Hundreds of people, from the Suffolk community, gathered along Felixstowe seafront to join St Elizabeth Hospice in marking the charity’s annual Suffolk Remembers event which once again brought Suffolk Day to a close on 21st June.
Taking place from 9pm-10pm, this year’s event saw performances from Ipswich singer, Roma Manteiga-Nicholson, Pop Chorus choir and Martlesham Brass as well as a number of poetry readings, as the sun came down on the Suffolk coast.
The words ‘Suffolk Remembers’, as is tradition, were illuminated along Felixstowe seafront on the longest day of the year, while people gathered to remember their loved ones and leave a candle dedication in memory of those no longer with us; with all the letters sponsored by local businesses in support of the hospice.
Catherine Sheppard, Individual Giving Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Thank you to all who joined us for this year’s Suffolk Remembers and to all the volunteers and sponsors who made the evening possible.
“Suffolk Remembers is truly a special evening, which provides a poignant close to Suffolk Day, as we remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who brightened up our lives and made Suffolk the county we know and love.”
Felixstowe Town Mayor, Councillor David Rowe, said: “Suffolk Remembers has been a moving and fantastic experience to be a part of and one that has allowed me to remember loved ones, whilst stood alongside members of our community.
“We have had a great Suffolk Day here in Felixstowe. We began the day with an event for care homes and local schools this morning, before then ending Suffolk Day with Suffolk Remembers, an event which really shows Suffolk as its best, with the stunning backdrop of Felixstowe seafront providing the perfect setting.”
Now in its eighth year, Suffolk Remembers is a free to attend event, sponsored by East of England Co-op Funeral Services, with donations raised on the evening going to the independent Suffolk charity, which every year cares for more than 4,000 patients, living with a progressive or life-limiting illness, and their families throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney
Colin Dixon, Head of Funeral Services at the East of England Co-op, said: “My colleagues and I are truly proud to be a part of this special event that brings people together to remember those no longer with us.
“It is a privilege to offer comfort and reassurance to local families, sharing a cup of tea as we overlook the beautiful Felixstowe coastline. Suffolk Remembers is a unique event, and we are honoured to support it year after year in aid of such an amazing charity.”
All were welcome to dedicate a candle, even if they have not previously been under the hospice’s care, as the hospice encouraged all who have lost a friend or relative to take the opportunity to join people from across the region in remembering them through Suffolk Remembers 2024.
Each dedication also included a photo and a message to a loved one which were included in the Suffolk Remembers’ online gallery as well as a battery candle added to the hospice’s physical event display.
The candles will be displayed from Friday 21st June, at Felixstowe Seafront Gardens, until 1pm on Monday 24th June 2024.