Primary school children across Ipswich are being encouraged to get creative and help spread an important message about keeping the town clean and tidy through a new drawing competition launched by Ipswich Borough Council. The winner will receive two tickets to the Premier League fixture between Ipswich Town and Brentford on 26 December 2026, where their artwork will be displayed in the official matchday programme for thousands of fans to see.
The Litter Heroes drawing competition invites primary school-aged children who live or attend school in Ipswich to create artwork showing why it is important not to litter and take pride in keeping the town tidy.
The competition aims to inspire young people to become ambassadors for a cleaner Ipswich while supporting the council's wider ‘This is our Town’ campaign, which encourages residents to take pride in their local area and help care for the environment. The campaign is also highlighting the work of the new Neighbourhood Impact team who are providing additional cleansing work across the borough over the next two years, tackling areas affected by weed growth, litter and debris.
Councillor Stefan Long, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sport, said:
"We’re encouraging children to get involved and use their artistic talents to help highlight the importance of keeping Ipswich clean and tidy. Our new Neighbourhood Impact team has been doing great work at transforming our streets, but we need community support too. Even small actions can have a big impact, and we’re excited to see the creative ideas they bring to the competition.
"We know children are passionate about protecting the places where they live, learn and play, and we hope this competition will inspire families across Ipswich to take pride in keeping our town clean and welcoming for everyone."
Children can submit artwork that shows one or more of the following themes:
- Putting litter in the bin
- Picking up litter to help keep Ipswich tidy
- Keeping parks, streets and open spaces clean
- Taking pride in the town through the ‘This is our Town’ message
To enter, parents, guardians or schools should email a clear photograph or scan of the artwork to communications@ipswich.gov.uk. Entries should include the child's name, age, school and contact details for a parent, guardian or school.
The competition is open to children of primary school age who live in or attend school in Ipswich.
The closing date for entries is Friday 6 November 2026. Entries received after this date may not be considered as part of the judging process.
Competition Terms:
- One entry per child.
- Artwork must be the child's own original work.
- By entering, participants agree that Ipswich Borough Council may use submitted artwork in publicity and promotional materials relating to the competition or the ‘This is our Town’ campaign.
- Entries will be judged by Ipswich Borough Council.