Suffolk Day: County celebrates free events

Events are being held across Suffolk as part of an annual celebration of all the county has to offer.

Suffolk Day, which was first held in 2017, is based on a successful model in Yorkshire.

Held on the summer solstice, the sun rises first over Ness Point in the Suffolk town of Lowestoft.

Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, said the day was an opportunity "to recognise and celebrate what is great about our county".

"This year's theme is 'Be Free in 2023' and we are 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," Mr Hicks said.

Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, said Suffolk Day was an opportunity "to recognise and celebrate what is great about our county"

Families can enjoy free entry to Leiston's Long Shop Museum as part of Suffolk Day

As part of the day, many attractions are opening up their doors for free, including the Long Shop Museum in Leiston.

Other events include a reading of the Suffolk Day proclamation on the steps of Ipswich Town Hall, an early morning parade by 4 Army Air Corps through Ipswich and live music in the Arc and market area of Bury St Edmunds.

With the day coinciding with the summer solstice, early risers gathered at the UK's most easterly point, Ness Point, to watch the sun rise.

Two people have also been honoured for their contribution to the county.

The Suffolk Community Foundation (SCF) has awarded the Suffolk Medal to Rebecca Crerar, chief executive of Suffolk Refugee Support, and Jonathan Adnams, chairman of Southwold-based brewers Adnams.

Rebecca Crerar, chief executive of Suffolk Refugee Support, is one of two recipients of the Suffolk Medal this year

Jonathan Adnams, chairman of Southwold-based brewers Adnams, also received the Suffolk Medal, the highest honour the Suffolk Community Foundation can bestow

The foundation said the Suffolk Medal was the highest honour it can bestow on one of its own.

Lady Clare, Countess of Euston and Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, who chairs the Suffolk Medal Panel, called the two recipients "truly exceptional".

"We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for all they have already contributed to our county and hope this special honour will further elevate their ability to do even more," she said.

Once branded the "curious county" during a short-lived ad campaign, Suffolk is famed for arts luminaries including John Constable, Thomas Gainsborough, Benjamin Britten and latterly Ed Sheeran.

BBC Radio Suffolk are covering Suffolk Day from across the county.