7 major Suffolk events to look forward to in November 2023

1. Firework display featuring Peter Andre

Peter Andre will perform at the Trinity Park fireworks display (Image: PA)

Where: Trinity Park, Ipswich 

When: November 4

Price: £15

Ipswich Fireworks Festival will take place at Trinity Park, on the outskirts of the town, from 3.30pm on Saturday, November 4.

The Mysterious Girl singer will be taking to the main stage alongside local bands and artists.

Other entertainment offered includes a fairground and fun zone, a bonfire, and archery, all finishing with a choreographed fireworks display at 8pm.

2. Illuminated light trail at Helmingham Hall

Hemlingham Hall was named one of the best light shows in the UK by The Times (Image: Beckie Egan Photography)

Where: Helmingham Hall

When: November 16 - December 17

Price: £20 per adult, £10 per child

The trail will launch on Thursday, November 16, and the event will run every day of the week until Sunday, December 17.

The trail begins with a mug of mulled wine in the courtyard before visitors are guided through the brightly lit gardens. 

Sound and lighting displays will showcase the different areas of the trail and areas of the hall's facade will also feature, including the moat.

3. Craft beer festival

Hopsters is the company behind the festival (Image: Newsquest, Hopsters)

Where: The Baths, Ipswich

When: November 10, 11

Price: £5 entry fee

Hopsters is the company behind the Beach Street Oktoberfest which was a huge success at the start of October.

On November 10 and 11, beer producers from all over the UK - many of whom have never been to Suffolk before - will unite for the two-day event at The Baths in Ipswich.

The ticket price is £5 and they are available for slots on Friday night, and Saturday daytime and nighttime via the Eventbrite website. 

4. A CapCon Christmas

Christmas characters will unite at this Trinity Park event (Image: Family Fun Fest)

Where: Trinity Park

When: November 19 and 19

Price: £5 entry fee

A CapCon Christmas, a cosplay and prop convention, is heading to Trinity Park in Ipswich on November 18 and 19 this year. 

Ticketholders will be able to meet and have photos with Santa, Mrs Claus, Buddy the Elf, The Grinch, Spiderman, Polar Express Conductor, Jack Skellington and other classic Christmas characters at the event. 

Some iconic vehicles from Christmas films will also be at the event, and visitors will be able to explore their favourite movie cars.

5. An Evening with Anton Du Beke

Anton Du Beke is taking to the stage on his tour this year (Image: Jane Barlow / PA Wire)

Where: Ipswich Regent Theatre

When: Sunday, November 19

Price: from £27.50

Strictly Come Dancing legend and judge, Anton Du Beke, will take to the stage with his live band, a guest singer and his dancers for an evening of song, dance and laughter.

Mr Du Beke will be performing some of his favourite songs and dances, and audience members should expect behind-the-scenes stories from his time on Strictly that will have them laughing out loud.

6. Sophie Ellis Bextor's Kitchen Disco

Sophie Ellis Bextor headlined at Glastonbury this year (Image: PA Media)

Where: Ipswich Regent Theatre

When: Thursday, November 30

Price: from £33 per person

Following from her 2022 Kitchen Disco tour that sold-out venues across the UK, Sophie Ellis Bextor is returning for a Christmas Disco tour.

The singer has turned her lockdown sensation into a popular Radio 2 show and has a huge following online. 

7. Nose to tail pig tasting menu 

Diners will be able to 'pig out' at this pork tasting event (Image: The Brewers Rattlesden)

Where: The Brewers, Rattlesden

When: November 1

Price: £75 per person

A pub in the Suffolk village of Rattlesden has announced a one-off event in which diners can enjoy every part of a pig, from its snout to its tail. 

Each course will be paired with a glass of wine specifically chosen to best complement the dish by Ed Keith of Hallgarten Wines. 

Diners should book in advance by calling The Brewers or booking on their website.