GALLERY Ipswich's Bangladeshi Support Centre celebrated its annual community day with more than 400 people of varying racial and cultural backgrounds.

IPSWICH'S Bangladeshi Support Centre celebrated its annual community day with more than 400 people of varying racial and cultural backgrounds.

The New Wolsey Theatre was awash with colour and bursting with excitement as yesterday's afternoon of entertainment and commemoration got under way.

The community day has been a fixture in the calendar for the last ten years and is designed to raise awareness of Bangladeshi culture and traditions.

The gathering crowd were treated to some classical Bangladeshi dance and performance and there was even time for a thrilling martial arts display.

Mahbub Alam Shamin, from the Bangladeshi Support Centre, said: “This is our fourth year at the New Wolsey and, yet again, it has been a great event.

“It's all about getting together and engaging with other communities. Over the years it has increased in popularity and we hope to make it even bigger next time.”

Certificates were handed out to graduates of a number of courses offered by the support centre including health and safety, food hygiene and IT.

Mojlum Khan, who hosted the celebration, said: “Our work is intended to promote employability skills in the community.

“We want to thank the New Wolsey for inviting us here again, as well as our founders and the Bangladeshi community as a whole.”

New mayor David Hale was there to enjoy the programme of displays and presentations along with Ipswich MP, Chris Mole, and Ipswich Borough Council leader, Liz Harsant.

To see a gallery of photos from the Bangladeshi Community Day, visit www.eveningstar.co.uk.