Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-new-local-festivals">Two new local festivals </h3>



<p>Well it&#8217;s certainly going to be a fabulous February with two brand new festivals launching for 2024. First up is the Bury St Edmunds <a href="https://visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/comedy-festival">Comedy Festival</a>&nbsp;beginning on&nbsp;<strong>1&nbsp;February</strong>&nbsp;when Gavin Robinson presents two of Charles Dickens’ creepy tales, with a comic twist. Other top acts include Matt Forde, Luke Wright, Mark Watson, Chris McCausland, Brian Bilston, Henry Normal, Tom Davis and Joseph Maudsley.&nbsp;<a href="https://visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/comedy-festival">View the full line-up here.</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Chris-McCausland.jpg" alt="new comedy festival in Bury st edmunds " class="wp-image-38223" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Chris-McCausland.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Chris-McCausland-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Chris-McCausland-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Chris-McCausland-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Chris-McCausland-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>In the middle of the month it&#8217;s <a href="https://www.cambridgebid.co.uk/arts-festival">Cambridge Arts Festival</a> (12 &#8211; 18 Feb), featuring art tours, free workshops, street performance and bringing together local galleries, art shops, museums, institutions and creative organisations to unite the city’s artistic hubs.  </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wilderness-reserve-expands">Wilderness Reserve expands </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/mossie-lodge-wilderness-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38261" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/mossie-lodge-wilderness-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/mossie-lodge-wilderness--800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/mossie-lodge-wilderness--1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/mossie-lodge-wilderness--400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/mossie-lodge-wilderness--788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Business is booming at Suffolk&#8217;s gorgeous <a href="https://www.wildernessreserve.com/properties">Wilderness Reserve</a> in Sibton because they have added another 9 stunning properties to their portfolio for you to salivate over. The latest arrivals include Mossie (above), a tranquil two-bedroom spa cottage as well as Otter Lodge, Owl Cottage, Mawthers and Blyth Manor, all of which are available to book from August 2024. Other newbies include Newt Cottage, Yelm Cottage, Tin Lizzy and Poachers that are ready for guests this month or next. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-everyman-cinema-opening-in-bury-st-edmunds">New Everyman Cinema opening in Bury St Edmunds</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1546" height="799" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/TIS3XBYVT5X2ZBMUF8FH.jpg" alt="new opening in Bury st edmunds " class="wp-image-38274" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/TIS3XBYVT5X2ZBMUF8FH.jpg 1546w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/TIS3XBYVT5X2ZBMUF8FH-800x413.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/TIS3XBYVT5X2ZBMUF8FH-1000x517.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/TIS3XBYVT5X2ZBMUF8FH-400x207.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/TIS3XBYVT5X2ZBMUF8FH-1536x794.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/TIS3XBYVT5X2ZBMUF8FH-900x465.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1546px) 100vw, 1546px" /></figure>



