The Quay Theatre continues to be at the heart of Sudbury’s cultural scene. A small but mighty theatre with some great shows coming up.
Highlights this season include:
Penned Up (20 September), a witty new play about prisoners finding freedom through writing.
Stand-up comedy from Angry Boater Joel Sanders (3 October) and award-winning Rich Hall with his latest tour Chin Music (5 November).
The ever-popular Dead and SudBuried Horrorthon (17–19 October), a three-day horror film festival with brand-new releases, cult classics, and filmmaker Q&As back for it's 9th year. Find out more on their website
Also, make sure you get on Sudbury Arts Centre mailing list. They have some great live music events coming up, including Hannah Sanders and Ben Savager, an Americana Folk duo performing on 9th October. And The Horn Factory big band on 14th November. You can book tickets and more via their website and sign up for their mailing list to hear about the latest events.
Live music fans can enjoy Robbie Gladwell & Friends (24–25 October), while tribute acts fill St Gregory’s Church with the sounds of The Bee Gees (17 October), The Jersey Boys (18 October), and The Rolling Stones (15 November). Nearby, Lavenham Church hosts Classic Seger (23 October), a tribute to Bob Seger’s rock anthems.
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, Sudbury’s Market Hill is the place to be every Thursday and Saturday. The monthly Sudbury Farmers’ Market (last Friday of the month) showcases the best local produce, while the Sudbury Arts Centre brings together talented makers each month.
Just down the road, Lavenham Farmers’ Market (fourth Sunday of the month) has been voted one of the best in the country. In late November, it transforms into a two-day Christmas Craft Market (22–23 November), perfect for picking up unique gifts.
Clare hosts its annual Christmas Fair and Lights Switch-On (28–29 November), with more than 70 exhibitors, live music, and a lantern parade. For food lovers, Hollow Trees Farm Festival of Food (4 October) offers tastings and stalls from local suppliers.
Sudbury Arts Centre is hosting the Sudbury Record Fair on 21st September and Vintage Market on the 5th October
Gainsborough House is hosting After Hours: An Evening at Gainsborough’s House, October 18 @ 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm for a unique after hours event, that includes an exclusive curated tour of the gallery, followed by a delicious 3 course menu.
Looking for family-friendly things to do in Sudbury this autumn? There’s plenty happening:
Kentwell Hall in Long Melford offers a Tudor Michaelmas Weekend (27–28 September), bringing history to life with costumed re-enactors. At half-term, little ones can enjoy the Halloweenies: School of Sorcery trail (26 October–2 November).
Hollow Trees Farm near Hadleigh hosts its much-loved Holloween Trail (24 October–2 November), full of pumpkins, creepy crawlies, and spooky fun.
For a magical evening, Kentwell’s Enchanting Gardens Light Trail (from 13 November) transforms the grounds into a glowing spectacle.
Bonfire Night is always a highlight, with displays at Hadleigh Football Club (31 October) and Boxford Playing Fields (25 October, TBC).
Sudbury and the CO10 and IP7 villages are known for their community spirit. This autumn, you can take part in:
Home-Start Suffolk’s sponsored hike (28 September), starting and finishing at Sudbury’s Kingfisher Leisure Centre, with routes from 3 to 26 miles.
Macmillan Coffee Mornings in villages across the area in late September, raising vital funds with cake and conversation.
Remembrance Sunday services (9 November), bringing the community together to honour those who served.
Tree planting days in Great Cornard (11 November), where volunteers can get hands-on helping the environment.
And of course, the festive season begins with Clare’s Lights Switch-On (29 November), complete with a lantern parade and carol singing.
From live music and theatre to family activities and markets, there’s no shortage of things to do in Sudbury this autumn. Whether you’re a local or visiting, you’ll find something to enjoy in our vibrant town and surrounding villages.
Do you have an event coming up in Sudbury or nearby? Get in touch with us at thebestof Sudbury and we’ll share it with our audience.
