Dreams became reality as a new £120,000 statue depicting the world famous composer, conductor and pianist, Benjamin Britten, was unveiled in his birth town of Lowestoft.

The Britten as a Boy statue is officially unveiled in Lowestoft. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The 12ft bronze statue of Britten, as a boy, looking out over the sea that inspired his music in his hometown was showcased for the first time today (Monday).

The special ceremony and unveiling of the monument marked an almost five-year community campaign to install a statue near where Britten had drawn his musical inspiration from.

The official unveiling of the new £120,000 statue of Britten as a Boy in Lowestoft. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

After being installed at Lord Kitchener’s Garden on Kirkley Cliff in south Lowestoft – not far away from Britten’s childhood home at 21 Kirkley Cliff Road – there were cheers and loud applause on a drizzly Monday as composer Sir John Rutter – who sang for Britten on the 1963 recording of the War Requiem – unveiled the new statue.

The community project had been launched in April 2022 so the statue could inspire generations of children to follow their dreams.

Composer Sir John Rutter and Zeb Soanes at the official unveiling of the new Britten as a Boy statue in Lowestoft. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The Britten as a Boy statue committee of Lowestoft-born broadcaster and children’s author Zeb Soanes and a team of passionate locals had set about raising the £120,000 more than three-and-a-half years ago.

Two heritage information boards focus on Britten’s childhood in Lowestoft and his later success as a composer. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

And there were celebrations all round as the monument was unveiled to a fine turnout – including many supporters and members of Benjamin Britten’s family – just 12 days ahead of what would have been his 112th birthday.

One of the two bronze plaques accompanying the statue. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Admitting it was a “gift to the town”, Mr Soanes said: “Britten loved Lowestoft.

“He lived here until he was 21 and we wanted to celebrate the influence that his childhood in this town had on his life and the music that he composed.”

Two heritage information boards focus on Britten’s childhood in Lowestoft and his later success as a composer. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

During the “short historic ceremony”, the legal transfer of this “gift” to East Suffolk Council – on whose land that the statue stands – was completed as it received by council chairman, Cllr Anthony Speca.

Unveiling the “marvellous” statue, Sir John Rutter said: “We should be proud.”

Children from St Mary’s Primary School in Lowestoft, who sang the specially-commissioned song a the unveiling of the Britten as a Boy statue. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The statue, created by the UK’s foremost sculptor in bronze, Ian Rank-Broadley, was unveiled to the crowds as What Bliss is Home – with music by Suffolk composer Ben Parry and lyrics by Zeb Soanes – was sung by St Mary’s Primary School children.