<p>The project to turn the Arc&#8217;s Debenhams into a cinema is nearly complete with Everyman confirming its 45th venue will be opening<strong> </strong>in February<strong>.</strong> <a href="https://www.everymancinema.com/venues-list/g0210-everyman-bury-st-edmunds/">The first Suffolk venue</a> for the brand will have three huge screens, plush velvet sofas and armchairs, a fully stocked bar and food and snacks menu, all available to be ordered and served directly to your seat! </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-italian-inspired-spa-opening-at-the-marquis">Italian-inspired spa opening at The Marquis</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="673" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/95607027.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38295" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/95607027.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/95607027-800x526.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/95607027-1000x657.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/95607027-400x263.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/95607027-799x525.jpg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Ooh we do love a good spa and Suffolk is set to get another new stunner of a spa at <a href="https://themarquissuffolk.co.uk">The Marquis Hotel</a> in Layham (near Hadleigh) this year. A cool £15m is being spent on the new spa that is set to open in July 2024. The plans are for an Italian-inspired subterranean vaulted spa that&#8217;ll include indoor and outdoor infinity swimming pool with valley views, one double and two single treatment rooms, a manicure and pedicure area, a relaxing spa lounge, and a sauna and hot tub. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-family-attraction-opens-in-ipswich">New family attraction opens in Ipswich</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1280" height="627" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Inflata-Nation-Amusement-Park.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38268" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Inflata-Nation-Amusement-Park.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Inflata-Nation-Amusement-Park-800x392.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Inflata-Nation-Amusement-Park-1000x490.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Inflata-Nation-Amusement-Park-400x196.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Inflata-Nation-Amusement-Park-900x441.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<p>Good news for Suffolk parents looking for a new activity to entertain the kids because <a href="https://www.inflatanation.com/locations/Ipswich/">Inflata Nation</a> has just opened in Cardinal Park, Ipswich. The attraction has loads of inflatables, a supersize ball pit with more than 400,000 balls, huge slides, obstacle courses, gladiator podiums and balance challenges. There will be toddler sessions and disability sessions and you can book kids parties here too. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taste-of-asia-comes-to-cambridge">Taste of Asia comes to Cambridge </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2048" height="1365" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/408128438_341459775298521_532345809584685840_n.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38270" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/408128438_341459775298521_532345809584685840_n.jpg 2048w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/408128438_341459775298521_532345809584685840_n-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/408128438_341459775298521_532345809584685840_n-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/408128438_341459775298521_532345809584685840_n-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/408128438_341459775298521_532345809584685840_n-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/408128438_341459775298521_532345809584685840_n-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://markethouse.co.uk">Market House </a>on Cambridge&#8217;s market square has just announced the launch of Market House Asia taking over the wine bar from 18th January. This new culinary adventure aims to bring diners &#8220;the authentic flavours of the Orient&#8221; and will have a menu with signature dishes from China, Japan and South Korea. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-garden-room-shop-opens-at-blackthorpe-barn">Garden Room Shop opens at Blackthorpe Barn </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Garden-Room-ceiling-square-1024x819-1-1000x800.jpg" alt="new opening at blackthorpe barns in suffolk" class="wp-image-38279" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Garden-Room-ceiling-square-1024x819-1-1000x800.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Garden-Room-ceiling-square-1024x819-1-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Garden-Room-ceiling-square-1024x819-1-400x320.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Garden-Room-ceiling-square-1024x819-1-656x525.jpg 656w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/Garden-Room-ceiling-square-1024x819-1.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>2023 was an exciting year for Blackthorpe Barn with the opening of their new Roots Café and 2024 looks set to be just as brilliant with a <a href="https://www.blackthorpebarn.com/whats-on/garden-room-shop/">Garden Room Shop</a> that has just opened its doors offering sustainable lifestyle items for rural living, focusing on the conservatory, the garden and country walks with dogs. For the first time ever Blackthorpe will be open all year round too. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-have-your-say-in-local-cultural-events">Have your say in local cultural events </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/09/library-presents.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13639" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/09/library-presents.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/09/library-presents-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/09/library-presents-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/09/library-presents-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ditto Theatre Company &#8211; part of a former The Library Presents season</figcaption></figure>



<p>Cambridgeshire&#8217;s popular The Library Presents is back in 2024 and the organisers are inviting you to have your say on which acts you want to perform this spring. Voting is open until 8 February and includes the region&#8217;s best artists and performers. If you want to give your favourites a big fat YES then vote <a href="https://www.library.live/the-library-presents" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online</a> here. Participating Libraries include Alconbury Weald, Arbury Court, Barnwell Road, Bassingbourn, Cambourne, Cambridge Central, Chatteris, Ely, Histon, Huntingdon, Littleport, March, Northstowe, Ramsey, Sawtry, St Ives, St Neots, Whittlesey, and Wisbech.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-foodie-openings-and-expansions">More foodie openings and expansions  </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/pinch-cafe.jpg" alt="new opening in suffolk pinch cafe" class="wp-image-38287" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/pinch-cafe.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/pinch-cafe-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/pinch-cafe-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/pinch-cafe-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/01/pinch-cafe-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Other tasty new openings happening across our counties this year include Benzo&#8217;s Gourmet Burgers due to open in Halesworth<strong>&nbsp;</strong>at the end of Feb, <a href="https://eatpinch.com">Pinch Café</a> in Kelsale, which is moving to a larger site and <a href="https://www.youdrink.co.uk">YouDrink</a> bottle shop and taproom, another local business moving to larger premises in Reydon.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closing-down">CLOSING DOWN</h2>



<p><em>Sadly some lovely local businesses are shutting their doors this month&#8230;</em></p>



<p>These include Haddenham Cherry Tree café, Muddy Award-winning Children&#8217;s Business Colby &amp; Co and Number 10 Restaurant in Lavenham. We&#8217;ll miss you. </p>


New year newsflash! The latest openings in Suffolk & Cambs

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