Two Weeks To Go !

Major Ipswich Employers Unite to Back City of Culture Bid With Two Weeks Until Submission Deadline

With just two weeks to go until Ipswich completes the first step of its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, major employers and sponsors from across the town gathered today to discuss their support for the bid and how they can collectively champion it in the weeks and months ahead – from staff communications and internal engagement to social media and wider advocacy across their networks.

The meeting is part of the #BackTheBid campaign that has already seen strong and growing backing from across Ipswich. Support has come from every corner of the town, spanning different neighbourhoods, sectors and communities. So far, pubs, sports clubs, youth groups, local press titles, cultural organisations, charities, education providers and businesses of all sizes have all added their names to supporting the bid.

As the bid enters its final fortnight, the focus is firmly on maintaining momentum. Organisers are encouraging people to continue to show their support by signing up at www.Ipswich2029.com or backing the bid in whatever way they can.

Jonathan Agar, Chief Executive of Birketts, who hosted the meeting and is sponsor of the bid said: “We’re proud to stand alongside so many other passionate businesses and individuals to support Ipswich’s bid for UK City of Culture 2029. Having been Birketts’ home for more than 150 years, our support of the bid is all about our belief in Ipswich’s growth and potential. We want to play our part in investing in and celebrating the unique culture of our town, so that we retain and attract local talent that fuels our economy for years to come.”

Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central said: “What’s been so encouraging over the last few weeks is not just the positivity but also the range and diversity of support. From sole traders to small business owners, football to festivals, lawyers to libraries, opticians to opera, we have seen people wanting to support this bid in lots of different ways. And the backing has come right across the town and beyond, from Whitton to Woodbridge, Stowmarket to Sprites. There’s a real sense that this matters.

“With two weeks to go, now is the moment for everyone who believes in Ipswich to get behind the bid and show their support and belief in what we can achieve if we come together.”

The City of Culture bid aims to harness Ipswich’s existing cultural energy – its people, places and stories – and use culture as a catalyst for regeneration, jobs and skills, opportunity and civic pride. With the submission deadline fast approaching, organisers say the continued backing of residents, organisations and businesses will be crucial in demonstrating the depth and unity of support behind the town’s ambition.

Ipswich.love backs the bid and encourages all readers to fill out the signup form at http://www.ipswich2029.com

Who wrote this about Ipswich?

Sam Sherman

Sam is a Co-Founder of Ipswich.love. Passionate about Ipswich, Sam looks to see how we might jointly reverse some of the recent negativity and bring some deserved positivity back to our beloved Town.