That was the year that was: A review of 2023 in Lowestoft

Here is the first of a two-part review reflecting on the past 12 months, featuring stories that hit The Journal headlines between January and June 2023.

January

The design of the renewed historic Town Hall was unveiled by architects with a scale model on show to the public.

Katarina Santic and Shemal Rahman, of architect firm HAT Projects, holding a scale model of what Lowestoft Town Hall could look like when finished. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

February

The bravery and heroism of 11 men who headed to sea on the Lowestoft trawler Guava 70-years-ago - but never returned home - was honoured during a special service. A memorial to the crew of the trawler ‘Guava’, lost at sea in the 1953 floods, was unveiled on South Pier.

A memorial plaque remembering fishermen who lost their lives during the 1953 floods was unveiled by Lowestoft Town councillors Andy Pearce and then mayor of Lowestoft Alan Green. (Image: Mick Howes)

March

Two different kittiwake nesting structures were revealed in quick succession in Lowestoft.

The new kittiwake nesting structures in Lowestoft. Inset: Kittiwakes in Lowestoft. Picture: Vattenfall/Mick Howes (Image: Vattenfall/Mick Howes)

A unique new kittiwake 'hotel' - for around 430 pairs of seabirds - saw Vattenfall and ScottishPower Renewables construct a new nesting structure on the Outer Harbour north extension – with two offshore structures, each sited on a single leg piling, opening off the South Beach later in July.

The nearshore kittiwake hotels installed in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

April

The Banksy seagull art mural prior to removal in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Danielle Booden)

The Banksy Seagull flew from its nest - after being removed from a building in Katwijk Way, Lowestoft.

Work to remove the Banksy seagull mural took place at night. Picture: Oliv3r Drone Photography (Image: Oliv3r Drone Photography)
Part of the mural on the side of the building was craned onto a waiting lorry during a late night operation.

Work to remove the Banksy seagull mural took place at night. Picture: Oliv3r Drone Photography (Image: Oliv3r Drone Photography)

May

To mark King Charles III Coronation communities across Lowestoft and Southwold celebrated in many ways - including a singalong, a Coronation concert and firing cannons.

The Conservatives lost control of the district in the local government elections – with Green party candidate Caroline Topping elected the new leader of East Suffolk Council.

Green Party members celebrate election success Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

June

The Chthonic Head being lifted into place in Lowestoft. Picture: Jo Leverett (Image: Jo Leverett)

A giant Chthonic head sculpture was embedded in the sands on Lowestoft's South Beach as part of the First Light Festival - with the bronze casting of an ancient head proving to be 'a sight to behold'.

Genevieve Christie, Chief Executive Officer at First Light Festival CIC with the Chthonic Head on Lowestoft's South Beach. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)