Saxmundham

Akenfield
2025-10-11 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Saxmundham Market Hall, High Street, Saxmundham, IP171AF, United Kingdom
SHAKE is delighted to announce the famous Suffolk-based sculptor LAURENCE EDWARDS has
joined the creative team for the new stage production of AKENFIELD.
“I’m intrigued to work within a stage set, designing all the elements. It’s a fascinating new
challenge for a sculptor” he said from his studio in Saxmundham. “Akenfield is part of my
background, and close to the hearts of so many in Suffolk and wider East Anglia.”
The newly completed play has been adapted from Ronald Blythe’s iconic Akenfield; Portrait of an
English Village. The new play has been written by Glenn Wilhide, who lives in Suffolk full time
and is best known for producing the first series of The Royle Family with Caroline Aherne, among
other TV and film credits.
“Writing a play for Suffolk people to perform, based on Ronald Blythe’s superb writing, has been
an exciting project.”
Taking its lead from the 1975 film which was performed by non-professional local people, and
echoing the book itself with its 49 testimonies by local people, the stage play of Akenfield is being
cast authentically from within the Suffolk community.
Traditional and original music for the production is being composed by the young local Folk
musician Finn Collinson, who will be playing live on stage with other musicians during
performances.
Produced by Jenny Hall and Liz Cook via the Benhall-based theatre company SHAKE Festival, and
directed by Jenny Hall, the new play will initially be performed as 9 previews in Framlingham,
Halesworth, Ipswich, Stowmarket and Saxmundham.

Family History Group- Drop In Session
2025-10-14 14:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-11 14:30 - 16:30, 2025-12-09 14:30 - 16:30 | Saxmundham Library
Interested in researching your family history? Would you like to know more about the different types of records and how to access them?
Join Jane (a library volunteer and also one of our members) for her free family-history group sessions,between 2:30 and 4:30pm on the second Tuesday of every month at Saxmundham Library.She is experienced in Family History researchand happy to help you learn how to find those hard-to-find family details and DNA testing.Visit https://www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/whats-on/family-history-group-saxmundham for all dates.
These sessions are free to attend, but donations are appreciated to support Saxmundham Library.

Saxmundham Library, Street Farm Road (near the railway bridge), IP17 1AL

The Hollond Family of Great Ashfield House - a Talk by Dave Steward
2025-10-20 14:30 - 16:30 | The Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL, United Kingdom
Join local historian Dave Steward on Monday 20th October, 2.30pm at the Fromus Centre, Saxmundham, for a fascinating talk on the Hollond Family of Great Ashfield House. Discover stories of art, eccentricity, and isolation. £1 members / £3 visitors, refreshments included.

Read more here.

Creative Cooking with Art Station
2025-11-04 16:00 - 2025-12-09 18:00 | The Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL, United Kingdom
FREE Family cooking sessions start on Tuesday 4th November, 4pm – 6pm at The Fromus Centre, Saxmundham.
All ingredients, utensils etc are provided!
The sessions will run for 6 weeks in a row, last session being Tuesday 9th December.
These sessions are a relaxed, fun and creative way to cook together with your family. The sessions will be led by cook Zoe Cosgrove, using produce from Saxmundham Community Fridge, you will learn how to make the most of produce available at this local resource and create simple tasty meals.
You will take what you have made/prepared home along with any left over produce left from each session. Please bring a bag!

Saxmundham Saturday Market
2025-11-08 09:00 - 15:00 | Fromus Square, IP17 1DD
Artisan monthly market in the picturesque surroundings of Fromus Square. Featuring a range of stall selling local and artisan products.
Interested stallholders are invited to contact bookings@saxmundham-tc.gov.uk

Market Hall Dances - Market Hall, Saxmundham - IP17 1AF
2025-11-22 20:00 - 22:30 | Saxmundham Market Hall, High Street, Saxmundham, IP171AF, United Kingdom
Our second bal (dance) in this series of dances is with a duo – Geoff Liles & Annette Davies.
All the way from Wales, Geoff & Annette have been playing for French and Breton dancing for 16 years, playing accordion, guitar, fiddles and mandolin as a duo and as part of a five piece group, Kantef. Their repertoire includes a mixture of traditional French and Breton tunes and their own compositions, with arrangements influenced by their love of folk and classical music from England, Wales and Europe. Annette is also an experienced dance teacher and has taught French and Breton dance at events across the UK and France.
If you have never tried French and Breton dancing before why not come along and give it a go, for most of the Breton dances you do not require a partner and some are fairly simple to pick up. Most towns in Brittany have a fest noz (night dance) in the summer, often weekly where the whole community comes together, dances, socialises and has a drink or two. We try to emulate this with our bals. There will be lots of people who will show you the steps. If you are not a dancer why not come along and just enjoy the wonderful music.

