One of the first community projects delivered through the HAZ was working with the Poetry People to produce a community created poem celebrating Kirkley. Using memory recollections from local residents, as well as historic images, ‘Spread a Little Kirkleyness’ was produced to celebrate the history of life in Kirkley in the 20th century. You can watch the video here:

The HAZ also delivered a cultural programme of activity to celebrate the local creative and cultural providers in the area, celebrate the history of the town, as well as enhance the vibrancy of the high street. Through the cultural programme, The Seagull Theatre hosted a series of decades themed weekends. The 1940s weekend has now become an annual event in the Kirkley calendar.

A project celebrating the history of the railway coming to Lowestoft and the creation of Kirkley as a seaside resort was also delivered by Suffolk Archives and Voice cLoud, which created a new piece of theatre called ‘Peto’ which can be watched here:

The HAZ also brought Farrah the Fox and HiStreet Fest to Lowestoft, which formed a wonderful parade leading to the 2023 First Light Festival.

Part of the HAZ cultural commissions also celebrated the Post Office, and a collaboration with First Light Festival, Luke Wright and Lucinda Rogers charted the history of the Post Office in Lowestoft as well as the 20th century history of the town. An extract of a poem written by Luke Wright can be watched here:

The Post Office was also awarded funding through the HAZ for external repairs to the Grade II listed building and has gone onto win the RIBA Suffolk Craftsmanship Award in 2023 in the Individual Craftsmanship Category, and the East Suffolk Council Quality of Place Awards in the Conservation Category. This phase of works will enable the wider redevelopment of the Post Office into a gallery, studio space and café.