Food from across the world, sporting activities and live music will be just some of the attractions later this month as one of Ipswich’s biggest free events returns.
Preparation is now well under way for the 1 Big Multicultural Festival in Alexandra Park later this month, which will include performances from countries including Bangladesh, India, Portugal, South Africa and Britain.
The popular event, supported by the Ipswich Star, regularly attracts thousands of people and the organisers of this year’s extravaganza are upbeat after more than 7,000 people attended last year.
Boshor Ali, chairman of the Bangladeshi Support Centre, which organises the festival, said: “We have nationally renowned artists coming to Ipswich. This is a family event, and all are welcome.”
Other attractions at this year’s event are a five-a-side football tournament, south Asian wrestling, activities for children, a market and a heritage exhibition.
One of the music acts to perform will be Kudaushe Matimba’s Harare, who will play their brand of Zimbabwean urban music live.
Another headline act will be Lokkhi Terra, who have been described as “a sort of Afro-Cuban thing with Bangladeshi origins”.
Acclaimed British-Asian MC, rapper, music producer and sound engineer TaZzZ from East London will also take to the stage.
The popular festival has grown since it was first launched and has been praised by people in Suffolk and across the country.
Former foreign office minister Baroness Warsi said: “Events like this give us an opportunity to remind us all of what binds our community together and exemplifies the fact that Britain is a diverse and tolerant society. The various communities – those with deep roots and new arrivals have all enriched our cultural and social life immeasurably.”
The festival will take place on Sunday, August 31, at Alexandra Park between noon and 6pm.
For more information or to book stalls, please contact the support centre on 01473 400081 or send an email to shayra.begum@bscentre.org.uk. Alternatively, you can visit www.bscentre.org.uk
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