Ipswich Minster launches Charter825 festival to celebrate town’s past, present and future

A town-wide festival celebrating 825 years since Ipswich was handed its royal charter has been launched.

The Charter825 festival aims to bring together the community in celebration of the town’s past, present and future.

Set to span the whole of 2025, it kicked off with St Mary le Tower becoming Ipswich Minster on January 19.

The church has commissioned work to every school in Ipswich and has set up two competitions to create poetry and art relating to the charter, set to be displayed at the Town Hall on June 21.

In addition, a concert is scheduled for June 27, with more events planned.

Tom Mumford, vicar of Ipswich Minster and chairman of Charter825’s organisation group, has invited the community to nominate events in 2025 that would be a good fit for the festival.

Events, which would celebrate the town and its people, could be planned specially for the occasion or already set to take place.

Tom said: “This is a momentous anniversary, and a tremendous opportunity to bring our town together in all its diversity.

“Charter825 commemorates a crucial event in Ipswich’s history and it’s about being inspired by the past to guide us into the future.

“We hope that this inspiration will breathe new life into the community, giving us the opportunity to celebrate Ipswich, to build community, and be a part of creating a bright future for all.”

Charter825 celebrates 825 years since Ipswich was given its royal charter by King John in the courtyard of St Mary le Tower.

The event is being supported by grassroots group, Ipswich.Love.