Month: May 2026

A much-loved pop-up beach will take centre stage in Bury St Edmunds in just two weeks’ time this late May bank holiday, as the Bury St Edmunds Spring Fayre returns for two days of free family-friendly fun.

Taking place on Sunday 24 and Monday 25 May, from 10am to 4pm each day, the town centre will once again be transformed into a vibrant celebration of spring. At the heart of the FREE entry event is the ever-popular beach, complete with traditional Punch and Judy shows in Cornhill, offering visitors a classic seaside experience right in the middle of the town.

Beyond the beach, the Fayre will feature a wide range of attractions and activities across multiple locations. Visitors can browse colourful flower, plant and craft stalls and a vintage market in Buttermarket, perfect for those in search of unique and nostalgic items.

Families will find plenty to enjoy, with FREE children’s entertainment in The arc Shopping Centre, including big games, face painting, and a children’s magic workshop. There will also be pay per go rides at The arc’s carousel.

Visitors can also enjoy free astronomy activities with the Bury St Edmunds Astronomy Association, including one of your last chances to take part in the town’s Out of This World Astronomy Trail —spanning BID member businesses across the town centre. Trail leaflets will be available at the astronomy stand in Cornhill, and completed entries can be returned there for a chance to be entered into the competition.

For those looking for extra excitement, pay-per-go fairground rides will also be in Cornhill near the beach, adding to the lively atmosphere.

There will also be a flower, food and craft market, showcasing local producers on Angel Hill.

Bury St Edmunds Spring Fayre is brought to you by Our Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement District (BID), with the support of ShopSafe.

Mark Cordell, Chief Executive of Our Bury St Edmunds BID, said: “Events like the Bury St Edmunds Spring Fayre are an important part of the town’s calendar, helping to draw people into the centre and create a real sense of energy and atmosphere. “The increased footfall is a real boost for local businesses. We’re looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors for what promises to be a fantastic weekend.”

Bury St Edmunds BID members are featured in a new book celebrating the very best of Suffolk’s independent food and drink scene — reinforcing the town’s reputation as Suffolk’s foodie capital.

Suffolk: A Story Told Through Food, Drink & People by Adam Tully and Hannah Dewar is the result of a year spent travelling across the county, meeting the people behind its kitchens, bakeries, vineyards, cafés and pubs. Rather than a conventional guide or cookbook, the project focuses on storytelling — capturing the lives, values and craft of those who quietly shape Suffolk’s food and drink culture.

Suffolk’s food scene has always rewarded curiosity. From coast to countryside, it is not defined by trends or noise, but by people consistently doing things well. This book reflects that ethos, bringing together 30 businesses through conversations and photography that highlight early mornings, late nights, ambition, resilience, and above all, community.

At the heart of the publication is a strong representation of Bury St Edmunds BID member businesses, showcasing the strength and depth of the town’s independent hospitality and foodie retail sector. We are delighted to see so many members included:

1921
The One Bull
Wooster’s
Maison Bleue
Bellota
Pea Porridge
The Angel Hotel
Rustico
Lark
Alema
Midgar

With such strong representation from BID members, the book serves as further recognition of what locals and visitors alike already know — Bury St Edmunds stands firmly as Suffolk’s foodie capital.

Read more about the book at Suffolk Story.

Discover more Food and Drink businesses in our town centre Food & Drink Directory.