Cathy Frost is one of the founding directors of Ipswich Book Festival, which returns for a second year this weekend. Here, the owner of Loveone independent gift shop shares what she is particularly looking forward to this year
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Cathy Frost and I am the owner of Loveone, an independent gift shop based in the Saints area of Ipswich. I am also a Director of the Ipswich Book Festival.
What can you tell us about your shop?
We will be celebrating 19 years on the high street this November, I try and work with small brands and local artists and designers to create an eclectic and interesting collection of products. From stationery to candles, chocolate to jewellery and even houseplants. We are a one stop shop for gift buying: the gift, the card and the wrapping paper. We will even do the wrapping for you. I am also a founder of the Saints Street Markets, these have been running for over 12 years, with two artisan markets a year hosted on St Peter’s Street.
Are you Ipswich born and raised? What do you love about the town?
I was born in South London, met my husband at University, and he was born in Ipswich! We settled here after Uni. Andy was working at BT, Martlesham and I commuted to London. Whilst I love Suffolk, its coast and countryside, I am a townie at heart. I love living in Ipswich. I am in walking distance of the town centre, the parks, theatres, cinemas, pubs and restaurants! Ipswich is a cultural hub; we are on the long list for the City of Culture Bid 2029. Our many communities bring a diversity and spirit to the town; it’s not fully formed but ever changing and striving – it an exciting time to be in Ipswich. And the football team are brilliant!
What is your involvement with second Ipswich Book Festival? Have you been involved since the very beginning?
I am one of the four directors of Ipswich Book Festival, working alongside Andrew Marsh [Dial Lane Books], Emma Lightfoot [Orwell Lady River Trips] and Tony Felgate [Monthind Clean]. We are all friends and have been working together on this Festival from the beginning, from our first discussions in autumn 2024. We are all passionate readers and want to celebrate the humble book. Our theme this year is ‘More than Words’, a celebration of the books that move us, connect us and transform us.
What events are you particularly looking forward to this year?
I am particularly looking forward to the music inspired events. On Friday 2nd at 4pm I will be interviewing one of my musical heroes, Rusty Egan, one of the founders of the Blitz Club and Visage and a pioneering figure in electronic music. Later, on Friday, we welcome Derek Forbes, founding bassist and songwriter with Simple Minds. On Sunday 4th Richard Balls will be chatting about his rock biographies, including Ian Dury and Shane MacGowan. We also very excited to welcome Janet Street Porter and Caroline Quentin. There are 55+ events, in 11 venues across Ipswich town centre and the Waterfront – something for everyone.
Where can people find out more about it/buy tickets?
Please visit ipswichbookfestival.co.uk for full programme details, there is a downloadable programme as well on the website. Programmes are available in many locations in town, including Ipswich Library, Loveone and Dial Lane Books. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram.
Ipswich Book Festival runs from Friday October 2 to Sunday October 4, 2026. Visit ipswichbookfestival.co.uk and follow @ipswichbookfestival on Instagram.
Featured image of Cathy Frost – supplied
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