street, taken by Sue Longhurst 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. Find out more about the Step Into the Sudbury Story Guided Tour Claire Partner, one of GuideEast's tour guides, giving a guided tour on Heritage Open Days 2026 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 Bishop Ælfhun's staue on The Croft 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!

The Mayor of Sudbury, Councillor Adrian Stohr, recently paid a visit to Sudbury Cemetery on Newton Road to celebrate an incredible achievement! The cemetery has been awarded the prestigious Gold Standard certificate from the Burial and Cremation Authorities and Managers (BRAMM), highlighting the exceptional standards of management and care maintained at this beautiful site. The BRAMM Gold Standard is a fantastic recognition given to cemeteries that meet the highest benchmarks for grounds maintenance, health and safety, and quality of service, marking it as a beacon of excellence in the burial and cremation sector. During this visit, the Mayor was given a tour of the grounds by Sudbury Town Council’s dedicated community wardens. They shared insights into the work involved in shaping a peaceful and welcoming environment for grieving families, dog walkers, commuters, and local wildlife. Their efforts in careful maintenance and conservation-minded upkeep have transformed the cemetery into a haven that supports biodiversity while providing a dignified and peaceful space for visitors. The Mayor expressed heartfelt gratitude to the wardens for their incredible work in achieving this standard, also acknowledging the invaluable contribution of council staff. He praised their day-to-day efforts that support the work of the Mayor and councillors: "As council staff, you become the unsung heroes so many people don't get to see, and we need to shout out what you do for your town, come rain or shine. Your work is greatly valued, and the care you give to this cemetery is a true service to our whole community. The Mayor also extended his appreciation to the wider council staff: "You make us councillors look great, and it's thanks to you all. We are so lucky to have such hard-working, passionate people." For more information on Sudbury Cemetery, visit sudbury-tc.gov.uk/the-cemetery

We have entered the first "ber" month and it's full steam ahead for Heritage Open Days and Christmas for us here at STC, but not until we say a big thank you to everyone who made year 3 of Sudbury Street Food Festival such a success. We welcomed 19 traders serving cuisines from around the world, sweet treats and drinks, along with music and street entertainment. Many of our traders had sold out before close and our event partner, Sudbury Arts Centre, had footfall of around 1300 for their mini beer and cider festival. So, thank you again and see you all for year 4! Stilt walking street entertainers provided by Ruby Flames Entertainment at Sudbury Street Food Festival 2026. And for our next trick........ Clear your diary for Saturday 19th September where we will be taking part in the nations largest community led festival of history and culture, Heritage Open Days. This year's theme is "everyday histories" and we're excited to be providing some fantastic tours and activities. Between 10am & 3pm you can find a range of free craft workshops in the Assembly Room in Sudbury Town Hall to keep your little historians entertained. Create some unique weaving using silk scraps from Sudbury Silk Mills, imagine & create your own market stall, design your own cattle farm, mould "bricks" with play dough and much more. For those wanting to know more about Sudbury's everyday histories, hop on to one of our free tours led by professional blue badge tour guides from Guide East. Themes include; Weaving The Streets Of Sudbury: Wool to Silk, Victorian Sudbury, Step into the Sudbury Story: Everyday Histories and How Industry Shaped Our Town. All tours are absolutely free but do need to be booked here. This link will also give information on all the local venues also joining in the festival and what you can expect. Heritage Open Days Tour in full swing next to the Thomas Gainsborough statue with Sudbury Arts Centre in the background. September Events: Every Tuesday: Boot Camp in the Park (2pm-2:45pm) & Pilates (3pm-3:45). Free fitness classes in Belle Vue Park provided by Abbeycroft Leisure. Every Friday: Wellbeing Walk Sudbury (2pm-2:45pm): Free leisurely walk from Kingfisher Leisure Centre provided by Feel Good Suffolk. First Sunday of every month: Men's Wellbeing Walk at 10am outside Kingfisher Leisure Centre. Saturday 5th September: Top Secret - The Magic of Science @ The Quay Theatre. Sunday 6th September: Swipe Vintage, kilo clothing sale. £20 per kilo. Sudbury Town Hall, 10:30-4pm. £2 entry - tickets here. Sunday 6th September: Ballingdon Fete. Free admission, entertainment and stalls. Kone Vale, 12pm-4pm. Friday 11th September: Desert Disco Country Night hosted by Beau Dance @ AFC Sudbury. 