Wreath Making Workshop
2025-11-29 10:00 - 12:00 | St Johns Church, : Church Hill, Saxmundham, IP17 1ES, United Kingdom

Saxmundham Christmas Fayre 2025
2025-12-06 15:00 - 19:00 | Saxmundham Town Centre
🎄 Saxmundham’s Annual Christmas Fayre
Join us for a magical day of festive fun in the heart of Saxmundham!Enjoy an extensive street market, festive lights switch-on, Santa’s Grotto, indoor craft fair, street and stage performances, hot food, children’s activities, and much more.
✨ Highlights include:

Be captivated by the Bubble Fairy

Dance at the LED Hula Hoop Disco

Feel the joy at the mini funfair

Choose your sparkle at the free glitter bar

Clown around at the circus skills workshop

Feel the festive cheer with the Royal British Legion Band

Shop for gifts and unique finds at the indoor and outdoor markets

Visit Santa in his magical grotto

Rest and refuel at one of Saxmundham’s cafés, pubs, or eateries

Browse the town’s independent shops, galleries, and businesses

Head home feeling festive, merry, and bright!

For Stallholders
We’re welcoming applications from all types of stallholders for this year’s event, with indoor and outdoor spaces available.Please note: power is not supplied, so stalls must be able to operate off-grid.
🔗 Visit our Markets page for more information or📧 Email bookings@saxmundham-tc.gov.uk to apply or find out more.
To Book the Grotto
Santa will be in his grotto greeting children in small groups throughout the event. Booking is essential – Click here

Santa's Grotto
2025-12-06 15:00 - 19:00 | Saxmundham Town Centre
🎅🎄 Santa’s Grotto – Market Hall, 6 December 2025 🎅✨
Brought to you by Saxmundham Town Council
Step into the magic of Christmas and give your little ones a festive memory to treasure!
This year, Saxmundham Town Council is delighted to host Santa’s Grotto, complete with gifts, sparkle, and a sprinkling of holiday cheer.
What’s Included

A personal visit to Santa in his cosy grotto
A special Christmas gift (70% of the cost covered by the Town Council to keep tickets affordable)
A chance for children to share their Christmas wishes
Festive decorations and plenty of seasonal joy!

Important Ticket Information

Each 10-minute time slot accommodates 4 children.
Slots are shared to allow as many children as possible to meet Santa and receive a gift.
Adults accompanying children enter free of charge. (One adult only please.)
Limited spaces — book early to secure your spot!

Donations & Free Visits

The Town Council has set aside funds for completely free visits for local families who might otherwise miss out.
You can add a small donation when booking to help increase the number of free places available. Every contribution spreads more festive cheer!
Local businesses are invited to sponsor free spaces – please get in touch!

✨ Join us for a magical moment this Christmas — we can’t wait to welcome you and your little ones to Santa’s Grotto in Saxmundham! ✨
Join us at Market Hall for a magical experience. Step into a winter wonderland and meet Santa himself! Bring your little ones for a chance to share their Christmas wishes with the man in red.
Please:

Answer the booking questions to help us create the best experience for you.
Arrive 5 minutes beofre your slot to keep everything running smoothly.
Leave push chairs etc outside to allow everyone lots of room to move around.
Let us know accessibility or additional needs in advance.

This in-person event is perfect for families looking to create lasting memories this holiday season. Get into the festive spirit and visit Santa’s Grotto at Saxmundham Christmas Fayre!
Booking is essential – Click here

Market Hall Dances - Market Hall, Saxmundham - IP17 1AF
2026-01-17 20:00 - 22:30 | Saxmundham Market Hall, High Street, Saxmundham, IP171AF, United Kingdom
Our third bal (dance) in this series is Corbeau.
Corbeau are a local band from Essex and their approach to French Balfolk draws on traditional and contemporary compositions, taking inspiration from dances across France. Drawing on a range of musical influences and styles, they combine melodic lines, rhythms, and harmonies, to create an energetic and driving sound. Emma and Tom hardy previously performed with Les Hirondelles and in Corbeau they have joined forces with Simon keep, accordionist with Fishclaw.
If you have never tried French and Breton dancing before why not come along and give it a go, for most of the Breton dances you do not require a partner and some are fairly simple to pick up. Most towns in Brittany have a fest noz (night dance) in the summer, often weekly where the whole community comes together, dances, socialises and has a drink or two. We try to emulate this with our bals (dances). There will be lots of people who will help you with the steps. If you are not a dancer why not come along and just enjoy the wonderful music.
No bar – please bring your own refreshments.

Participate Music Workshop
2026-02-11 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-25 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-11 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-25 10:00 - 12:00 | St Johns Church Hall, Church Hill, Saxmundham, IP171ES, United Kingdom
Come and explore objects and music with our friendly team of workshop leaders and musicians. These sessions will bring you together with others in your local community, providing an opportunity to take part in activities and connect over tea and cake. Sessions last for two hours and tea and cake is provided. No musical experience is necessary. Sessions are free to attend – just show up! Our team are trained to ensure these workshops are suitable for those living with long term health conditions, including dementia and Parkinson’s.

