PREPARATIONS for a summer of music got into full swing today with the official launch of the 11th Ipswich Music Day. This year's event takes place on Sunday July 7, once again in the setting of Christchurch Park.

PREPARATIONS for a summer of music got into full swing today with the official launch of the 11th Ipswich Music Day.

This year's event takes place on Sunday July 7, once again in the setting of Christchurch Park.

Ipswich Music Day began in 1991 as Ipswich Borough Council's contribution to the celebration of National Music Day.

"The national event was conceived by Mick Jagger," said Rosie Howard, of Ipswich Entertainments.

"Eleven years on, and Ipswich is one of only two towns in the country who still continue their event."

Each year the popular occasion gets bigger and better and this year's event is billed as East Anglia's largest one-day music festival.

Ipswich council organises the event, and planning for this year's festival began as soon as last year's was over. A panel of musicians and members of the council had the unenviable task of sifting through thousands of CDs and applications, to decide who would feature this year.

One of the things that makes the day special is the range of music on offer. This year there will be seven different stages, with music from Rock, Blues, Big Band and Country to Dance, World, Jazz and Classical. There will even be a performance from Ipswich's Orchestra in Residence, the City of London Sinfonia.

As in previous years, the Evening Star is sponsoring one of the stages, which will host eight bands, including the Debs Warren Band and Dawn Parade.

The day runs from 12 noon to 8pm and admission is free.

As well as the non-stop music, the festival offers refreshments, stalls and children's rides, to make the day an event for all the family.