7:30pm-10pm. Tickets £15 here Saturday 12th September: All Saints Church and Tower Open Day. 12pm-3:30pm. Refreshments available and bric-a-brac stall. Sunday 13th September: Craft Market 10am-3pm @ Sudbury Arts Centre. Free entry. Saturday 19th September - Heritage Open Days!!! Saturday 19th September: The Committed - Commitments tribute band 7pm @ Sudbury Arts Centre. Saturday 19th September: Drag Butterfly Bingo. 6:30pm @ Sudbury Scout Hut. £15pp with funds going to the World Scout Jamboree 2027. Tuesday 22nd September: Ginger Giggle Comedy Club (18+) @ The Quay Theatre. Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th September: Wood Engraving Masterclass with Anne Desmet RA @ Gainsborough's House. Sunday 27th September: Home Start Hike. Choose 3, 6, 13 or 26 miles. Starts at Kingfisher Leisure Centre. More info here. Sunday 27th September: Anglian Authors Book Fair 10am-3pm @ Sudbury Arts Centre. Sunday 27th September: Festival of Nature @ Gainsborough's House. Young people exploring local nature, heritage and creativity. Monday 28th September: STC Fair Trade MacMillan Coffee Morning. 11am-2pm in the Mayor's Parlour at Sudbury Town Hall. Visit our events page for more information on local events. Tickets are now also on sale for The Mayor's next fundraiser night, which will be a wine and graze night @ Sudbury Wine Boutique. The event is in aid of local charities Number 72 & The Kernos Centre and tickets can be purchased here. Sudbury Residents & Visitor Survey 2026/27. Your views help shape our priorities. Please take the time to complete our short survey There are currently three tiers of local government serving Sudbury; Suffolk County Council, Babergh District Council and Sudbury Town Council. ​Sudbury Town Council is based at The Town Hall and is dedicated to serving the town. We are the 'grassroots' tier of local government as we are close to the local community and committed to delivering projects, services and events that make Sudbury a better place to live, work and visit. We are committed to working transparently and in the best interests of the community, as such the views of both residents and visitors to Sudbury are critical in shaping our priorities for the town. Please complete the form below to share your feedback, highlight any concerns about the services we provide, and raise issues affecting day-to-day life in Sudbury. The Town Council's responsibilities include: Sudbury Market, Allotments, Sudbury Cemetery, a number of Public and Civic events and town promotion. Take the survey here: STC Committee Meetings: Planning Development & Highways: Monday 7th Sep @ 18:30 Full Council: Tuesday 8th Sep @ 19:00 Planning Development & Highways: Monday 21st Sep @ 18:30 Extraordinary Finance: Tuesday 22nd Sep @ 18:30 Leisure & Environment: Tue 29th Sep @ 18:30 Sudbury Market - Every Thursday & Saturday 8:30am-3pm on Market Hill and Old Market Place. Our next newsletter will be available at the beginning of October.

Have you ever visited a gallery, looked at the finished artwork and wondered what it looked like during the creative process, wondered how long it took, what needed to be tweaked and if it turned out how the artist initially visioned it? Now you can find all of this out for yourself at Mill Tye Gallery, where textile artist Helena Powell, has set up her own weaving studio for the Summer. Following previous exhibitions of her textile artwork at the gallery, Helena now has a residency there until 23rd August, and invites you to come and see her in action. Not only can you visit Helena, see her creative ideas unfolding, see looms in motion and ask her about her weaving, you can also add a row or two to the community weaving project and be part of a really unique piece of art, which once complete, will be sold in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance, meaning everyone who takes part doesn't only contribute to the art, but also to this worthy cause. Your one visit, your few moments adding rows, your short visit to the studio contributes to something much bigger, artwork created by a community, a multitude of hands and creative minds. Visitors to the studio are also able to explore Helena's collection of handwoven scarves and textile art. Helena takes her inspiration from the colours, textures and beauty of the Suffolk landscape around her and this can really be seen in these unique pieces. So, come and visit Helena at Mill Tye Gallery before the 23rd August, explore the studio, be a part of the community project, learn more about weaving and maybe even fall in love with one of her artworks or scarves to take home yourself. Visit Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre | Contemporary British Art for more information, contact details and location.

