Kitemark could further national loans to council’s museums

17 Aug 2026

West Suffolk Council’s museums have been recognised by Arts Council England under its full accreditation scheme.

It confirms excellence in terms of how the council run museums at Moyse’s Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds and West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, manage collections, operate professionally, and engage effectively with the public.

It also further demonstrates to national institutions that the council’s museums can be trusted, helping enable more partnership work and with it the loaning of items for our local exhibitions.

Cllr Ian Shipp, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture at West Suffolk Council said: “The Arts Council England scheme is effectively a kitemark for the quality of a museum service, so we are delighted to receive this recognition and my thanks to all of our staff who have made this possible.

“It means that we will have more opportunity to work in partnership with national organisations and to loans pieces from them. That will help us to provide our residents with greater access to see nationally and internationally significant pieces of art, heritage and culture here in West Suffolk, which is part of our priority for Thriving Communities.”

Both of the council’s museums are continuing to celebrate our local history and heritage.

Moyse’s Hall Museum is currently running Edmund and The Great Heathen Army which looks at the life, death, cult and mythology of England’s first patron saint and why he continues to be an important part on our cultural heritage in West Suffolk.

The exhibition is on until 4 October. For ticket details visit the Moyse's Hall Museum website.

 

West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village is running archery and archaeology courses over the summer ahead of battle by the Wuffa Viking and Saxon Re-enactment Society over the August Bank Holiday. For more about what’s on at West Stow see the West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village and Country Park website. 
 

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