The awards which received over 500,000 votes and nominations, run across 28 counties, celebrate independent lifestyle businesses.

The theatre fought against Snape Maltings, the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft, the Theatre Royal Bury St. Edmunds and Thorington Theatre, Lowestoft in the Suffolk & Cambs category to win the award.

Ipswich Regent Theatre now moves on to the National Muddy Awards for a chance to be crowned ‘Best of the Best’ with winners being announced on Thursday 11 July.

Councillor Bryony Rudkin, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Strategy, Culture and Customers, says:

“We’re over the moon to have won this award – thank you to everyone who voted for us!

We knew we had to beat some tough opponents across Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, but as the biggest theatre in the East of England, we’re delighted to have achieved this accolade.

The award gives recognition to our passionate and dedicated team of staff who work tirelessly to offer the very best touring shows to our audiences, so this award is a testament to them.”