Newsletter 2023

We would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy 2024.

Here at Haughley Park, we look back over 2023 and see an exciting year of wonderful ‘hellos’ and just a few wistful ‘goodbyes’.

In February, we were delighted to welcome back Spectacle of Light for a little winter sparkle. Always fun,
it was bigger and better than ever with colourful characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland along the trail to surprise and delight all ages – oh my fur and whiskers! The magical Wishing Tree also returned, and we are thrilled to report that the event raised a fantastic £3,348 for the Ipswich-based charity, St Elizabeth Hospice. Huge thanks to all who donated for their kindness and generosity.

Sadly, it was the last time we will host these winter lights, but it is great to go out on a high and who knows what else will come along in the future.

For example…

In August, we welcomed the UK’s largest ceramics festival, Potfest, to the parkland for the first time. With sunny weather and a wide range of exhibitors, the show had a wonderful atmosphere and something for everyone – from ornaments to egg cups – so it’s definitely something to watch out for next year.

Another new addition came with a wealth of four legged friends! The Alaskan Malamute Working Association held dry-land races in the park and will return for the world championships in 2024 – mush!

Of course, all this fresh excitement came in addition to our usual calendar which included a joyous wedding season at the Barn, two bustling Bluebell Sundays, a weekend of Weird and Wonderful Wood and a lively Alive and V’Dubbin. Phew! It was possibly our busiest year to date and it’s great to see the estate being enjoyed by so many people, both old friends and new.

With next year looking just as full, we are pleased to have added the lovely Laura to our venue team. Already proving an asset for events, she will increase her role moving forward and our clients can rest assured they are in good hands. A warm welcome to the Haughley Park family, Laura.

Around the estate, maintenance work continues…

The grounds team have been removing dead trees to make way for new planting and a replacement bridge has been installed near the pond – perfect for wedding photos when the time comes. We have also had to take action after a few naughty sheep got out this summer and the team will be replacing the fence along the driveway to prevent future woolly escapees. Braaaavo!

Lots of exciting things to come in 2024 and we can’t wait to see how the year unfolds. See you there!

(Main image: Andy Chambers Photography)