What's on in Suffolk this week

Steve Harley

Steve Harley on BBC television's Top Of The Pops in the 1970s

From music, fun, arts and events to rambles in the countryside: some suggestions of things to do in Suffolk this week.

Carol concert

The East Anglia's Children's Hospices (Each) charity is holding a carol concert at the church across the road from the its new hospice in Ipswich.

It takes place at St Augustine's Church at 7pm on Monday, 19 December and it is for the public, but they are requesting people ring Each on 01473 237242 to ensure there is enough seating.

The new Treehouse opened to children earlier this year after a £3m fundraising campaign.

Music

Steve Harley is playing a Christmas gig in his home county at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds on Monday, 19 December. It will be with Cockney Rebel and follows a succesful trio show last year.

Steve said: "Every audience and every town have their own personality and I am a relentless explorer. I love it more than ever."

Steeleye Span are at the same venue on Friday, 16 December.

Christmas show

Having sent up Jane Austen, Eastern Angles turn their attention to Charles Dickens for their Christmas show which runs at the Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich until Saturday, 7 January before runs in Woodbridge and Peterborough.

Round The Twist (or Oliver Nicklefield's Bleak Little Tale of Two Mutual Expectations. And Son) is directed by Eastern Angles' founder Ivan Cutting and characters include Miss Haversack, Obadiah Snoop and the Artful Codger.

Art exhibition

Suffolk Exhibitions is staging its latest artists' show at the Pond Gallery at Snape Maltings from Thursday, 15 to Wednesday, 21 December.

The local artists featured include Emma Aldous, Gill Harvey, Robert Walker and Paddy Dean.

The gallery is open 10am-5pm with an extended evening on Friday, 16 until 9pm.

Outdoors

The RSPB stages Winter Wanders at its Minsmere reserve near Dunwich on Friday, 16 and Monday, 19 December starting at 10am and lasting for up to two hours.

The bird charity has opened a new hide at Island Mere.

Adam Rowlands, senior site manager, said: "The old hide was dark, cramped and beginning to show signs of age and, with this superb new hide, we've improved views across the reedbed and mere making it even more exciting for our visitors."

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