IP-ART 2008 is to be launched tomorrow heralding a fortnight of colourful arts and cultural events in Ipswich.

IP-ART 2008 is to be launched tomorrow heralding a fortnight of colourful arts and cultural events in Ipswich.

A special bus, painted up with festival colours, will launch the arts fortnight on the Cornhill at 4pm tomorrow and will be greeted by festival organisers and sponsors.

Ip-Art 2008 begins on Saturday June 28 and runs until Sunday July 13, with more than 60 events ranging from poetry and comedy to visual arts and Ipswich Music Day.

Ipswich Borough Councillor Judy Terry, who has responsibility for arts culture and leisure in the town said: “Ip-art is well-established in the town's cultural calendar, bringing an ever broader range of events to even wider audiences.

“The festival offers a chance for people of all ages to take part.

“We are grateful to all our sponsors and supporters, especially our principal sponsor, National Express, who help to promote the festival throughout Essex, Suffolk, and all the way to London.”

More than 200,000 visitors are expected at the many festival venues and mayor of Ipswich, David Hale is expected to officially launch the festival.

Andrew Chivers, managing director National Express East Anglia said: “National Express East Anglia is again delighted to sponsor Ip-art. The festival is now an established feature of the Suffolk and East Anglia scene and as the region's train operator we are pleased to be part of its continued success.”

In its sixth year, the Ip-art line-up of events is bigger and better than ever. Festival visitors can look forward to a varied and eclectic mix of music, arts and entertainments, from comedy, dance, literary events and art workshops, plus free family event Ipswich Music Day on July 6.

As always, two open-air film screenings will be held in Christchurch Park, along with the Indian Summer Mela, which draws the festival to a close on July 13.

Visit www.ip-art.com for further details and to book tickets call 01473 433100.

Are you a fan of Ip-Art? Do you go to Ipswich music day? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

The Ipswich Orchestral Society will be in concert to kick off the festival, with soloist Julian Lloyd-Webber. Corn Exchange June 28 7.30pm.

Ipswich Sings - a musical extravaganza with Ipswich Festival Orchestra in the centre of Ipswich where anyone can take part. Ipswich Cornhill, June 29. For more information phone 07927 429284.

Ipswich Music Day. Six separate stages showcasing music from jazz, soul and blues to classical and rock, in Christchurch Park, Sunday July 6.

The theme for this year's festival is 'colour'. Visitors will be able to savour a true colour experience as they walk through tubes of colour in the 'Colour Dome'. Monday June 30, Cornhill.

A demonstration of chainsaw sculpture in Christchurch park on July 3 and 4.

Heartbreak Productions are performing a magical version of A Midsummer Night's Dream in the open air of Christchurch Mansion Lawn Wednesday July 2.

“Ghost”, Friday July 11 and Dirty Dancing Saturday July 12 will be featured in the open air screenings at Christchurch park.

The children's literature day kicks off the festival on Saturday June 28 at St Joseph's College, where five well known children's authors read their works out loud.

A literary lunch with Libby Purves Sunday June 29, Admiral's House, 13 Tower Street.