Dementia Marketplace 2026 Brings Suffolk Together for Another Successful Year
On Wednesday 24 June 2026, Care Development East proudly welcomed hundreds of people to the fourth annual Dementia Marketplace at Venue 16 in Ipswich.
Made possible with the support of our valued sponsors, Christies Care, Leading Lives, Suffolk County Council, Daisy Days, and Mindful Care Training and Consultancy, the event once again brought together people living with dementia, their families, carers and professionals for a day dedicated to information, support and connection.
With more than 200 attendees and 41 exhibitors, the free event offered a welcoming space where visitors could access expert advice, discover local services, ask questions and connect with organisations that can support them throughout their memory journey.
Despite the exceptionally warm weather, it was wonderful to see so many people attend and make the most of everything the day had to offer. We hope everyone who joined us left feeling informed, supported and reassured that help is available whenever needed.
If you were unable to attend, or would like to revisit the information shared during the event, you can view the full event brochure below.
Event Highlights
Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed a wide range of activities and opportunities, including:
- Marketplace Zone – More than 30 dementia-focused organisations, charities and local support services offering advice, guidance and practical resources.
- Expert Talks and Q&A Sessions – Informative presentations from dementia specialists and care professionals covering a variety of important topics.
- Activities Room – A welcoming space offering seated dance, arts and creative activities, alongside music sessions designed for people living with dementia.
- Singing for the Brain® – One of the day's most memorable moments, bringing people together through music, laughter and shared experiences in a truly uplifting session.
- Goody Bags – Every attendee received a complimentary goody bag packed with useful resources and treats, including a free sample of Jelly Drops.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Rural Coffee Caravan for providing a welcoming place for conversation throughout the day, and to Peter Berry and Deb Bunt for sharing their knowledge, experience and insight during their engaging talks.
BBC Radio Suffolk Joins the Event
We were delighted to welcome BBC Radio Suffolk, who broadcast live from the event and helped shine a spotlight on the importance of dementia support across Suffolk.
You can listen back to the interviews from the day at approximately 1 hour 22 minutes and 2 hours 20 minutes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002xs08
Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make Dementia Marketplace 2026 such a success.
To our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers, activity providers, our dedicated event team, and every single person who attended - thank you for your support, enthusiasm and commitment to making the day so special.
As dementia continues to affect thousands of individuals and families, events like the Dementia Marketplace play an important role in connecting people with the information, services and support they need. We are incredibly proud to continue bringing our community together and look forward to hopefully welcoming everyone back next year.
If you have any feedback that you didn't have the opportunity to share on the day, we'd love to hear from you.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please email us at info@caredevelopmenteast.co.uk.