Suffolk Day proclamation celebrates 'vibrant town'

Two students who wrote the 2026 Suffolk Day proclamation said it had been "an honour and a big responsibility".

The annual celebration of the county, to be hosted this year by Bury St Edmunds, includes a speech given by young people.

It has been composed by Audrey and Emily, both 16, from the town's Abbeygate Sixth Form Centre.

"Because we're both English students, it feels like an opportunity to really practise our craft, because speech-writing isn't something we necessarily get to do a lot," said Emily.

The sixth formers' speech will be read at the Athenaeum on Angel Hill as part of a civic reception on Sunday 21 June.

It will also be read the next day on the steps of Westminster Hall inside the Houses of Parliament.

Audrey said: "It all sounds very official.

"It's definitely an honour and a big responsibility, but definitely a fun and exciting one."

Their proclamation focuses on Bury St Edmunds' historic role in Magna Carta, its arts and cultural heritage and the town's exceptional food producers and restaurants.

Emily is originally from London. Audrey grew up in London and Kent.

"So, both of us are relatively new to the area, and as outsiders we really wanted to showcase what we've learnt while being here and our own personal experiences," Emily told BBC Radio Suffolk.

She added: "I really like the culture that surrounds it.

"I go to the Hunter Club and see live music and I've been in Theatre Royal productions. It's such a cultural hub for me.

Audrey said: "There's definitely that sort of outsider's perspective that allows you to appreciate things like wildlife, the amazing food places and all the opportunities around here."

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.