At the Town Council we are proud of our varied events calendar, which includes StowFiesta, Stowmarket Food and Drink Festival, Remembrance Day and the Christmas Lights Switch On, so it was with a heavy heart that at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic we were forced to postpone, and then cancel, all events up until the end of August 2020. A decision regarding the remainder of the events will be taken in July, as we listen to government advice regarding gatherings.
Town Council efforts were redeployed to supporting the local community during the coronavirus (COVID-19), meaning event organisation was put on hold, but we are now able to share our current events calendar with you.
Virtual StowFiesta – Sunday 21st June 2020
We may have postponed StowFiesta until 2021, but on 21st June 2020 we’ll be holding a mini virtual StowFiesta, streamed on our Facebook page!
Tune in from 7pm to enjoy great music from the comfort of your own home!
We’ve had some fantastic submissions from Stowmarket favourites including Renegade Twelve, Serena Grant and Lucky Number 7.
Stowmarket Superhero Community Litter Pick – Saturday 26th September
Calling all superheroes, big and small! We’re asking you to join the Town Council and don your capes (and gloves) and take part in the first ever virtual Stowmarket Superhero Litter Pick!
To celebrate the Great British Spring Clean (11th – 27th September) and to adhere to social distancing, we are changing it up this year by asking you to take part in our community litter pick remotely.
What does this mean? Instead of everyone gathering in one spot to litter pick, we are asking you to choose your own area and complete 1 hour of litter picking between 9.30 – 10.30 am on Saturday 26th September.
We’ll also be running a photo competition for best dressed hero, best group shot and best before and after, so keep your cameras handy!
Please email catharinek@stowmarket.org to register your interest or for more information. Equipment and safety briefings will be provided in advance of the day.
Current event dates (subject to review):
We hope the restrictions on social gatherings and community events will have been lifted by November 2020. However, if social distancing prevents the normal running of these event alternative arrangements will be made.
Remembrance – Sunday 8th November 2020
The Remembrance Parade and Ceremonies is organised jointly by ourselves and the Stowmarket branch of the Royal British Legion. Annually the event compromises of a parade from Red Gables, Ipswich Road to the Parish Church of St Peter and St Mary. Following the service the parade forms up in the Market Place, marching to the Recreation Ground, Finborough Road for a short service at the Memorial Gates.
Planning for this event will begin in July and will adhere to all social distancing guidance as required by the government at the time of commencement.
Town Christmas Light Switch On and Fayre – Sunday 29th November
This year, we’re ‘switching’ up our Christmas light switch on! Instead of taking place on a Friday evening, as it has done previously, our next event will take place on a Sunday. Preceded by a Christmas fayre, offering festive shopping and eating opportunities, the light switch on will take place in the evening.
A perfect festive day out for the whole family!
Community Tree Planting Day – Thursday 3rd December
During National Tree Planting Week we will be planting 200+ trees at locations including the Gipping River Path, the Recreation Ground, Milton House and in New Stowmarket Cemetery.
On Thursday 3rd December we are bringing staff, councillors, community groups and volunteers together to get involved in our tree planting initiative (following social distancing guidelines as required).
Winter is considered the best season for planting young trees so wrap up warm and enjoy a day outside as we continue to increase Stowmarket’s canopy cover and take positive environmental steps to push Stowmarket towards becoming a hub of nature, wildlife and biodiversity.
Express your interest in volunteering by emailing catharinek@stowmarket.org
These events will return in 2021:
STEM Festival – TBC
StowFiesta – 19th & 20th June 2021
Stowmarket Food and Drink – 4th July 2021
Town Awards – TBC
Follow our social media pages to keep up with event announcements: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn. If you’d like any more information about events please contact us or email support@stowmarket.org
What’s Been Cancelled?
StowFiesta – Saturday, 20th & Sunday, 21st June 2020
Cancelled physical event, holding ‘virtual’ StowFiesta on the event Facebook page from 7pm on 21st June. StowFiesta will return on 19th & 20th June 2021.
The Food and Drink Festival – Sunday, 5th July 2020
Cancelled. Will return on 4th July 2021.
The Town Mayor’s Civic Service – Sunday, 13th September 2020
Cancelled. New date to be confirmed.
The Stowmarket Town Awards – Friday, 25th September 2020
Cancelled. New date to be confirmed.
Other Events around the Town:
Museum of East Anglian Life
All events cancelled until 1st July 2020 decisions on other events will be made in the coming weeks.
The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts
All events cancelled until 16th July 2020
The Parish Church
All services cancelled until 30th June
Stowmarket Carnival – Saturday, 18th & Sunday, 19th July 2020
Cancelled. 2021 date to be confirmed.