A flight of doves drifting off into the night sky marked the start of an evening celebrating the work of a group that has spent a quarter of a century creating "cultural cohesion". 

More than 400 guests attended BSC Multicultural Services 25th anniversary evening at Trinity Park on Sunday. 

With many guests toasting the group's incredible achievements, the night also honoured long-serving volunteers, staff and supporters followed by a meal. 

Ipswich Star: Hundreds gathered for the event at Trinity Park.Hundreds gathered for the event at Trinity Park. (Image: Ashley Pickering Photography)

Ipswich Star: Boshor Ali, chair of the group, shared his pride during the event on Sunday.Boshor Ali, chair of the group, shared his pride during the event on Sunday. (Image: Clarissa Place)

Boshor Ali, chair of BSCMS, said: "We have become one of the most respected community organisations in Suffolk, with thousands of people of different cultures and nationalities benefiting from these projects and advice over the years. 

"BSCMS shows it is possible to come together and make a positive contribution for the common good. 

"The next 25 years will be challenging and full of new opportunities to serve the community and so we look forward to the future with hope and optimism."

Ipswich Star: Treasurer Mahbub Alam Shamim with company secretary Mojlum Khan and chair Boshor Ali.Treasurer Mahbub Alam Shamim with company secretary Mojlum Khan and chair Boshor Ali. (Image: Ashley Pickering Photography)

Speakers including Cllrs John Cook, Sandy Martin and Seamus Bennett, the mayor of Felixstowe, said the work of BSC showed the strength of multiculturalism at its finest. 

Judge Martyn Levett praised the group's service to the community, especially within its work delivering food parcels to those most in need. 

Mojlum Kahn, company secretary, said: "Imagine if Ipswich and Suffolk was a garden and in 1998 a group of enthusiastic gardeners planted a seed. Fast forward 25 years later and that seed has blossomed into a beautiful tree, because the intention behind the seed and its planting was very good. 

"It has made an important difference to Ipswich and Suffolk." 

Ipswich Star: Trustees and staff at BSC Multicultural Services received awards for their dedication over the last 25 years. Trustees and staff at BSC Multicultural Services received awards for their dedication over the last 25 years. (Image: Clarissa Place)

There were performances from UK Bollywood Idol 2022 winner Manoj Nair, Zibah and Steph MacKentyre and Steve Favell.

Ipswich Star: BSC Multicultural Services presented awards during the event.BSC Multicultural Services presented awards during the event. (Image: Clarissa Place)

Ruman Muhith, the first Bangladeshi-origin councillor in Ipswich, recalled how BSCMS helped his parents when he was at school with forms and called on the town to keep supporting the organisation.

He said: "Without them, Ipswich would not be Ipswich and Suffolk would definitely not be Suffolk."