Sudbury Town Council announces continued partnership with The Garden Nursery to keep Sudbury's blooms at their best and sustainability at the forefront. Following an open Tender process for Sudbury Town Council’s 2026 – 2029 Floral Display & Maintenance contract, The Council are pleased to announce the contract has been (re-)awarded to local family run horticulturalists The Garden Nursey at Constitution Hill. The Nursery team were awarded the 2023 – 2026 contract at a time when Sudbury Town Council were moving to a more sustainable way of planting, and The Garden Nursery really rose to the challenge. The Council looks forward to building on this success over the next few years. The Mayor of Sudbury, Councillor Adrian Stohr comments; “It is a joy for the Council to work in such close partnership with a hyper local, much-loved business to achieve such visible and meaningful outcomes for the town of Sudbury. Every day the Council receives wonderful compliments about the floral displays and that is down to the hard work and partnership working of The Garden Nursery and Sudbury Town Council’s teams with sustainability at the forefront. The results are clear to see and are for everyone to enjoy, from residents, visitors and all the bees and butterflies passing through!” The more formal town centre planters are complemented by drought tolerant, pollinator friendly beds around town, as well as the Council's seasonal 'no mow meadow' at The Croft that is a magnet for wildlife. The Council’s Business Manager, Rachel Price, who manages the partnership, adds: “Over 3 years ago, in recognition of our changing climate and the East being the driest region in the UK; Sudbury Town Council resolved to remove heavily water reliant annual bedding planting from our floral schemes, replacing traditional bedding plants with drought tolerant, pollinator-friendly perennial planting. Together with a newly adopted biodiversity policy the town centre and bedding schemes have been beautifully re-designed by The Garden Nursery to promote these principles whilst keeping the town looking its very best. In this period of drought these schemes, now established, haven’t been watered in 2 years, are alive with pollinators and in the long run are saving taxpayers money while boosting biodiversity. "Sudbury is also on a ‘*B-Line’ which is a vital pollinator pathway so it’s essential our planting is carefully selected to help the pollinators on their journeys. One of the many highlights of the partnership is the way the Garden Nursery team work so well with Sudbury Town Council to promote a reduce-reuse-recycle ethos, with The Garden Nursery making excellent use of wood chippings and leaf mulch from our grounds maintenance operations and re-using it in their schemes, any removed planting is composted down and re-employed and The Garden Nursery even reuse cardboard, plastic and wooden crates from our Market for their customers.” Rob Jackson, Owner of The Garden Nursery goes on to say: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Sudbury Town Council, Rachel and the excellent wardens for another three years. We have built a fantastic working relationship with the council from trusting us to provide a beautiful seasonal display within the town to creating lasting perennial, pollinator-friendly beds on the roundabouts and around the town. It has been a real pleasure to grow into this role as a small local business, and we are very excited about the next three years”. *What are B-Lines? B-Lines are an imaginative and beautiful solution to the problem of the loss of flowers and pollinators. The B-Lines are a series of ‘insect pathways’ running through our countryside and towns, along which we are restoring and creating a series of wildflower-rich habitat stepping stones. They link existing wildlife areas together, creating a network, like a railway, that will weave across the UK landscape. This will provide large areas of brand new habitat benefiting bees and butterflies– but also a host of other wildlife. Read more at: buglife.org.uk/our-work/b-lines/ The B-Line map of the UK showing Sudbury on a 'pollinator pathway'.

