Suffolk &amp; Cambs

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-literature">LITERATURE</h2>



Who says the fun stops when summer ends? Pop these local arts and culture dates in your diary for an autumn cultural fix: the Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival from <a href="https://www.burylitfest.co.uk/">9-12 October</a>. With the Aldeburgh Literary Festival already sold out and the Lavenham Literary Festival taking a break until next year, all bookworms will be flocking to Bury this autumn for their lit hit.



The&nbsp;<a href="https://southwoldartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/southwold-literary-festival-weekend-ticket-28">Southwold Literary Festival&nbsp;</a>is set to return this November, bringing its trademark mix of big-name authors (including Sarah Perry, author of The Essex Serpent), fascinating talks, and coastal charm. Perfect for cosy autumn days by the sea, this festival is a must for anyone who loves a good story (and a good excuse to visit Southwold).



<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/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-2.png" alt="Katie Piper at the Cambridge Literature Festival" class="wp-image-45861" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-2.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-2-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-2-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-2-400x267.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Bookworms, rejoice – <a href="https://www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com/whats-on/winter-festival-2025/">Cambridge Literature Winter Festival</a> is back on 22–23 Nov with a glittering line-up to cosy up your autumn. From sharp-witted novelists to starry celebs, expect words to wow from the likes of Zadie Smith, Katie Piper and Larry Lamb. Two days, countless stories, and enough literary sparkle to brighten even the greyest November weekend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comedy">COMEDY</h2>



<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/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-3.png" alt="Nick Mohammed at Ipswich Corn Exchange" class="wp-image-45862" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-3.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-3-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-3-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-3-400x267.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Over in Suffolk, Ipswich Corn Exchange is rolling out the welcome mat for comedy’s favourite dadfluencer – <a href="https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/george-lewis-the-best-thing-youll-ever-do/">George Lewis</a>. Crowned ‘the funniest dad on Instagram’, he’s gone viral with side-splitting takes on everything from air fryers to Beckham docs to the pure agony of kids’ jigsaws. Expect belly laughs, parental truths, and a night of comedy gold you’ll be quoting for weeks.



Ipswich, brace yourselves – <a href="https://ipswichtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/nick-mohammed-is-mr-swallow-show-pony/">Nick Mohammed</a>, our favourite from Ted Lasso and Taskmaster, is back with his alter-ego Mr. Swallow at the Corn Exchange. Show Pony promises magic, music, and a comedy masterclass in mistakes. Clever, chaotic, and utterly unmissable – exactly what you’d expect from the genius behind your favourite TV hits.



<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/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-4.png" alt="Josh Widdicombe at Cambridge" class="wp-image-45863" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-4.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-4-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-4-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-4-400x267.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Cambridge, prepare to laugh until it hurts – <a href="https://www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk/events/josh-widdicombe">Josh Widdicombe</a> is back with Not My Cup of Tea. No one complains quite like him, picking apart the daft little things in life that drive us all mad while somehow making you cry with laughter. The nation’s favourite professional grump is at his best.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music">MUSIC</h2>



Sad face if you missed out on CMAT and Rizzle Kicks tickets (both sold out – sob!), but don’t panic just yet. Suffolk and Cambs are serving up plenty more music magic this season, and these are the gigs you need to lock in now.



<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/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide.png" alt="Jools Holland in Cambridge Corn Exchange" class="wp-image-45856" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-400x267.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Clear your diary, Cambridge – Jools Holland and his legendary Rhythm &amp; Blues Orchestra are rolling into town! On 1 Nov, the <a href="https://www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk/events/jools-holland-2">Corn Exchange</a> will be bouncing with boogie-woogie brilliance, plus powerhouse vocals from special guest Imelda May. It’s the ultimate autumn night out – trust us, this is the one you don’t want to miss.



<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/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-1.png" alt="Amy Macdonald Cambridge" class="wp-image-45858" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-1.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-1-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-1-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Suffolk-Cambs-autumn-guide-1-400x267.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Mark 3 Dec in bold, Cambridge – <a href="https://www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk/events/amy-macdonald">Amy Macdonald</a> is hitting the Corn Exchange with that soaring voice and a brand-new album in her back pocket. From fist-pumping anthems to tear-jerking ballads, she’s got the soundtrack to every autumn mood swing covered. 



Get ready for a night that’s all heart and high energy! On 30 Oct, Theatre Royal in Bury St Eds lights up with <a href="https://theatreroyal.org/events/sounds-of-courage/">Sounds of Courage</a> – a joyful mash-up of music, dance, poetry and song celebrating bravery, boldness and Black History Month. With stalls to browse in the Greene Room bar and the fabulous Andi Oliver as special guest, it’s set to be an unforgettable evening of talent and soul.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art">ART</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1047" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/gainsboroughs-house-external.jpg" alt="outside of Gainsborough's House in Sudbury" class="wp-image-41253" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/gainsboroughs-house-external.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/gainsboroughs-house-external-800x558.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/gainsboroughs-house-external-1000x698.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/08/gainsboroughs-house-external-400x279.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Experience <a href="https://gainsborough.org/event/after-hours-an-evening-at-gainsboroughs-house/">Thomas Gainsborough</a> like never before on 18 Oct with After Hours at Gainsborough’s House. Think candlelit rooms, captivating art, and history whispering from every corner. Add a delicious dinner to the mix, and you’ve got an evening that’s as magical as it is unforgettable.



Don’t miss <a href="https://www.visitcambridge.org/event/unmissable-summer-show-hockneys-normandy-masterpieces-plein-air-winners-at-modo/">Hockney’s Normandy Masterpieces at MODO</a>, where David Hockney’s vibrant landscapes spring to life. From blossom-laden trees to shifting light, his works – created with both traditional media and iPad – capture the rhythm and colour of the seasons in full bloom. It’s a feast for the eyes and a masterclass in how one of the world’s greatest artists sees the world.



Running until 5 Oct, <a href="https://www.fendittongallery.com/exhibitions/between-light-and-shadow">Fen Ditton Gallery</a> is showcasing Between Light and Shadow, an exhibition where colour steps aside and tone, gesture, and line take centre stage. It’s a quiet, contemplative feast for the eyes that lets the art do all the talking.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h3>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/things-to-do-september-suffolk-cambridge/">Super September! 40+ amazing things to do this month</a></li>



<li><a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/5-brilliant-local-workshops-to-book-this-month/">5 brilliant local workshops to book this month</a></li>



<li><a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/7-films-you-didnt-know-were-filmed-or-set-in-suffolk-cambs/">7 Films you didn’t know were filmed or set in Suffolk &amp; Cambs</a></li>
</ul>

Your autumn culture guide is here – you’re welcome!

You may also like