Schools, businesses, families and residents are being invited to help celebrate the icons, attractions, landscapes and institutions which make the county so special during Suffolk Day 2024.
The launch event is taking place on Haverhill’s Market Square on Friday 21 June and carries the theme “create more in 24”. It will focus on culture and supporting the creativity of the county’s young people, as well as celebrating the bonds which link Suffolk’s communities.
The event starts at 9.30am with a welcome from Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston, and Cllr David Smith, Haverhill Town Mayor.
A proclamation then will be read out by pupils from Samuel Ward Academy and Castle Manor Academy before Suffolk Community Foundation presents the Suffolk Medal to an individual who has made a fundamental difference to the county. The event will also provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the former medal recipient John Norman, who was awarded a medal at a private ceremony earlier on this year.
Students from Clements Primary Academy will perform the A Million Acres song and Morris dancers will be entertaining the crowd during the morning, while Suffolk Punch horses will also be in the square.
Cllr Smith said: “It’s a privilege to see Haverhill being named as the host of this year’s Suffolk Day. The town is a place of great diversity, culture, greenery and history, all things that make Suffolk a county to be proud of.
“This year’s celebrations centre around culture and creativity, something which Haverhill has in abundance. Whether it is the plethora of shows at the Arts Centre or the strong sense of community spirit that is on show at our yearly events, there is plenty to experience and enjoy.
“Suffolk Day allows us show off our exciting town and the thousands of residents that make the area so welcoming and friendly. The day is also a wonderful opportunity to explore new places in our county and find out why Suffolk is such a positive and uplifting place to live.”
Melanie Craig, Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, said: “The Suffolk Medal is the highest honour which can be bestowed on someone who has had an impact on the county. It recognises, rewards and champions the people whose exceptional contributions have made a measurable and lasting difference.
“Suffolk Community Foundation is proud to coordinate the medal on behalf of the Suffolk Medal Panel, which is made up of representatives from across the county.
“We look forward to seeing the recipient receive their accolade on 21 June and to joining forces with Haverhill Town Council to celebrate the very best of our county on Suffolk Day 2024.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the celebrations. For more information about Suffolk Day, visit www.suffolkday.co.uk.
For more information about the Suffolk Medal, please visit www.thesuffolkmedal.org.uk