When the Radio 1 Roadshow came to Christchurch Park on May Day, 1996 there were thousands of music fans lining the barriers all jostling for a clear view of the popular DJs and bands.

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

In 1996 both mark Morrison and 911 performed for the 3,000-strong crowd, as well as Truce, Mary Kiani and Benz.

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

The free roadshow was an annual fixture in the music calendar between 1973 and 1999, with the event growing to more 50 dates in the latter years.

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

Most roadshows were held in coastal towns but it made several visits to Ipswich, with two trucks reversing tail-to-tail to create a huge stage frontage for the DJs and musical acts.

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

Originally, the vans would park up on the Cornhill in Ipswich but as the event grew, the decision was taken to relocate to Christchurch Park.

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

In 1996, the roadshow was hosted by popular BBC presenter, Lisa I’Anson, who entertained crowds and included members of the public in games and competitions on stage.

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

Do you remember attending in 1996? Let us know if you recognise yourself amongst the thousands of people.

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

The final old-style Roadshow was held at Heaton Park, Manchester in 1999. As part of reforms to the station, the Radio 1 Roadshow was axed in 2000 in favour of a series of one-day pop concerts, called One Big Sunday.

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

The station now hosts a single two-day event each year - Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: 911 perform at the Roadshow event911 perform at the Roadshow event (Image: Archant)

Let us know if you have any memorable moments from this Radio 1 Roadshow or any of the others that visited f.

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