It only feels like yesterday that we were posting the July newsletter, how is it August tomorrow already? What a fab month July was, with the start of the school Summer holidays, the run of Witness For The Prosecution by Sudbury Dramatic Society at Sudbury Arts Centre, and a fantastic day had by all at Party In The Park. Ruby Flames Entertainment at Party In The Park 2026 But do not fear, August looks set to be another fun-filled month with some fantastic events going on in and around Sudbury. These can all be found in our "What's On" guide which can be picked up from the Tourist Information Centre on Gaol Lane or found here. August sees the last of the Bank Holidays until Christmas and we are definitely going to be making the most of it with the return of Sudbury Street Food Festival, now in it's 3rd year! On Sunday 30th August, Market Hill will be lined with Street Food traders, all providing something different for your tastebuds to enjoy. Head on down between 11am-5pm to try the delicious offerings, enjoy music provided by Cloud 9 Roadshow, see the fantastic stilt performs from Ruby Flames entertainment and even some of the Sudbury Town Council staff in a humorous outfit or two! After it's launch in 2024 (above), Sudbury Street Food Festival will be back for it's 3rd year on 30th August. Outside seating will be provided but you can also take your food into The Wine Boutique and Sudbury Arts Centre as long as you are buying a drink. The latter is also holding a mini beer festival that day too, so it's a perfect way to spend your Sunday. You can then use Bank Holiday Monday to recover and recuperate, or even to go for a nice long walk through the meadows or along the Valley Trail to burn off a few well deserved calories. Notable Dates in August: International Cat Day - 8th August. Why not pop into Finnegans Whiskers to celebrate before we say goodbye to the team and their feline friends in September. Booking via their website. National Allotment Week - 10th-16th August. We are celebrating by picking the winner of our allotment competition on the 14th, so we would like to say a big thank you to those who entered and to all of our amazing plot holders. Do feel free to visit our Newton Road allotments, which are always lovely for a walk round. Dogs on leads also welcome, just please be respectful of holders plots and stay to the footpaths. International Dog Day - 26th August. This is the day to celebrate man's best friend! Maybe do this by popping in and supporting charity shops such as the RSPCA in Borehamgate Precinct or taking your dog out (weather permitting - please refrain from walking dogs in excessive temperatures) and stopping for a drink or bite to eat in one of the many dog-friendly eateries in Sudbury. Look out for the little paw prints on our list of places to eat and drink in Sudbury, to spot who is dog-friendly - here. Did you know, some of the cafe's and restaurants, like The Mill Hotel & Painters at the Angel, also provide a dog menu so your four-legged friend can eat with you. Finnegans Whiskers resident, Olive, looking glam. August Events: Friday's throughout August - Free Friday Music Sessions at Sudbury Arts Centre. Sunday 2nd August - Magic Dave's Totally Awesome Family Variety Show at Sudbury Masonic Hall. Tickets here Monday 3rd-Friday 7th August - Family Week 2026 at Gainsborough's House. A list of activities and all related information can be found on their website here Thursday 6th August - Spanish Night at The Wine Boutique. Tapas Truck, Spanish Wine List & Jugs of Sangria. Friday 7th August - Walk n Water: Sudbury & Henny Riverside. A 3.5 mile countryside walk followed by a 1 hour boat cruise. Tickets here Sunday 9th August - Suffolk Record Fair at Sudbury Arts Centre 10am-3pm. Thursday 13th August - Summer Holiday Magic Lessons at The Quay Theatre. Two workshops, AM & PM, to choose from. Book here. Saturday 15th August - Step Into Sudbury Story Guided Tour. Meet outside the Tourist Information Centre on Gaol Lane & pay your guide directly. All information can be found here. Saturday 15th August - Ed Sheeran Experience at The Quay. Booking via this link. Thursday 20th August - Chinese Painting Workshop at Sudbury Learning Centre. Book here. Friday 21st August - The Mcdougalls Pirate Adventure, family fun at The Quay. Saturday 29th August - Writing Workshop: Become a Writer at Sudbury Arts Centre. Sunday 30th August - SUDBURY STREET FOOD FESTIVAL!!!! Monday 31st August - Pirates on The Stour. Pirate boat rides from The Granary. Free under 14's and half-price 14-17 year olds with a full fare paying adult. Grab your tickets here. Come and join some Sudbury Pirates on The Stour and try not to have to walk the plank! Don't forget Sudbury Market every Thursday and Saturday plus Sudbury Farmers Market the last Friday of every month. Another four-legged friend waiting for his treat from Wayne's Pet Supplies on Sudbury Market. STC Committee Meetings: Planning, Development & Highways - Monday 10th @ 18:30 Planning, Development & Highways - Monday 24th @ 18:30 Next newsletter in September, where you can find out all about Heritage Open Days.

