Local firm continues commitment to supporting Ipswich’s tourism economy and cultural organisations ahead of City of Culture bid, backing theatre, festival and more

Local accountants and business advisers Larking Gowen celebrate 12 years of supporting the New Wolsey Theatre this year. As part of their commitment to backing the City of Culture bid, acknowledging the opportunities it could bring for Ipswich, the firm has also recently signed on as principle festival sponsor of the Ipswich Book Festival.

“The New Wolsey Theatre doesn’t just provide eclectic and engaging theatre; it has been doing amazing work with people in our community for many years now, and we are proud to play a part in supporting that work through the Creative Communities programme,” says Graham Mummery, Partner in the Corporate team based in the firm’s Ipswich office.

 “We are always looking for opportunities to support local organisations that reach beyond their original remit - programmes that go beyond ticket sales and align with our values of building relationships and creating opportunities for businesses and people in Ipswich. That’s why we are also thrilled to come on as Principal Sponsor of the Ipswich Book Festival this year.”

The Ipswich Book Festival launched to great success in 2025. “We were thrilled to have Larking Gowen support us in our inaugural year, taking a chance on a new event for the town. Their increased support in 2026 will allow us to grow the reach of the festival, which will benefit other businesses in the town and provide free opportunities for families and groups to engage with activities and events,” said Emma Lightfoot, one of the founders of the festival and a local business owner. “Festivals like ours bring footfall into the town, (1 in 3 tickets sold for the 2025 festival were to people outside of Ipswich!) which is good for so many independent businesses, and it offers safe spaces that celebrate diversity and inclusion in our community.”

David Watson, Executive Director at the New Wolsey Theatre, commented on the vital role corporate support plays for not-for-profit organisations: “The predictability of sponsorship allows us to plan ahead and allocate funding where it is needed most. It also increases our visibility across our supporters’ networks. Partnerships like ours with Larking Gowen, and our many other supporters, allow us to continue offering diverse programmes and shows that reflect our community, while providing vital opportunities for local freelancers.”

Over 1,000 tickets were sold for the 2025 book festival, attracting one in three visitors from outside Ipswich. “Numbers like these are very encouraging when it comes to boosting the local economy,” said Giles Kerkham, Not-for-Profit Partner at Larking Gowen. “A thriving local economy is good for everyone. The festival also offered lots of free activities for local schools and families, which aligns with our values as a firm of supporting people.”

The firm’s support comes as 46% of local businesses in the tourism sector anticipate increase in profits for 2026, the recent Larking Gowen Tourism Business Survey reports, reinforcing the role that events, culture and the visitor economy can play in driving town-centre footfall and local spend.

“There is so much to celebrate in Ipswich right now,” Giles continued. “Ipswich Town FC’s promotion will provide another much-needed boost to businesses, and there is an opportunity for local charities to benefit from the exposure too.”

The Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon is another huge event for the town, which attracted 2,700 participants in 2025, with entries to the 2026 race expected to increase again. It is also a major fundraising opportunity for local charities, with organisers Run For All partnering with Suffolk Mind, St Elizabeth Hospice, Lighthouse, Autism Anglia, Ending Life’s Taboo, Ormiston Families, RSPCA Suffolk, and Ipswich Town Foundation. “Running for a charity makes the achievement of completing the course more meaningful for so many people, and last year we estimated an overall total of £120,000 raised” said Alice Lilly, Partnership Manager at Run For All.

The Corporate Challenge is back for 2026, with local businesses, organisations and even families encouraged to come together to compete for the marathon’s challenge cup!

Graham Mummery added: “We are all about relationships - people are at the heart of everything we do as a firm, and that extends to our commitment to our communities. The impact the City of Culture bid could have on our town has the potential to be game-changing, and we would encourage our fellow businesses to get involved. Partnering with these organisations makes being part of Team LG even more exciting, while doing something positive for Ipswich - and it will help our town stand out during the bid process.”

“These organisations shine a spotlight on the best Ipswich has to offer. We encourage everyone to support their work and back the City of Culture bid - it will be good for business and for the whole community.”

The full results from the Tourism Business Survey are available at larking-gowen.co.uk/tourism-insights