The Ipswich Thrive Business Festival will return to Ipswich, Suffolk, from March 9 to March 20, 2026, to help local businesses grow through more than 30 free workshops and networking events.
The event has expanded from a one-week pilot last year to a full 12-day programme following a successful debut that saw 1,800 people take part. Organised by Ipswich Borough Council, the festival will start at 9:30 AM on March 9, 2026, at the Corn Exchange.
Residents can attend sessions across the town centre at venues like the Cornhill and the University of Suffolk campus. The programme includes a major jobs fair to help people find work and specific seminars for shops, tech companies, and video game developers.
The festival is funded by the Towns Deal, which means every workshop and masterclass is free for those who sign up through Eventbrite. Council leaders say the goal is to boost local trade and give small business owners the practical tools they need to succeed.
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