A LARGE crowd is expected to gather at Ipswich's fourth annual Respect Festival at the weekend.There will various activities taking place at the festival on Saturday, including community stalls, art and craft workshops and live music.

A LARGE crowd is expected to gather at Ipswich's fourth annual Respect Festival at the weekend.

There will various activities taking place at the festival on Saturday, including community stalls, art and craft workshops and live music.

There will also be a procession from the town centre to the Suffolk New College, Rope Walk, in time for the start of the festival at 12pm.

Pam Littlejohn, from the Waterfront Community Centre, who is joint co-ordinator of the festival with her daughter Shelly, said: “We are trying to encourage children and young people to meet at 11.30am on Saturday outside Debenhams, Westgate Street.

“The festival is all about celebrating different people's lifestyles and backgrounds, and to celebrate the community of Ipswich.”

Inga Lockington, Mayor of Ipswich, added: “I am proud and happy to support this important event. Ipswich people take a strong stand against racism.”

Admission is free and the festival is expected to last until 6pm.

Jamil's Koh-i-Noor restaurant, due to open later this month in Crown Street, will be providing the food, and are donating all their profits to setting up a new children's club at the Waterfront Community Centre.

What do you think of the idea of having an annual festival? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.