Ipswich will celebrate its rich and diverse mix of cultures next month as the One Big Multicultural Festival returns in its seventh year.

Ipswich Star: Launch of Multicultural Festival 2017 in Alexandra Park, Ipswich. Picture: GREGG BROWN.Launch of Multicultural Festival 2017 in Alexandra Park, Ipswich. Picture: GREGG BROWN.

The free event, at Alexandra Park, kicks off from 12pm on Sunday, August 27.

The park will be packed with entertainment, from African dancing to Bangladeshi singing groups - with a feast of delicious foods from across the globe.

Shayra Begum, project coordinator, said: “The whole world is coming.

“The main focus will be the performers, music and dance from different parts of the world.

Ipswich Star: Launch of Multicultural Festival 2017 in Alexandra Park, Ipswich. Picture: GREGG BROWN.Launch of Multicultural Festival 2017 in Alexandra Park, Ipswich. Picture: GREGG BROWN.

“We also have a range of sports, five-a-side and kabaddi.

“It is about integrating people and getting all communities to understand each other.

“It is about coming together and having fun with music, sports and food.”

Councillor Roger Fern said: “The great thing about Suffolk and Ipswich in particular is that we share our similarities as well as celebrating our differences.”

The festival is being organised by the Ipswich and Suffolk Bangladeshi Support Centre in partnership with the Arts Council, the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star, Ipswich Borough Council and BBC Radio Suffolk.

The festival is offering free stalls to communities who wish to promote their culture.

Fore more information on stalls, sponsorship and what is happening on the big day see here.