Organisers of the town's ever-growing and free multicultural festival have gathered to launch the event, which returns for its twelfth year.

One Big Multicultural Festival is set to return to Alexandra Park on September 1.

The event, organised by the BSC Multicultural Services (BSCMS), will see a host of activities run throughout the day.

People will be able to experience music, food and children's entertainment from around the world.

Thousands were in attendance last year as the cultures of countries around the world such as China, India, Brazil, Romania, England and more were celebrated.

The festival will be held on September 1.The festival will be held on September 1. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Shayra Begum, Joint Centre Manager of BSC Multicultural Services, said: "This year has been a great workout so far, lots of events have been brewed for this September."

She went on to thank the sponsors of this event and said that she would be delighted to see more people come on board and support the event to make it more inclusive. 

Many gathered to celebrate the launch of this year's festival which will return in September.Many gathered to celebrate the launch of this year's festival which will return in September. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Based in Ipswich, BSCMS have hosted multiple events that aim to bring together different cultures of Ipswich.

In May, they hosted the Global Food and Pita Festival at the University of Suffolk - which celebrated diverse food cultures with several competitions. 

The university will also play host for the organised BME Business Awards which celebrates the success of ethnic minority-owned businesses in Suffolk.

Mojlum Khan said Ipswich should be an example of multi-culturalism in the East of England.Mojlum Khan said Ipswich should be an example of multi-culturalism in the East of England. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mojlum Khan, organiser of the event for the past 12 editions, said: "We are really looking forward to making Ipswich an example of how multi-culturalism is to be done in the East of England.

"What we need to do is make sure that Ipswich becomes a model of how integration should be done, social provision should be done and I think without local councils on board and councillors on board we can make sure exactly that we go in the right direction."

The full line up of performers will be announced in due course.

The festival will take place on Sunday, September 1, at Alexandra Park from midday to 5pm, and is free to attend.