What a summer we’ve got for you!

Thousands of people are expected to descend on Ipswich over the next three weeks as the town’s huge cultural festival, IP-Art, gets into full swing.

Tourism and business chiefs are hoping the event – which includes a weekend of music featuring chart-topping stars such as Jessie J, McBusted, Jason Derulo and Rizzle Kicks – will be a huge boost to the local economy and showcase the very best of the town.

Cinema, theatre, comedy, art, dance and vintage markets are also all part of the cultural bonanza.

Bryony Rudkin, Ipswich Borough Council’s culture portfolio-holder, said there was “something for everyone” at the festival.

“Everyone reads about the great festivals like Glastonbury and Latitude but IP-Art is people’s festival at home.

“We do know when visitors come to the town they spend money and people who live here also spend money.

“We are working to improve our understanding of that year on year. People do come out and it’s great for the shops, traders and businesses in the town.

“It’s a great summer opportunity, it’s a fantastic chance to showcase the town.”

Yesterday 1,000 fundraisers attempted a world record attempt for the largest gathering of fairies in one place at the Cornhill.

Meanwhile, on Saturday Suffolk Pride’s parade and festival took hold of the Waterfront.

Looking ahead, Wednesday will see a different take on the classic children’s book Peter Pan with a production outside Christchurch Mansion from 6.30pm.

On Saturday, Chantry Park will be swamped with teenagers trying to catch a glimpse of some of the biggest chart-topping pop acts at the two-day East Coast Live festival.

Jessie J, Katy B, Rizzle Kicks, The Saturdays, Union J and Jason Derulo will all perform on Saturday starting from noon.

On Sunday’s bill are McBusted, Backstreet Boys, Scouting for Girls and Five.

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said IP-Art it was the “cornerstone” of the town’s cultural offering.

“I look forward to it every year and I hope as many people as possible come along to enjoy them,” he said.

“There are lots of exciting things going on Ipswich, and I think the town has some of the best public parks in the country, so it is great they are being put to good use.

“The challenge now is to fill the other weekends of the year, but we are making progress with this.”

Paul Clement, chief executive of the promotional group Ipswich Central, said events like IP-Art were effective in bringing shoppers in to towns.

“The difference that town centres have compared to online ways off shopping is events and promotions and Ipswich is exceptionally strong in that regard.”

Go to our IP-Art section to find out more about the festival.