Thousands of Ipswich youngsters (and grown ups) had a cracking time over the Easter holidays, enjoying a wide range of events at the museums, sports centres, swimming pools and the Regent Theatre.
More than 11,600 people visited East Anglia’s biggest theatre to see Gangsta Granny, Robin Hood the Easter Panto, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom and more.
Nearly 7,000 visitors enjoyed trips to the Museum, Christchurch Mansion and the Ipswich Art Gallery over Easter – 3,600 in High Street and a further 3,350 at the Mansion.
Some 250 children and an equal number of parents and carers attended the Experimental Easter workshops.
There was also a packed house to the Museum’s Show & Tell Day, which is growing in popularity. Museum staff were assisted by GeoSuffolk, Beach Bonkers and the Portable Antiquities Scheme, who managed to identify the many treasures brought in.
There is another Show & Tell booked at the Museum on 31st May. Members of the public are invited to bring in any natural objects they have found while out walking, working in their gardens or during other outdoor adventures – fossils, rocks, bones, teeth and small bugs (if well-contained) – to show others and learn more about them from our experts.
Another attraction was Open Call 2017 – an exhibition of work by local artists staged in partnership with Ipswich Art Society.
Over at Crown Pools a record number of people went swimming over the Easter break – 8,018, that’s a 33% rise on the same period last year. Out of that total, there more youngsters than adults having a splashing time.
And the Borough Council-run sports centres were busy, too. Some 1,130 youngsters and families joined in a wide range of activities, including dance, roller-skating, gymnastics and football.
James Fairclough, who is responsible for cultural activities and sport at the Council, said: “We are delighted at the record numbers attending so many activities at our museums, sports facilities and shows at the Regent Theatre. We are now planning our Whitsun half-term and summer programme to ensure we provide something for everybody to enjoy. Holidays are always fun in Ipswich!”
Caption: The next Show & Tell is on 31st May
