Ipswich's packed music weekend started with a celebration of cultures at the Global Rhythm and Ipswich Jazz Festival.

The free event took place on Saturday in the beautiful surroundings of Christchurch Park and honoured music and culture from across the world.

Ipswich Star: Global Rhythm Festival 2022Global Rhythm Festival 2022 (Image: Sophie Debenham)

Ipswich Star: Global Rhythm Festival 2022Global Rhythm Festival 2022 (Image: Sophie Debenham)

Five festival stages hosted more than 30 artists, including saxophonist Tony Kofi with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, trumpeter Laura Jurd’s band Dinosaur, blues players the Cadillac Kings, Ma Bessie and her Blues Troupe, The Bollywood Brass Band, fusion band Roots 8, Dawg E. Slaughter, Lion I and Afrikan Boy.

Ipswich Star: Global Rhythm Festival 2022Global Rhythm Festival 2022 (Image: Sophie Debenham)

Ipswich Star: Global Rhythm Festival 2022Global Rhythm Festival 2022 (Image: Sophie Debenham)

Global Rhythm and Ipswich Jazz Festival were a part of the Ipswich Music Weekend that includes Ipswich Music Day, which takes place on Sunday, July 3.

Ipswich Star: Global Rhythm Festival 2022Global Rhythm Festival 2022 (Image: Sophie Debenham)

The festival included a full programme of workshops throughout the day, where participants could experience music, dance and culture, as well as meet some of the fantastic artists that will perform at the festival.

Ipswich Star: Global Rhythm Festival 2022Global Rhythm Festival 2022 (Image: Sophie Debenham)

Ipswich Star: Global Rhythm Festival 2022Global Rhythm Festival 2022 (Image: Sophie Debenham)

Ipswich Star: Global Rhythm Festival 2022Global Rhythm Festival 2022 (Image: Sophie Debenham)

Ipswich Star: Global Rhythm Festival 2022Global Rhythm Festival 2022 (Image: Sophie Debenham)