Here’s to Saxmundham’s first 750 years, can’t wait for the next 750!

This July marked the 750^th anniversary of King Henry III granting Saxmundham its first market charter. As anyone who was around on the 9^th of July will have seen, the celebrations for this incredible milestone were truly a sight to behold. Events were kicked off by a medieval procession, followed by entertainment throughout the town, and a huge vintage and antique market that attracted locals and visitors alike. All this was made possible by the tireless work of volunteers in the local community, who pulled together to create a weekend that will be remembered for a long time to come.

A historic town with a bright future.

It goes without saying we’re incredibly excited to be joining this thriving community. Because this town doesn’t just have an incredible heritage to look back on, it also has a great future ahead too. You only have to look at the plans for Sax Community Fest 2022 (If you’re looking for a weekend of incredible activities, by the way, put this 29^th-30^th July event in your diary). Community organisers will be laying on an incredible line up of live music, family friendly fun, and art and craft events all over the town. It’s shaping up to be yet another highlight in the coastal Suffolk events calendar.

It’s this sense of community that drew us to Saxmundham in the first place. And it’s something that is also getting Sax some well-deserved notice on a national scale too. The town recently earned a spot on the Sunday Times’ prestigious annual list of star locations, as one of two ‘up and coming towns’ in Suffolk.

 Putting the Bell back at the heart of Saxmundham.

Of course, The Bell will have to miss out on these epic Summer events, as we’re deep into our million-pound refurb. However, we’re well on track for our big autumn grand opening and we can’t wait to play a part in future community events over the next years and decades. And as custodians of this important and storied building, we can’t wait for people to see the work we’ve done to return it to its rightful place – as a hub for locals and visitors alike.

After all, The Bell has played a central role in Saxmundham over the years. As a place where kings have rested their heads, and countless travellers have stabled their horses. We’re truly humbled and thrilled to follow in the footsteps of past generations of landlords and owners.

As a family owned business going back nine generations, to 1769, we understand the importance of history. But just like the people of Saxmundham, we’ve also got one eye on the future too.

So we’ll end by saying enjoy your amazing Summer of events Saxmundham, and we can’t wait to meet and greet you when our doors open in Autumn. Let’s kick the next 750 years of local history off with a bang!