Earlier in the year, the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) announced it was opening bids for the UK's very first UK Town of Culture 2028. For the first time, DCMS invited towns across the UK to enter the competition to showcase original storytelling, and empowering, accessible culture. The competition is targeted at all towns, whether small, medium or large. Inspired by the success of the flagship UK City of Culture, which is a proven model for cultural placemaking, this competition aims to spotlight the cultural contribution of towns to our national story. There will be small, medium and large-size category winners and from these three designations, an overall UK Town of Culture winner will be selected. The winning town will be awarded £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028 of around six months. Additionally, the two finalists from their category will receive £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid. Digital Postcard Map of all #UKTownofCulture entrants In celebration of our town’s culture and heritage, we have submitted a digital postcard to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). You can view Sudbury's entry alongside others from across the country on the official UK Town of Culture Digital Map below: Beyond the obvious, Sudbury's incredible cultural heritage extends way beyond being the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, the UK Capital of Silk or the inspiration for Dodie Smith's 101 Dalmatians. Culture is so much more, its about Sudbury's unique heartbeat - our 1000 year old charter market, our independent business community, our beautiful green spaces all central to Sudbury life today. Venues at the heart of our community like Sudbury Arts Centre, Quay Theatre, Mill Tye Gallery, Sudbury Library and of course Gainsborough's House all keep Sudbury's arts and community offerings at the forefront. But what about our beautifully biodiverse watermeadows, 242 listed buildings, award winning silk mills, brick makers or breweries, our food and drink offering, one of the last dedicated Tourist Information Centres in the region, our events programme, our community spirit! All of this makes Sudbury what it is today, and its our pride in our town that sets us apart. So with the support of our local cultural venues, Sudbury Town Council has thrown our hat in the ring for the very first UK Town of Culture. No matter the outcome, we'd love to hear from you to let us know your thoughts on what the town has to offer, and how we can work together to make it better. HAVE YOUR SAY Please take 10 minutes to complete our Sudbury Residents and Visitors Survey 2026 - whether you live, work or occassionally visit Sudbury (or you've only visited once!) please take the time to help us shape our town for the future. Oh and fingers crossed for us!

Summer is well and truly here and the school summer holidays are just around the corner, but there is plenty to do in Sudbury to keep the young, the old and everyone in between entertained. July is National Picnic Month and don't we live in just the perfect place for it. Pack your favourites foods and head to the meadows, The Croft or Belle Vue Park for the perfect picnic day out with friends and family. Sunny picnic area as Millacre. Photo Credit Sudbury Town Council. Remember to use paper plates and recyclable cutlery items where possible to reduce plastic waste and please clear your rubbish up after you. There are plenty of bins around these areas and this is vital to keeping wildlife and their habitats safe. Speaking of which, feeding the ducks at The Croft is always a tempting past time but please do read our blog about feeding them the most nutritious foods, which benefit the local wildlife and the environment. Friendly Ducks at The Croft. Photo Credit Sudbury Town Council. Please do stay safe and hydrated in the heat, wear sunscreen and get plenty of shade on hot days. Most of our open spaces have lovely shady spots under large trees and greenery. The Croft & Millacre offers shade under beautiful mature Oak Trees, which were planted for the coronation of Edward VII in 1901. Over at Friars Meadow, there are many majestic Willow Trees lining the edge, and don't forget, the River Stour has been given a good water bathing status by DEFRA, so you can also dip in to cool off - please do so safely and avoid doing so after heavy rainfall. If you prefer mostly shade, then the Gainsborough trail is for you. With the trail nearly all shaded, this is the best place for a cooler summer walk. Ducks taking shade at The Croft. Photo Credit Sudbury Town Council. The first week of July also brings Create week! Release your creative side between 1st-7th July in one the many fantastic classes and workshop around Sudbury: Wednesday 1st July - Beginners Felt Sessions at Creative Lives. . Every Tue, Thu & Saturday - Pottery Painting at Creative Lives. Saturday 4th July - Life Drawing with Sue Marsdon at Gainsborough's House. Monday 6th July (3-week course) - Mandala Art at Sudbury Learning Centre . Tuesday 7th July - Lia's Art for Wellbeing at Esquires Coffee Sudbury Pottery Painting at Creative Lives. Photo Credit Creative Lives. July is always an exciting time for Sudbury Town Council as it brings our yearly visit to Belle Vue to bring you Party In The Park! Our fun, family-friendly and FREE event has activities, performances, children's rides, and more, ready to entertain you from 11am-5pm. So head on over with your blankets, chairs and a picnic (there are lots of food vendors to try if not) and enjoy performances from the Phoenix Marchers, Ruby Flames Entertainment, Beau Dance & Performing Arts and Cloud 9 Roadshow. You can also turn your hand to archery, have your face painted, enjoy bungee ropes and much more!! Ruby Flames Entertainment performing at Party In The Park. Photo credit A Longhurst. July