Latest news with #IpswichMusicDay
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Downpours fail to dampen spirits at Ipswich Music Day
A mixture of rain, sun and more rain failed to quash the spirits of revellers and performers, as Ipswich Music Day celebrated its 35th free festival regularly sees thousands of people descend on Christchurch Park to see mostly local acts perform, though on Sunday the crowd was forced to dodge a number of heavy showers."There's no denying there was a lot of rain at the start of the day, but by about 14:30 the sun was blazing and the crowds really turned out," said Wayne Bavin, who was compering the BBC Suffolk Whiting, head of vibrant town services at Ipswich Borough Council, added that despite the unfavourable weather, "as usual it was a great, free day out". "I've now been part of this event for well over 20 years and it keeps drawing in people every single year," he unique selling point was its "quality music" provided by local acts, he council managed to keep the event free by working with as many stakeholders as possible, he said, holding commercial events earlier in the year and raising income through concessions, such as bars. Local band Afterdrive spoke of their excitement to be performing, ahead of their support slot for Suffolk star Ed Sheeran at Portman Road next Ben Watts said despite the "iffy" weather, they were "all super blown away". Other band members added it was great preparation for next week's stadium Atkins, 78, and Bernadette Atkins, 77, said they had come to the event every year for many said Ipswich Music Day could usually be "quite wet", with Norman adding "it's brilliant". Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Ipswich Music Day: Everything you need to know
With its lengthy line-up of 49 crowd-pleasing performers, Ipswich Music Day is the biggest free one day music festival in the UK – and it returns this in its 35th year, the annual arts event draws on a pool of independent musicians from across Suffolk and further afield throughout the in 2009 and 2010, Framlingham schoolboy-turned-global megastar Ed Sheeran graced the stage – a stage which was once named after if you're planning on going along to catch a glimpse of the next big music icon, here is a small guide of what you can expect and what you might need to know. What is Ipswich Music Day? Ipswich Music Day is held in the town's Christchurch Park and organised by Ipswich Borough family-friendly event features six stages of performers celebrating all types of music alongside fairground rides, for children and adults, street food, and a as a "fantastic opportunity for up-and-coming artists", the festival provides a platform for newer artists trying their luck on a bigger stage. How much does it cost? Absolutely nothing. Great, right? When is it happening and what time should I arrive? The festival will take place on should be able to arrive whenever they please, but the first bands will get under way at 11:45 BST. Who is performing? This year's event offers a range of genres – from folk, country, and jazz, to rap, rock and everything in Indian Summer Mela – described as a rich and colourful celebration of Indian culture - will also be part of the event, providing live entertainment, workshops, demonstrations, and authentic Indian street food."This year's event promises to be more diverse than ever, so we're looking forward to showcasing some really exciting and talented artists and bands," said Ipswich Borough Council Labour leader, Neil MacDonald. How are the artists selected? The line-up is chosen by Ipswich Entertains and Ipswich Borough Council, which this year have had the difficult job of whittling down more than 220 applications to 49 acts."We received so many outstanding entries to perform at this year's event, and we'd like to thank everybody who applied," Mr MacDonald added How can I get there? The council is encouraging people to either walk or use public transport to get to the "busy event".Limited on-site parking is available at a cost of £15 for the day with payment taken by cards can enter from the Park Road entrance and can park from 12:00 until 20:00. Blue badge parking is provided for free, while the nearest alternative parking is Crown Street car park. Can I drink alcohol? According to the organisers of the event, "limited quantities of alcohol for personal consumption" is permitted but "excessive amounts" is not. Glass bottles cannot be taken into the food vendors will be available throughout the park and visitors can also take their own BBQs are also not allowed. Does the BBC have a stage? Yes. BBC Suffolk will be present at the festival, with presenters Wayne Bavin and Angelle Joseph hosting the BBC Suffolk In Parties and AFTERDRIVE – both of whom are supporting Ed Sheeran at his Portman Road concerts later this month – are two of the eight great acts due to Suffolk and BBC Introducing presenter Joseph said: "It's always lovely to see people in Suffolk coming out to support local music, and the fact it is free and in the middle of Ipswich makes it accessible."It's like no other festival." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
5 of the best parks to visit during the spring
Suffolk is home to a number of parks that are perfect for a family day out in the spring sunshine. Here is five of the best parks to visit in Suffolk this spring. Where: Hadleigh Rd, Ipswich IP2 0BS Chantry Park is the largest park in Ipswich and extends over 124 acres of parkland and wildlife areas on the western edge of town. This park has two children's play areas, a dog training area, ActivLives 'Chantry Walled Garden' project, public toilets and is home to Ipswich and East Suffolk Cricket Club. It has also played host to several large music events, is the base for several charity runs and the Wildlife and Education Rangers hold events such as nature walks, arts and crafts activities, storytelling and trails for children of all ages. Where: Bury Road, Nowton, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5LU With almost 200 acres of landscaped Suffolk countryside there is something for everyone at this park. This includes football pitches, a large play area, bird feeding, picnic area and café. Also, there are two small bodies of water at this park, with one being home to grass snakes and the other home to moorhens, mallards, and the occasional grey heron. Nowton Park is also a great place to go to look at daffodils in the spring (Image: Charlotte Bond) Where: Malting Ln, Clare, Sudbury CO10 8NW This park has a café, Victorian railway buildings, the remains of a castle keep on a 60ft high motte overlooking the town, children's play areas, trails, rivers and ponds. It is also a starting point for a number of different walks from 1 to 8.5 miles and cycle routes, including the Clare town trail. You can also go on a dog walk here as dogs are welcome in the park and can even stop off at the café after as it is dog-friendly. Clare Castle Country Park is perfect for a dog walk (Image: Newsquest) Where: 33 Bolton Ln, Ipswich IP4 2BX Christchurch Park was the first public park in Ipswich, opening in 1895 and extends over 33 hectares of picturesque grounds right in the heart of the town. This park includes a children's play area, tennis courts, table tennis table, refreshment kiosks and Christchurch mansion, gift shop and tea room. It also hosts many events and activities all year round like Ipswich Music Day, the 11th Ipswich Scout Group's Firework Display and the Remembrance Day ceremony. Christchurch Park was the first public park in Ipswich (Image: Newsquest) Where: 22 Mustow St, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1XL Abbey Gardens has a children's play area, sensory garden, water garden, a herb garden and a wildlife feeding area. Also, there is a small aviary to see a variety of birds and two tennis courts are available but it is £5.75 per court, per hour. (Image: Newsquest) If you fancy a bite to eat there is a refreshment kiosk and if you want to buy plants and gifts there is a Shabby Shack Trading shop.
