Thousands of people are taking advantage of the warm weather to descend on Ipswich’s Christchurch Park for one of the biggest events in the town’s summer calendar.

Now in its 26th year Ipswich Music Day, the UK’s largest free music event, has seen more than 50 unsigned acts take to the festival’s six stages, playing to crowds throughout the afternoon.

J.S & The Lockerbillies, fresh from their debut at Glastonbury, performed on the BBC Suffolk Stage at around 2pm.

Frontman Josh Locke said ahead of their performance: “It’s such a great way to get all the different people together that you’ve played for before, when you see people meeting each other who may never have met and your music is helping that, it’s a special feeling.”

Volunteers from a host of charities and local organisations, including Alzheimer’s UK, St Elizabeth Hospice, UCS and Suffolk New College are also there.

Tim Hetherington, a photography tutor at Suffolk New College, said: “It’s started to pick up as the day has gone on.

“There’s easily thousands of people here now, and the bands, stalls and everyone has been great at keeping everyone entertained.”

Revellers of all ages are currently camped out on the grass, listening to a range of new bands and singers.

Student Jade Marsh, 16, was at the festival earlier today with her friends Emma Garrard and Lily Cracknell, also 16.

“It’s lovely to see people out and about. I’ve not seen the park this full for a while and it’s great to see everyone,” said Miss Marsh.

“Although we’ve only just got here, we’ve seen quite a few people we know already. It’s got a good atmosphere and we’re looking forward to seeing the bands play.”

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