MARITIME FESTIVAL SUCCESS

So the first Maritime Ipswich Festival for 14 years has drawn to a close, but the dust hasn't settled yet... mainly due to the cannon blasts and spectacular fireworks! See the fantastic image on the right by photographer Jenny O'Neill.

And what a huge success the weekend was, with our PR and social media efforts helping to pull in an astounding 55,000 visitors! People descended upon Ipswich Waterfront to take in various stalls, historical re-enactments, a food and beer festival, invading vessels and live music, whilst enjoying the wonderful bars and restaurants.

The festival was a massive boost to businesses on the waterfront and even a sprinkle of rain on Saturday couldn't dampen visitors' spirits! Perhaps that's why the CAMRA beer festival pulled 50% more pints compared to previous years?

Based on the tremendous response, festival organisers Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Central are thinking about making this free event a permanent fixture in the town's calendar.

James Young of the Ipswich Borough Council Events Team commented:

"Maritime Ipswich has been a fantastic event and we're delighted with how it's gone. The support has been amazing and the great reaction from the visitors shows that it has been really well-received. The aim is to make the event sustainable so that it can be repeated year on year."