This summer is not going to be short of family friendly events happening in and around Suffolk’s county town, but do you remember when the Ipswich Arts Festival took over the Cornhill in 1983?

Ipswich Star: Entertainment for all ages was on offer during the Ipswich Arts Festival in 1983Entertainment for all ages was on offer during the Ipswich Arts Festival in 1983 (Image: Archant)

Open air performances were one of the main attractions at the festival, with performers showcasing their talents outside the town hall, interacting with their audience in a way that is more limited in a theatre.

Ipswich Star: Entertainment for all ages was on offer during the Ipswich Arts Festival in 1983Entertainment for all ages was on offer during the Ipswich Arts Festival in 1983 (Image: Archant)

But getting close to the action brings with it its own perils, with some viewers finding themselves spontaneously part of the act.

Ipswich Star: The event attracted people to the town centreThe event attracted people to the town centre (Image: Archant)

Hundreds of people would gather in the town centre to enjoy the entertainment.

Ipswich Star: Entertainment for all ages was on offer during the Ipswich Arts Festival in 1983Entertainment for all ages was on offer during the Ipswich Arts Festival in 1983 (Image: Archant)

Other features at the arts festival included live music, with musicians taking the time to perform their craft.

Ipswich Star: Entertainment for all ages was on offer during the Ipswich Arts Festival in 1983Entertainment for all ages was on offer during the Ipswich Arts Festival in 1983 (Image: Archant)

A large number of market stalls also pitched up for the event.

Ipswich Star: Entertainment for all ages was on offer during the Ipswich Arts Festival in 1983Entertainment for all ages was on offer during the Ipswich Arts Festival in 1983 (Image: Archant)

Did you go to or perform at the Ipswich Arts Festival in 1983?

To share your memories of the event, email our picture desk.