AS I write this week’s Journo’s Thought, I glance across at the trombone sitting beside me – the very instrument the incredibly talented instrumental director Matt Chambers kindly lent me so I could play a small part in what began as one of the craziest ideas I’ve ever heard: breaking the world record for the World’s Largest Trombone Ensemble.
Last Wednesday, I attended the official launch of SPARK Ipswich, bringing together an incredible mix of the city’s creatives, community leaders and those passionate about shaping Ipswich’s future.
Friday night saw the opening of Ipswich’s inaugural Circus Festival at the Circus Gala, and if there was ever any doubt about the calibre of talent being produced by that circus, Dr Meg Hooper put that to rest. Simply extraordinary.
On Saturday, I had the privilege of facilitating the Big Talk Forum, exploring how we continue attracting and nurturing creative people in our city. It’s a conversation I’m passionate about because it’s something I see the value of every single day.
The panel itself was a reminder of just how fortunate Ipswich is. There was Ipswich Little Theatre’s Shane Mallory, whose recent production of The Shawshank Redemption is still one of my contenders for production of the year.
Damien Johnson, a true musical chameleon who refuses to be boxed into a single genre. Redlands-based Lily Kunin, one half of The Kunins, whose voice is nothing short of angelic, with folky tones. And Timothy Wynn from THAT Production Company, the only person who has ever made me ugly cry in a theatre – because everything he touches somehow turns into gold.
Saturday night finished with plenty of laughs as Jimmy Rees took to the stage at the Ipswich Civic Centre, another major act performing right here in our own backyard.
Then came Sunday.
The challenge was simple: beat the existing mark of 386 trombonists.
What happened next was anything but simple.
More than 600 trombone players filled Nicholas St and Tulmur Place in a sea of brass, music and community spirit.
It was one of those moments where you stop, look around and realise you’re witnessing something genuinely special.
In Ipswich, we don’t do things by halves.
When someone has a bold idea, this city gets behind it. We collaborate. We support each other. We turn ambitious dreams into reality.
Matt Chambers, you dared to dream big, and you led every step of the way. I have no doubt this won’t be your last crazy idea, and I suspect the whole city will be ready to back you again.
Whether the paperwork takes days or weeks, one thing is already beyond dispute. Ipswich has shown the world exactly what happens when creativity, community and collaboration come together.
That’s exactly what SPARK was created to do.
To ignite imaginations.
To encourage everyday people to discover inner creative.
And after the past week, I don’t think there’s any doubt left.
Ipswich is one seriously creative city.
