RAIN didn't dampen the spirits of the crowds that turned out in force for Ipswich music day.

James Marston

RAIN didn't dampen the spirits of the crowds that turned out in force for Ipswich music day.

Held yesterday in Ipswich's Christchurch Park, the annual event attracted thousands of music lovers keen to listen to the huge variety of acts performing on a number of stages.

As the umbrellas went up, Ipswich-based band URB got the atmosphere going with their brand of reggae on the BBC Radio Suffolk stage.

Elsewhere in the park poetry fans were treated to a selection of work in the poetry tent hosted by Diki Mols.

Ipswich poet Wayne Cool, 34, of Pleasant Row, said: “I come to the music day every year to see what's going on. I get a lot of my inspiration for my poetry from the beauty of Britain and what's around me.

“Today I've been reciting poetry about my experiences and things that have happened to me.”

Ipswich singer Asa Jennings performed six of his songs.

Mr Jennings, 28, of Milton Street, Ipswich, said: “I'm performing all my own stuff. I've been coming to Ipswich Music Day for many years. I used to come and think one day I'll perform here. It's a great opportunity to raise my profile in Ipswich and share my music.

“It's a great atmosphere.”

Bands among those booked by organisers included Ipswich band Rosalita, The Orwell Singers, The Unremarkables, Texas Thunder, Kudos and Whisky Chaser.

Meanwhile backstage at the East of England Co-operative Society 60 youngsters from the Co-op Juniors performed selections form their latest production High School Musical.

Karen Wilding, whose daughter Charlotte, 11, and son Reece, eight, were among the performers, said: “The Juniors love performing to a big crowd. Today is a chance for them to show people what they've been up to.”

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Did you go to Ipswich Music day? What did you think of the event? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk