We are delighted to be sharing this eighth Suffolk Day with you, as the county comes together to celebrate everything that makes Suffolk a truly glorious place to be.
Held annually on the longest day of the year, Suffolk Day was first created by former radio stalwart Mark Murphy in 2016. The event has become a staple in the Suffolk calendar ever since, and has been hosted by towns across the county including Framlingham, Felixstowe and Clare.
This year, Ipswich has drawn the lucky straw, working with the theme ‘Be Free in 23’. Proceedings will begin bright and early at 8:30am today with a military procession by the 4 Air Army Corps. Based at Wattisham Airfield, the regiment will be marching from Carr Street to the Cornhill.
An address will be made from the steps of the Town Hall by the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston. A proclamation will then be read out by Year Nine and Ten students from Chantry Academy.
An inspection of the troops will then be carried out by the Lord Lieutenant.
At 9:25, Suffolk Medals are awarded to two people who have made a fundamental and lasting difference to the county, presented by the Suffolk Community Foundation.
The ceremony will be rounded off by an Apache Helicopter flypast, Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council having pulled out all the stops for this momentous occasion.
Everyone will then be invited to sing the national anthem, followed by a Parade of Standards from the Royal British Legion and the band of The Royal Hospital School. The parade will make its way towards Westgate.
A reception at the town hall will then be hosted by the mayor of Ipswich, Lynne Mortimer.
Cllr Mortimer said: “As Suffolk’s County town, we are honoured to host Suffolk Day celebrations this year.
“It is a day for us to celebrate freedom, diversity and the strong community spirit at the heart of our town.”
Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council Leader, added: “I look forward to Suffolk Day because it is an opportunity for us all to recognise and celebrate what is great about our county. For me, it has always been the wonderful big open skies.
“This Suffolk Day we’re encouraging people to enjoy what Suffolk has to offer, whether that’s visiting an attraction or simply going for a walk through our beautiful towns, villages, and landscapes. Much of Suffolk can be enjoyed for free or give a sense of making you feel free, so let’s take the opportunity and enjoy what on our doorsteps.”
The Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk is his Majesty the King’s representative for the county. Lady Euston has held the title since 2014.
Lady Euston said: “A truly unique Suffolk occasion, capturing the essence of the summer solstice here where the light from the rising sun first reaches our shores, here in the easternmost corner of the British Isles.
“Since its inception as the brainchild and inspiration of Mark Murphy, Suffolk Day has become a glorious celebration of all we love and are most proud of in this beautiful county of ours.
“This year, it is going to be better than anything we have seen before, launching activities with a very special version of the Suffolk Proclamation written and read by pupils from Chantry Academy.
“The 4 Army Air Corps Regiment from Wattisham will be exercising their Freedom of the Town of Ipswich with a parade and salute in front of the Town Hall, followed by a Parade of Standards from the Royal British Legion, and the band of The Royal Hospital School.
“On our very own Suffolk Day, I am delighted that we are gathered in the truly historic surroundings of our County Town of Ipswich to present this year’s Suffolk Medals. We have two very special and truly exceptional Suffolk people to celebrate this year, unique in the incredible contributions they have made.
“We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for all they have already contributed to our County and hope this special honour will further elevate their ability to do even more.”
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