Ipswich's biggest free music festival is returning to Christchurch Park this summer with multiple upgrades.
The festival organised by Ipswich Borough Council will take place on July 7 for its 34th year, showcasing up-and-coming musicians, bands, and singers as well as offering fairground rides, activities, a market, and food vendors.
Last year the festival had 26,500 people attending - the biggest in the event's history.
This year the event is expanding outside the park with performances by choirs and community groups organised by Ipswich Arts Association taking place in Bethesda Church, Christchurch Mansion, Masonic Hall, and St Margaret’s Church.
For the first time, the council is partnering up with Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association (ISIA) which will be hosting the Indian Summer Mela Stage near Fonnereau Road.
ISIA plans to bring a mix of Indian cultures to the festival with singers and dancers from their community performing on the stage.
The Bowl Stage will be sponsored by BBC Radio Suffolk and will be situated near the Henley Road entrance to the park, featuring BBC Introducing Artists.
The Westerfield entrance will be home to the Crossroad Stage sponsored by Suffolk Sound and the Rise Stage sponsored by Suffolk New College will be situated next to the playground.
The lovers of indie, rap, R&B and DJs can find their home at the heart of the park on Pond Stage.
The stage will also host the winner of Suffolk One's Battle of the Bands competition.
Finally the sixth and final stage, Grapevine Stage will feature acoustic and jazz artists along with soul-singing groups next to the marketplace.
Ipswich Entertains has received over 300 applications for performers and will announce their line-up at 10am on May 28.
Head of vibrant town services at Ipswich Borough Council Mark Whiting said: “This year’s Ipswich Music Day is set to be our biggest yet, with each of our six stages showcasing a variety of local talent as well as celebrating all the cultures that make Ipswich special.
"Every year we want to make the family-friendly programme even better, so by expanding the festival we aim to offer something for everyone, no matter their music taste, age, or culture.”
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