The scenes are shot, the cameras packed away, and as Richard Curtis' and Danny Boyle's latest film Yesterday hits the big screen, it's The Suffolk Coast's time to shine, as many of the locations in the film are right here!
Yesterday is not only about a Suffolk lad, but it's also set in Suffolk too! Jack Malik (played by Himesh Patel) is a struggling musician who, after an accident, finds himself in another world where he is the only person who remembers The Beatles, and becomes famous taking credit for writing and performing their songs. Starring Lily James and Kate McKinnon, Framlingham's own Ed Sheeran also plays himself in the film!
Many of the film's scenes were shot right here on The Suffolk Coast at Dunwich, Halesworth, Shingle Street, featuring The Ramsholt Arms near Woodbridge and Latitude Festival, thanks to the work of Screen Suffolk, whose aim is to make Suffolk the most film-friendly county in the UK.
Whether you're a movie buff or you've been inspired by the film, enjoy a day or two spent exploring Yesterday on The Suffolk Coast...
Dunwich
Whilst you may not easily spot the coastal village of Dunwich in the film (there was a shoot inside a Dunwich property) this quiet, historic village is must-visit. Dunwich's story spans the first millennium to the present day. Once a bustling city with a population of 4,000 and the unofficial capital of East Anglia (in the 11th century), over the centuries much of the village has fallen into the sea. Rumour has it, at certain tides you can still hear the bells from the church chiming from beneath the waves.
Today, Dunwich is part of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with a large shingle beach alongside the stunning National Trust Dunwich Heath and woodland (so it's a favourite amongst four-legged visitors to Suffolk).
There are a couple of pretty tearooms serving lunches, hot drink and cake, but for a true taste of Suffolk find a table at The Ship at Dunwich; a traditional inn serving locally caught fish dishes and local ales.
Halesworth
Jack Malik's home town, Halesworth is the setting for many scenes in the film! The White Hart pub, The Hideout Café and The Thoroughfare were all awash with cameras, crew and even a rain machine last summer! In fact, the scenes filmed in The Thoroughfare were meant to be at night in the pouring rain, so Special FX Rain stands were brought in.
Walk through the pretty market town today and you would never guess that such scenes had taken place. The town is home to independent shops, pubs and cafes; with 28 different places to buy a cup of coffee. Just to the east of the town centre is the largest Millennium Green in the country – with 50 acres of wildlife-friendly grazing marsh and flood plain with footpaths, an all-weather track, great views, a hide and a community orchard.
Shingle Street
South-east of the Suffolk town of Woodbridge, on the Deben Peninsula and across the marshes on the far side of the village of Hollesley, Shingle Street is a remote stretch of shingle beach, with uninterrupted views out to sea as far as the eye can see. Despite the name, Shingle Street is probably the only place in Suffolk without streets, just a line of bungalows and cottages facing directly onto the beach and the North Sea.
Filming took place right on the beach, so you can stand amongst the meandering streams that head out to sea and picture yourself in the scene!
The Ramsholt Arms
Pay a visit to The Ramsholt Arms near Woodbridge and you can sit on the very bench that Himesh Patel and Lilly James were filmed having a pint! Situated on the banks of the river Deben it's the only south facing pub on the river, so you are treated to beautiful sunsets as you sip on a pint of Suffolk's famous brew, Adnams Ghost Ship.
A popular spot with holidaymakers, families and sailors, make the most of the sun-soaked terrace, beach and jetty - from which you can partake in the traditional Suffolk summer pastime; crabbing!
You don't need to catch your own tea though, the restaurant serves a variety of freshly caught, local seafood, pub classics and sharing platters.
Latitude Festival
Latitude Festival draws in big names from far and wide, so it's no surprise it features in a film about music! The festival takes place on the Henham Estate, between Beccles and Southwold. This year's headliners include George Ezra, Snow Patrol, Lana Del Ray and Primal Scream.
Complimenting the music, there's also dance, theatre, literature and comedy; with big names for 2019 including Michelle Wolf, Jason Manford, Katherine Ryan, Frank Skinner, Russell Howard and Marcus Brigstocke.
Voted one of the top festivals to attend for families, with a dedicated family area that boasts a range of activities, soft play, creative crafts and science projects, plus a family cafe and fairground. Teenagers get their own part of the festival too; the Inbetweeners Area. Here teens can learn to DJ, design their own t-shirts and take part in animation and creative writing workshops.