A spa day for two, VIP experience at Jimmy's Farm, and free tickets for days out are among the prizes people in Babergh and Mid Suffolk could soon win in a free prize draw.

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are running the Heart of Suffolk Big Weekend – a new event which encourages local residents to explore what the districts have to offer, and shines a spotlight on its culture, leisure and visitor attractions.

 The Big Weekend takes place on 19/20 October, with residents living in either district able to enter prizes draws from Monday 16 September.

 Prizes currently include:

• a VIP experience for four, including lunch at Jimmy's Farm
• 3 family tickets, including 12 months unlimited access to the Food Museum in Stowmarket
• an Essential Spa Day for two at Stoke by Nayland Resort
• a two-night staying in a Cabin at Constable Park for a family of four
• family swim and Playworld sessions at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre
• afternoon tea for two at the Mill Hotel in Sudbury

The ballot for tickets will open on Monday 16 September until Monday 30 September, giving residents the chance to see what is on offer and enter for the prizes they would like to win.

Nethergate Distillery and Brewery, which features on a Stour Valley Food Trail, will also be taking part in the Big Weekend with tours to see behind the scenes of their brewery and distillery facilities.

Councillor Derek Davis, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy for Babergh District Council, said: "I am really pleased to see this taking place in our area. It is a great opportunity for residents to explore businesses and experiences that they might otherwise not have known are on their doorstep.

"The ballot is opening soon so I urge residents to take a look at everything that's on offer and put your name in the hat. We also thank all those businesses who have got involved – we think this will help promote the district's many fantastic attractions."

Councillor Tim Weller, Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture & Wellbeing for Mid Suffolk District Council, said: "The Big Weekend is an exciting new event. A huge variety of businesses from across the districts have signed up to enable local residents to sample some of the activities, events and experiences they ordinarily might not - and all free of charge.

"There's a wide range of excellent prizes on offer, showcasing some of the highlights in our districts' visitor attraction offer, something for everyone to enjoy. It's simple to enter the ballot so I'd encourage residents with nothing planned for the third weekend in October to hold the dates and try their luck. Building on a huge success this year we'll come back next year, even bigger and better."

The full list of prizes, details on the weekend and information on how to enter the ballot can be found here: The Big Weekend - Heart of Suffolk

Any Babergh and Mid Suffolk attractions which would like to get involved are encouraged to visit The Big Weekend - Heart of Suffolk for contact details.