Ipswich’s Steamboat Tavern will once again come alive with the sound of guitars, drums and heartfelt community spirit on Saturday 9 August 2025, as it hosts the ninth edition of Rock Against Leukaemia (RAL9). This popular charity music event promises an all-day celebration of local talent, delicious food, refreshing drinks, vibrant stalls, and the chance to win prizes in a fundraising raffle – all in support of Children with Cancer UK.
A Local Tradition with a Powerful Purpose
Rock Against Leukaemia began as the vision of Luke Smith and was revived in 2017 by his friend Andy Heffer-Lamond, who continues to drive the event forward with Luke’s blessing. What started as a small gathering has grown into an annual highlight for music lovers in Ipswich, combining entertainment with a mission: to raise both awareness and vital funds to fight childhood cancer.
Over the years, Rock Against Leukaemia has generated more than £25,000 for Children with Cancer UK, thanks to the generosity of local supporters, musicians, and businesses. The Ipswich music community has played a huge role, with The Drumming Shop, a local retailer, regularly stepping in to provide essential equipment for the day’s performances.
Why It Matters
Each day in the UK, around ten children or young people are diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, thanks in part to organisations like Children with Cancer UK, survival rates have improved dramatically, with 80% of young patients now successfully treated. The charity’s work focuses not just on saving lives, but also on developing gentler, safer and more effective treatments to help children avoid the lifelong side effects often associated with cancer therapy.
“We are so grateful for your support and I wish you all the best for the day!” – Spokesperson, Children with Cancer UK
This year, organisers hope RAL9 will raise over £2,000, every penny of which will support this crucial cause.
Event Details
-
Date: Saturday 9 August 2025
-
Time: 12:45pm – 10:00pm
-
Venue: The Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich
-
Admission: Free entry — donations, raffle tickets, and stall purchases encouraged
Who’s Playing?
RAL9 will showcase a fantastic line-up of local bands and artists, covering rock, acoustic, punk and more. The schedule is as follows:
-
12:45 – Evolution
-
13:30 – Echo Ridge
-
14:15 – L.T.P Duo
-
15:00 – Hope Ahead
-
16:00 – Bag Of Bones
-
17:00 – The RAL All-Stars
-
This unique supergroup, featuring musicians from different local bands (including Andy Heffer-Lamond), crafts a surprise set of cover songs in a new genre every year. The style for 2025 remains a mystery — come along to see what they’ll play!
-
-
18:30 – Fisti Kuffs
-
19:30 – Mid life Crisis
-
20:45 – East Town Pirates
-
22:00 – The Psychic Pimps
Stand Up for Children with Cancer
By attending Rock Against Leukaemia 9, music fans aren’t just enjoying a brilliant day out, they’re helping support life-changing research and offering hope to families affected by childhood cancer.
Learn more about Children with Cancer UK’s vital work at www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk
Who wrote this about Ipswich?
Miranda Acres
Miranda has been a Freelance Marketing and Design Consultant for more years than she cares to remember. Co-founder of the Ancient House project – breathing life back into one of Ipswich’s most iconic, heritage buildings and supporting small businesses. A passionate member of Ipswich.love. Born, bred and choosing Ipswich.
No Comments
If comments are open, feel free to leave a comment below. You need to register to comment on posts. We’re all about the love & whilst we welcome your comments, we will not tolerate any abusive language or hate speech. Play nicely, people.