Aldeburgh Suffolk

04/02/2026

Constable 250!

Ipswich’s Christchurch Mansion will host a major programme of exhibitions in 2026 and into early 2027 to celebrate 250 years since the birth of Suffolk-born artist John Constable, one of Britain’s most important painters.

Throughout the anniversary year, three landmark exhibitions will showcase his work alongside major loans from national collections — exploring the people who shaped him, his connection to the landscape, and the influence of his art on contemporary artists. These displays bring together rarely seen paintings, personal items, and art from institutions including the Tate, Victoria and Albert Museum , Royal Academy of Arts and National Galleries of Scotland. The programme will also include community events and learning activities across Suffolk, honouring Constable’s legacy and inspiring new audiences. The three exhibitions at Christchurch Mansion will be:

March 28th to June 14th, 2026: Constable: A Cast of Characters

Introducing visitors to the people who inspired and supported the artist, drawing on objects within CIMS collections, such as letters and costumes, along with important loans. It will also showcase new sculptures created by Sasha Constable (b.1970) and introduce lesser-known artists who had links to Constable.

July 11th to October 4th, 2026: Constable: Walking the Landscape

Bringing key loans to Suffolk for the first time to explore the theme of walking. Historic loans including The Hay Wain and Dedham Vale (1828, National Galleries of Scotland) will be seen alongside CIMS’s own Constable collection.

October 24th, 2026 to February 28th, 2027: Constable to Contemporary

The final exhibition of the year-long celebration, juxtaposing Constable’s ongoing artistic and cultural relevance with contemporary responses to his art, much of it created during the year.

There will also be community engagement work, events and workshops during the year, all inspired by themes in Constable’s work.

For more information about these events and other local activity: https://aldeburghsuffolk.com/events/

04/02/2026

Aldeburgh Festival 2026 is now on general sale!

At The Red House, Aldeburgh , a rich programme of events and exhibitions will be taking place — from Painting Britten: 100 Visions of the Music with Jane Mackay to an archive exhibition exploring Britten’s later years.

Join the celebrations from 12th–28th June and experience the extraordinary legacy of Britten and Pears.

Discover what’s on 👉 https://bit.ly/4sFuwAZ

04/02/2026

Aldeburgh Through the Lens is a NEW community photography Facebook group celebrating our coastal town through the seasons. Members are invited to share and enjoy photographs—old or new, professional or amateur—that capture everyday moments, shifting light, nature, and the rhythms of life in Aldeburgh, all seen through your own lens.

Everyone is welcome, we can't wait to see Aldeburgh through your lens 📷❤

Take a look at some of the incredible images shared recently 👇
📸 Images shared by members of Aldeburgh Through the Lens and remain the copyright of the original photographers.
📸 Photos credited to individual photographers – please do not reuse without permission.

03/02/2026

The first Open Session of the year at Snape Maltings: Alice Boyd

📅 6th February | 7–8pm
📍 Snape Maltings – Britten Studio

Alice Boyd presents an immersive solo performance exploring environmental change, weaving archive and contemporary soundscapes with live vocals, synths and field recordings. This open session offers a first glimpse of her new adaptation of Shifting Soundscapes. Come along and enjoy!

03/02/2026

The coastal road from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness IS open, so if you fancy a mid week dine out - think of the delicious options at The Kitchen Thorpeness!

Although the road from Leiston to Thorpeness is closed (again!) the coast road from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness IS open and we are too! ☕️ 🍰

03/02/2026

Love bird watching? Thinking about buying new binoculars or a telescope — or upgrading but not sure where to start?

The RSPB Minsmere Binocular and Telescope event is the perfect chance to chat with experts, handle different models, and try before you buy. Learn what magnification means, how weight matters, and which options suit your budget and birding style.

A full range of RSPB and Viking Optical optics will be available, alongside leading brands including Swarovski, Leica, Nikon, Zeiss, Kowa and more, with colleagues from Viking joining for the weekend.

✔️ No booking needed
✔️ Free event
✔️ Shop and café entry free

Normal entry fees apply only if visiting the reserve and hides. For more information: https://events.rspb.org.uk/minsmere

03/02/2026

Guided Tours at Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station this half term!

RNLI Aldeburgh Lifeboat is offering guided tours of the Lifeboat Station from Monday 16th to Friday 20th February, with tours starting at 2pm each day.

Booking is recommended. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Book via the RNLI shop on Crag Path or online at aldeburghlifeboat.org.uk/contact

03/02/2026

COMING TO ALDEBURGH! NEW: Art & Photography Classes – Learn, Create, Enjoy!

Looking to get creative this year? Join these weekly Art or Photography classes, designed to help you explore new techniques, build confidence and enjoy the creative process in a relaxed, supportive setting.

Weekly two-hour classes at Fairfield Centre, Aldeburgh – Tuesdays from 17th February, 2026. Booking essential: https://bookwhen.com/mrst-sue-lildil/e/ev-sbi1k-20260217100000

🖌 Fine Art: 10am–12 noon
📷 Photography: 1.30pm–3.30pm

Fine Art classes use a range of media, while Photography explores different styles and approaches. Expect mindfulness, wellbeing, learning, laughter and creativity — plus plenty of fun, mess and moments you’ll be proud of.

Perfect for beginners and improvers alike — come and create something joyful!

02/02/2026

Here’s what’s on at Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall this month: a little bit of everything — music, fun, talks, and plenty of lovely reasons to get out of the house.

🎟️ Tap the link, choose your date, and enjoy a visit.
✨ https://aldeburghjubileehall.co.uk/whats-on/

02/02/2026

Today is World Wetlands Day 🌿

Wetlands are vital for our environment — they protect us from flooding, store carbon, filter water, and provide essential habitats for British wildlife, from wading birds to otters and rare plants.

On the Suffolk coast near Aldeburgh, we’re incredibly lucky to have internationally important wetlands on our doorstep, including RSPB Minsmere, The Alde & Ore Estuary Trust, Thorpeness Meare, and the unique landscapes of Orford Ness.

Today is a reminder of just how precious these places are — and why protecting them matters for wildlife, climate, and future generations.

02/02/2026

New bins are on their way...

As part of the introduction of Better Recycling, which comes to East Suffolk in June, new bins are now being delivered to homes in some parts of the district.

Over the next few weeks, bins will be delivered in Felixstowe, Trimley St Mary, Trimley St Martin, Leiston, Kesgrave, Kirton, Melton and Rendlesham.

Deliveries will take place across the whole district over the coming months, so don't worry if your new bin isn't delivered straight away!

Starting in June, you’ll be able to recycle a wider range of items from home including glass bottles and jars, drinks cartons, plastic bags and thin plastic film. Plus, there’ll be a new weekly food waste collection service.

Follow Better Recycling for Suffolk for more information or click the link in the comments.