WITH different sounds blasting out across Christchurch Park, thousands of revellers sang and danced their way through one of the biggest festivals in the region.

WITH different sounds blasting out across Christchurch Park, thousands of revellers sang and danced their way through one of the biggest festivals in the region.

More than 30,000 people enjoyed sets from around 30 bands who performed across eight stages yesterday as Ipswich's 18th Music Day got into full swing.

Organised as part of the Ip-Art festival, the annual event is thought to be the biggest one-day free music event in the east of England.

The event, sponsored by the Evening Star, the Co-op and National Express, proved to be a big hit with those enjoying the music in the bright sunshine.

A variety of stages kept people entertained with the popular Evening Star stage drawing in the crowds and featuring local bands, Man from Remo and Hayze.

Tony Woollard, from Ipswich, said: “It is fantastic. There are bands here playing every type of music so there is something for everyone.

“We are really enjoying the day, hearing new music and of course the weather has helped.”

And Kris Hodgson, also from Ipswich, said his favourite bands included Skin the Fish, who performed on the Town 102fm stage, and Back Porch Band, who he said were “fantastic”.

One festival lover, who had travelled all the way from Shrewsbury, said it had been worth the journey.

Joe Szpalek, who was visiting friends in the town, said: “I am really enjoying what I have heard so far. The Outlines were particularly good.”

Such is the diverse and energetic nature of Ipswich's expanding music scene that event organisers said they had more than 300 applications from bands, both local and from further afield, to play on the day.

James Young, event manager, said over the five years he has been responsible for organising Ipswich Music Day he has seen it grow and develop, “getting bigger and better.”

“It has been fantastic,” he said. “The turnout has been great and the weather has held out too.

“It is great to see so many people enjoying themselves. We have really moved music day on over the years.”

Give us your verdict on Music Day - write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk