Helping Leiston thrive
Destination Leiston is a two-year programme
bringing together the Town Council, local organisations,
businesses and community partners to help make Leiston
an even better place to live, work, visit and do business.
Funded by East Suffolk Council, the
programme works alongside local partners and
Love Leiston to celebrate and promote the town.
The programme is about making the most of what Leiston
already has – its strong community, heritage, independent
businesses, attractions, culture and location close to
the Suffolk coast – while looking at new opportunities
to encourage people into the town and support its future. 
What does Destination Leiston aim to achieve?
Through Destination Leiston, we want to:
- Strengthen Leiston’s identity and celebrate what makes the town distinctive.
- Encourage more people to visit and spend time in the town centre.
- Support local businesses and the local economy.
- Develop and support events and activities for residents and visitors.
- Celebrate Leiston’s heritage, culture and local attractions.
- Improve the appearance, accessibility and experience of the town centre.
- Strengthen communication and collaboration between local organisations, businesses and community groups.
- Build community pride and make Leiston more resilient for the future.
What is happening through Destination Leiston?
There are several strands of work taking place
as part of the programme.
Events and activities
Supporting a varied programme of events and activities
that bring people together and encourage additional
footfall into Leiston. The programme has an ambition
to support or deliver around 15 events each year.
Events Grant Scheme
A dedicated grant scheme is available to help
organisations, community groups and businesses
deliver events and activities in Leiston town centre.
The scheme is designed to increase footfall, encourage
community participation, support local businesses,
and create inclusive opportunities for residents
and visitors.
Find out about the Events Grant Scheme →
Promoting Leiston
Work continues to promote the town, its businesses,
attractions, heritage and events through online
channels, social media and local storytelling.
This is already generating significant interest:
Visit Leiston’s Facebook content received more than
574,000 views between June and August 2026.
Town centre improvements
The programme includes work around accessibility,
wayfinding, shopfront and street improvements,
and making the town centre more welcoming and
easier to navigate.
Supporting local businesses
Destination Leiston is looking at ways to strengthen
relationships with businesses, improve communication,
promote the local offer and help businesses benefit
from opportunities within the town.
Celebrating our heritage and identity
Leiston has a distinctive story, from its industrial
heritage and the Long Shop Museum to Leiston Abbey,
the Film Theatre, Sizewell and its proximity to the
Suffolk coast. Work through Destination Leiston aims
to make these assets more visible and help tell
Leiston’s story.
Stay up to date
Keep an eye on the Council’s website and
Love Leiston channels for news,
events, opportunities and updates from Destination Leiston.
Apply for a Destination Leiston grant
Do you have an idea for a community event in Leiston?
Funding is available to help bring events and activities
to the town.