Perfect spring weather finally arrived in Ipswich for the town’s May Day festival which brought out the crowds to Alexandra Park on Sunday afternoon.

Bright sunshine, and the hint of a warm breeze were unfamiliar features for most of the crowds who flocked for an afternoon of music, sport and other events.

The event is organised by the Ipswich and District Trades Union Council and there was a big turnout of people from the Labour movement.

But the good weather also encouraged those who were just looking for a good afternoon out on a bank holiday weekend.

Event organiser Teresa Mackay said the event was important because it showed the diversity of the community.

She said: “We are pleased to have a big crowd here. It is good to show people that we stand against racism – whether it’s against the Jewish community, the Islamic community or just against refugees and migrants in general.”

As well as the fun side of the festival there were also trades union and legal advice stalls and a number of political speakers – although Norwich Labour MP Clive Lewis who had originally been due to attend was unable to make the event.

For many of those at the event, it was a day of relaxation before they got back to work preparing for Thursday’s local elections in Ipswich and poll for the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk.