Positive vibes at seventh 1 Big Multicultural Festival in Ipswich’s Alexandra Park

Families of different beliefs and backgrounds came together for a day of “oneness” filled with entertainment, food and sport in the blazing sunshine of an Ipswich park.

The seventh 1 Big Multicultural Festival, hosted by the Bangladeshi Support Centre, was attended by thousands of people this afternoon.

There was plenty for visitors to enjoy, from games of the traditional Indian sport Kabaddi, to Bollywood dance performances and food stands of delicacies from around the world.

Boshor Ali, chairman of the Bangladeshi Support Centre, said the festival, held at Alexandra Park, got bigger and better every year.

He added: “The whole purpose of this event is to bring communities together, break down barriers and create oneness within our communities.”

Mohammed Alam, one of the organisers, added: “It’s a fantastic day - people from all backgrounds are here enjoying it.”

Tony Earey travelled from Colchester with his partner to attend the event.

He said: “This is our third year here and we just enjoy it.

“It’s a lovely afternoon with good music which you wouldn’t usually hear and it’s a friendly, family day out.”

Pavan Akula said his favourite thing about the day was the weather and the music, adding: “You can clearly see the multi-culture here, which is great.”

James Mullan releases a flock of doves at the start of the festival every year to symbolise peace.

He said: “I think it’s brilliant. The story of the day is we are all the same, no matter what colour we are.

“It brings people together. There’s enough divide in the world.”

Lisa Evans attended the festival for the first time this year and took along her husband and two children, aged four and seven.

She said: “We have come to have a look and it’s been really good. It’s nice to see communities together.”

Bhargavi Guvvala said the festival promoted understanding of different cultures.

Martin, who did not want to give his last name, said: “It’s been a lovely day.

“It’s nice to have a multicultural celebration. We are a country and community of wide cultures so let’s embrace it and enjoy it.

“I think it’s a fantastic opportunity. Anything that gets people into town, spending money and bringing people together can’t be bad.”