SOUND BEGINNINGS The Whys and Hows of Contemporary Classical Music
2026-03-05 19:00 - 2026-04-23 21:30 | Printroom Studio, printroom studio, Yew Tree Farm, Sweffling, IP17 2BU, United Kingdom
Do you sometimes find some of the pieces of classical music written in the last 100 years strange or baffling?
In this series of eight weekly talks, John Mercer and Robert Stein attempt to explain why contemporary ‘classical’ music sounds like it does – what it’s trying to do, how it is put together, how it relates to other contemporary arts and why much of it is so incredibly good, given half a chance.
Starting with the sonic and technological innovations of the late 19th century, this series of 90-minute talks will be illustrated with plenty of musical and other examples. Who wrote the interesting stuff and how and why? Come along and find out.

INK Henham Theatre - A Revue in Words and Song
2026-03-07 19:30 - 22:30 | Henham Barns, Suffolk, NR34 8AQ, United Kingdom

Market Hall Dances - Market Hall, Saxmundham - IP17 1AF
2026-03-14 20:00 - 22:30 | Saxmundham Market Hall, High Street, Saxmundham, IP171AF, United Kingdom
Our last dance for this season is with a welcome return to BOF!
In 2000 Bof! started playing as a four piece band specialising in traditional French and Breton music for dancing and listening to. During that time they have played in folk clubs, for dance groups and at festivals in England and France. The band’s repertoire is mainly traditional music from Central France and Brittany, but also includes compositions by members of the band and others. Bof’s line up: Gwendal Moele (vocals), Val Woollard (Bagpipes, Recorder, Flute, Desk bells and Saxophone), Simon Haines (Diatonic accordeons, vocals), Phil Lyons (acoustic guitar, vocals).
If you have never tried French and Breton dancing before why not come along and give it a go, for most Breton dances you do not require a partner and some are fairly simple to pick up. Most towns in Brittany have a fest noz (night dance) in the summer, often weekly where the whole community meets up, dances, socialises and has a drink or two. There will be lots of peoples who will help you with the steps, if you are not a dancer why not come along and just enjoy the wonderful music.
No bar – please bring your own refreshments.

Community Litter Picking
2026-03-24 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 11:30 | The Town House, The Town House, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1BW, United Kingdom

Saxmundham Saturday Market - April
2026-04-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Fromus Square, IP17 1DD
Artisan monthly market in the picturesque surroundings of Fromus Square. Featuring a range of stalls selling local and artisan products.
Interested stallholders are invited to contact deputytownclerk@saxmundham-tc.gov.uk or book via Eventbrite.

Saxmundham Saturday Market - May
2026-05-09 09:00 - 15:00 | Fromus Square, IP17 1DD

Sax Fest
2026-08-07 12:00 - 2026-08-09 20:00 | Saxmundham Memorial Field, Rendham Road, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1EA, United Kingdom
Following the success of the 2025 festival, which saw the biggest turnout to date and brought the town together in a celebration of music, arts and local talent, the Saxmundham Community Festival team is pleased to announce the dates for its 2026 event.
The festival will return on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August, both free to attend, and, due to popular demand, an additional day has been added for 2026. Sunday 9th August will round off the weekend.
Terry Barrow, organiser of the festival, said: “Last year’s festival exceeded all expectations, and the support from the community was fantastic. With so many people asking for more, we’re pleased to be extending the 2026 event to three days. We’re already working on a programme that reflects the best of Saxmundham.”
The festival received three years of grant support from the Sizewell C Community Fund in 2025, along with continued backing from Saxmundham Town Council, giving the team the stability and resources needed to focus on delivering an unforgettable festival experience in 2026 and 2027 suitable for people and families of all ages and music to suit.
Further details, including the full programme and additional dates for fringe activities, will be announced in the coming months. Organisers are already working with local groups, performers and businesses to build on the energy and enthusiasm that made the 2025 festival such a standout moment for the town.
SaxFest 2025 – Important Info!
Just a quick reminder to help everyone enjoy the festival safely and smoothly:
– 🐶 No dogs allowed (except registered assistance dogs)
– 🚫 No alcohol or glass items may be brought onto site
– 🍻 Only alcohol purchased at SaxFest may be consumed at the event
– 🆔 If you’re lucky enough to look under 25, please bring valid ID
– 👨‍👩‍👧 Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
– 👜 All bags will be searched on entry
Thanks for your cooperation, let’s make it a brilliant SaxFest.

Saxmundham Christmas Fayre 2026
2026-12-05 15:00 - 19:00 | Saxmundham Town Centre
🎄 Saxmundham’s Annual Christmas Fayre
Join us for a magical day of festive fun in the heart of Saxmundham!Enjoy an extensive street market, festive lights switch-on, Santa’s Grotto, indoor craft fair, street and stage performances, hot food, children’s activities, and much more.
✨ Save the Date – More information to follow

For Stallholders
We’re welcoming applications from all types of stallholders for this year’s event, with indoor and outdoor spaces available.Please note: power is not supplied, so stalls must be able to operate off-grid.
🔗 Visit our Markets page for more information or📧 Email community@saxmundham-tc.gov.uk to get involved.
