The Waterfront is used to being in the spotlight and this year will be no exception. Two of the summer's biggest attractions will be here: the visit of the Discovery, a replica of one of three ships that took part in the founding of America, and the regular river cruises on board the Orwell Lady.
This year is the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown. In December 1606, three ships set sail for the New World led by Suffolk-born adventurer Captain Bartholomew Gosnold. After five months at sea the expedition finally reached the Virginian coast where they established the first English settlement in the Americas. They named it Jamestown after King James 1st.
The replica of Discovery is in Ipswich between 6th and 13th August and is open to the public. In addition, thanks to £50,000 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, plus support from Ipswich Borough Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council, there are a number of other special events. Otley Hall, Gosnold's ancestral home, is open to the public on Sunday 26th August and there is a special exhibition, "Ipswich & the New World", at Christchurch Mansion until October.
A trip down the River Orwell aboard the Orwell Lady is a lovely day out. The Orwell is one of England's most beautiful rivers and the Orwell Lady brings back the pleasure of cruising to the River Orwell. The purpose-built vessel can carry up to 118 passengers from Orwell Quay on Ipswich Waterfront on two separate cruises down river to Harwich Harbour.
Orwell Lady is also available for theme cruises and for private hire.
To find out more and to purchase tickets please contact Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, St Stephen's Church, Ipswich, tel: 01473 258070
www.orwellrivercruises.co.uk