Ipswich set to host Suffolk Day celebrations

The Mayor of Ipswich is proud to host celebrations for Suffolk Day on 21 June 2023, led by a military parade through the town centre and county ceremony with a ‘Be Free in 23’ theme.

Celebrations will start with an early morning parade by 4 Army Air Corps who will exercise its Freedom of the Borough, marching from Carr Street to the Cornhill ahead of an inspection by the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare Countess of Euston.

A proclamation will be heard from Ipswich Town Hall steps by Year 9 and 10 Chantry Academy students with a freedom theme. Suffolk Medals will then be presented by Suffolk Community Foundation to recipients who have made a fundamental and lasting difference to the county. This will be followed by an Apache Helicopter flypast. Everyone will then be invited to sing the National Anthem, with salutes completing formalities ahead of a reception at Ipswich Town Hall hosted by Ipswich Mayor Lynne Mortimer.

Councillor Lynne Mortimer, Mayor of Ipswich, says:

“As Suffolk’s County town, we are honoured to host Suffolk Day celebrations this year.

Everyone is welcome to join the celebrations which involve the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, the Ministry of Defence, Chantry Academy students, and the presentation of medals to Community Champions by Suffolk Community Foundation.

It is a day for us to celebrate freedom, diversity and the strong community spirit at the heart of our town.”

Councillor Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council Leader, adds:

“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.”

This year’s Suffolk Day celebrations also fall during Armed Forces Week (19-24 June 2023). Find out more about this at: Armed Forces Week | The British Army (mod.uk)

Suffolk Day 2023 timings

8.40am: Military procession starts at Carr Street towards the Cornhill
9am: Address on Ipswich Town Hall steps by the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Proclamation by Chantry Academy students
9:15am: Inspection of troops by Lord Lieutenant and Mayor of Ipswich
9:25am: Medal presentation by Suffolk Community Foundation
9:50am: Flypast and National Anthem
10am: Parade moves off towards Westgate Street offering salutes.

Image credit – Suffolk County Council