A prominent Ipswich church is gearing up for a rare and special honour later this week.
Starting from tomorrow, celebrations to mark St Mary le Tower’s redesignation as Ipswich Minster will get under way.
The minster designation recognises the church, which has been at the heart of Ipswich for more than 1,000 years, as a place of significance, reflecting its vital spiritual and community role.
Tom Mumford, Reverend of St Mary le Tower Church, in Tower Street, Ipswich. Picture: Paul Nixon
The rarely granted honour will coincide with the 825th anniversary of Ipswich being granted its Royal Charter by King John.
Reverend Tom Mumford, vicar of St Mary le Tower, said: “I encourage people to come and join up with this big moment for the history of Ipswich, which will see us coming together to celebrate common life and look to the future.”
The first event lined up for the weekend is an evening of music and entertainment from 7.30pm on Friday.
Richard Edgar Wilson is set to lead attendees through the story of St Mary le Tower, from the medieval period to the present.
It will feature musicians from Ipswich Minster, Framlingham College and Ipswich School as well as performances from Ravenscroft Consort and Kathryn Parry.
Three more events are planned for Saturday.
The church will host an open day to give the public a chance to explore and a free tour will take place until noon.
Between 10.30am and 11.30am, children will be given the chance to take part in a singing workshop, offering the chance to learn songs, play junk percussion, play music games.
In addition, a bell-ringing workshop will take place between 10.15am and 1.30pm.
St Mary le Tower will be officially redesignated as Ipswich Minster on Sunday.
A procession will move through the town from 10.15am before a service, led by Martin Seeley, the bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, at 10.30am.
All events are free to attend.