24,500 attend Ipswich Music Day 2023 to Christchurch Park

An estimated 24,500 people enjoyed the annual Ipswich Music Day on Sunday, which is one of the biggest free festivals in the UK.

On six stages around the park, Suffolk artists showcased their talent to thousands, performing cover songs and original tracks.

Amy Allard performing at Ipswich Music Day. Credit: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus (Image: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus)

Thousands attended Ipswich Music Day. Credit: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus (Image: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus)

24,500 people attended the Ipswich Music Day at Christchurch Park. Credit: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus (Image: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus)

One of those in attendance was Ipswich Town manager, Kieran McKenna, who was with his family enjoying the day.

This year marked the 33rd edition of the festival and featured 51 bands and soloists descending on stages, performing a variety of genres, leaving something for everyone to enjoy.

Amongst those included The Joe Keeley Band, whose debut album Blackwood got to number one in the UK album charts for country music in 2020, and Grace Calver, who has seen success with her song releases on Spotify, with thousands of streams.

Adam Thomas performing on the Grapevine Stage. Credit: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus (Image: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus)

51 artists performed throughout the day in Christchurch Park. Credit: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus (Image: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus)

Crowds gathered to watch performances across six stages. Credit: Ipswich Borough Council (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

The event has previously seen Framlingham superstar Ed Sheeran perform there, with a stage now named after him.

Other performers included Ikarus, who came from Thomas Mills High School, the same that produced Sheeran, IndiaRose whose music has proved popular on Spotify, and Adam Thomas, who performed on the Grapevine Stage to a sea of people dancing and singing along with him.

There were many people listening to Adam Thomas perform in the Grapevine Stage. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

Artists from around Suffolk performed on the day. Credit: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus (Image: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus)

Crowds enjoying Ipswich Music Day. Credit: Ipswich Borough Council (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

Sophie Connelly, Ipswich Borough Council portfolio holder for culture and customers, said: "It was a brilliant day, the weather was lovely and around 24,500 people visited to enjoy the event.

"Music Day seems to get bigger, better and more popular with residents and visitors every year.

"It's such a great way to celebrate our local musicians."

Artists from around Suffolk performed on the day. Credit: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus (Image: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus)

Crowds enjoying the day. Credit: Tom Cann (Image: Tom Cann)

Thousands were at Christchurch Park in Ipswich. Credit: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus (Image: Sophie Debenham, Sophsinfocus)