Events: Thursday 2nd July - The Befriending Scheme & Leading Lives Present: Reach Beyond The Stars at The Quay Theatre. A joyful summer singalong. Friday's throughout July - Free Friday Music Sessions at Sudbury Arts Centre Sunday 5th July - Sudbury Choral Society - A Summer Serenade at Sudbury Arts Centre Thursday 9th July - Quiz & Bingo at The Brewery Tap Sunday 12th July - Theatre Train Presents: The Mega Mini Tiny Show at The Quay Theatre. A vibrant mix of drama, dance, singing and musical theatre from Sudbury's local Theatre School. Sunday 12th July - Free Craft Market - Sudbury Arts Centre Wednesday 15th - Friday 17th July - Witness for the Prosecution (Agatha Christie) - Sudbury Arts Centre. Performances by Sudbury Dramatic Society. Saturday 18th July - Zootropolis showing at The Quay Theatre. Disney's 2016 film, rated PG. Sunday 19th July - PARTY IN THE PARK! Free Family Fun at Belle Vue Park hosted by Sudbury Town Council. Saturday 25th July - Zootropolis 2 showing at The Quay Theatre. Disney's 2025 sequel, rated PG. Every Wednesday - Free Pool at The Horse & Groom. Every Tuesday 9am-2pm - Free Tea Tuesday at Painters at The Angel. Bottomless free tea with no catch. Every Thursday and Saturday - Sudbury Market. Village Foods on Sudbury Market. Photo Credit Sudbury Town Council. For a full list of local events, visit our events page and download or "What's On Guide" - also available in the Tourist Information Centre. STC Committee Meetings Finance – Tuesday 7th @ 18.30 Planning, Development & Highways – Monday 13th @ 18.30 Full Council - Tuesday 14th @ 19.00 Planning, Development & Highways – Monday 27th @ 18.30 Leisure & Environment – 28th @ 18.30 Next newsletter in August!

Feeding the swans, ducks and other wildfowl on the River Stour has always been a well-enjoyed past time in Sudbury. Whether it is at The Croft, the Mill Pond or down at Friars Meadow, you will no doubt have regularly seen adults and children alike feeding our feathered friends. Ducks & Swan at The Croft - Photo Credit J Byham. But are we feeding them the best diet? Whilst you can still feed ducks bread, it is advised to only do this occasionally due to the low nutritional value and to ensure it is not mouldy, as this can make them ill. So what can you feed them instead? Sudbury Town Council have teamed up with The River Stour Trust & Sudbury Common Lands Charity to bring you all the information you need to feed the wildfowl a varied and healthy diet. Feed ducks as a treat - these birds already have everything they need in their natural environment, so feeding the ducks should be as much of a treat for them as it is you. Make good use of certain food waste - lettuce, kale & rocket are great snacks for ducks, swans and wildfowl, so before you throw leftovers in the bin, think about bagging it up and taking a trip to the Croft instead. Sweetcorn is a perfect treat for ducks. Again, save any leftovers or think about purchasing a tin of sweetcorn instead of a loaf of bread (it's also more cost effective). Still thinking about zero food waste, feed them some leftover rice. Please be sure to rinse any sauces off first. Uncooked rice can also be used. Frozen peas are also a tasty and nutritional supplement to wildfowl diet. These don't need to be cooked first but do need to be defrosted - take them out of the freezer the night before and you'll be good to go. Oats are always a great way to start the day, even for ducks and swans! Rolled oats, flapjacks and even instant porridge oats can be used when feeding them. Lastly, seeds, nuts and duck/swan pellets are always a great choice. Whether you're picking the nuts and seeds up in your local supermarket or visiting Wayne's Pet Supplies on Sudbury Market (Thursday, Friday & Saturday outside of the Town Hall), these are a special and nutritious treat for ducks and their friends. Wayne's duck pellets are also available from the Tourist Information Centre on Gaol Lane in treat sized portions for £1. Ducks enjoying the River Stour at the meadows - Photo credit A Longhurst. Please note, the following list are foods which should be avoided when feeding ducks, swans and other wildfowl: Crisps/other junk food. Popcorn - hard to digest and can become lodged. Cornflakes - these and similar cereals are high in sugar and additives. Citrus Fruits - can induce digestive issues. Onions (and related vegetables) - can cause diarrhoea and vomiting, hemolytic anaemia & respiratory illness. Spinach - this can induce egg binding issues by interfering with calcium production. Avocados - poisonous to birds, especially ducks, and can cause heart failure. Ducks enjoying a nutritious and bite sized treat down at The Croft - Photo credit J Byham. Other handy hints and tips: Feed ducks as a rare treat. Make sure food is in bite-sized portions as they do not chew their food. If they show no interest in eating, stop feeding them. Food that is left can attract bugs. Be cautious when feeding large birds such as geese and swans as they can become aggressive. Carefully dispose of any food packaging safely. There are several bins in and around the Croft and Meadows. Please refrain from allowing pets or children from chasing or disturbing the birds. If other people are already feeding ducks where you intended to, look for another place that is free, this reduces the risk of overfeeding. Please be mindful of wildfowl with babies, they can become aggressive when protective. During grazing season, please be mindful of cows on the meadows and ensure you provide a clear path if they are heading into the river. Cattle cooling down in the River Stour in Sudbury Water Meadows - Photo credit A Longhurst. If you have any questions on what to feed ducks, swans and wildfowl, there will be signage at designated areas, which can also be found here. Thank you for looking after our wildlife and enjoying Sudbury meadows and The Croft.

There's never been a better time to discover Sudbury's beautiful riverside! The Friars Meadow stretch of the River Stour has officially been awarded a 'Good' bathing water classification, marking an exciting milestone for one of Sudbury's most scenic outdoor destinations and gives visitors even more reason to spend time by the water this summer. Located just a short walk from the town centre, Friars Meadow has long been a favourite spot for families, ramblers, nature lovers and those looking to enjoy the tranquillity of the Stour Valley. Now, with the latest water quality results confirming a 'Good' rating, the area is set to become an even more attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. Make a Day of It Whether you're planning a family day out, a relaxing afternoon in nature or an active adventure on the water, Friars Meadow offers something for everyone. Pack a picnic or pick one up from an independent cafe and enjoy lunch beside the river, take a leisurely stroll along the waterside paths such as the Cornard Walk, or watch boats pass through one of Suffolk's most picturesque stretches of river. The meadow's open green space make it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the warmer months. For those looking to get a little closer to the water, the River Stour is also popular with paddleboarders, kayakers and wild swimmers, all drawn to the peaceful surroundings and beautiful countryside views. Fluidity Adventure rent out kayaks and canoes from The Henny Swan, a four mile drive away in the village of Great Henny, while The River Stour Trust run regular boat trips from The Granary in Quay Lane. Exploring the Stour Valley The River Stour is one of East Anglia's most celebrated waterways, famously defining the border between Suffolk and Essex. The same picturesque landscapes that inspired Gainsborough and Constable continue to capture the imagination of local artists, photographers and creatives. From Friars Meadow, visitors can explore more of Sudbury's riverside attractions, discover local wildlife, enjoy scenic walking routes, or combine their visit with a trip into the town centre, where independent shops, cafés, restaurants and cultural attractions such as Gainsborough's House, Sudbury Arts Centre and the Quay Theatre await. A River to Be Proud Of There are few places more closely connected to Sudbury's identity than the River Stour. The River Stour and Sudbury have long been inseparable partners. Winding through and alongside our historic market town, the river has inspired artists, supported wildlife, welcomed visitors, and provided us all with opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The new 'Good' classification is a welcome endorsement of the quality of the River Stour at Friars Meadow and reflects the ongoing efforts of local organisations, volunteers and community groups who care deeply about the river's future. According to recent reporting by the BBC, Friars Meadow is one of only a handful of designated river bathing waters in England to achieve a classification above the minimum standard, making it a notable success story for both Sudbury and Suffolk. River Stour - Approaching Friars Meadow. c. 1920 Sudbury Photo Archive Staying Safe on the River If you're planning to swim at Friars Meadow, it's important to remember that rivers are natural environments and conditions can change quickly. Before entering the water, check the latest bathing water information on the Environment Agency's Swimfo website, which provides up-to-date water quality information and bathing water classifications. Water quality is monitored throughout the bathing season, but conditions can vary depending on rainfall and other environmental factors. Visitors should also check Anglian Water's storm overflow information before entering the water. Following periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall, storm overflows may operate to prevent flooding, which can affect water quality. Anglian Water provides information on storm overflow activity through its online map. If you're considering a swim: Only enter the water if you are a confident swimmer. Never swim alone. Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall, when water quality and river conditions may be affected. Be aware of river currents, submerged objects and changing water depths. Consider wearing appropriate footwear and a brightly coloured swim hat so you remain visible to other river users. Children should always be supervised by a responsible adult. If you're new to open water swimming, consider visiting with an experienced swimmer or organised group. The River Stour is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors, but it is imperative anyone looking to swim enjoys a safe experience.

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.