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Thousands gather at Christchurch Park for Ipswich Music Day 2017
Visitors to the annual Ipswich Music Day enjoy a performance by Pop Gun on the BBC stage. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
The summer sunshine has been beaming down on another packed Ipswich Music Day at Christchurch Park, as thousands have gathered for a celebration of Suffolk’s finest musicians.
The annual event, now in its 27th year, features more than 60 bands gracing nine stages, all being lapped up by more than 35,000 eager park-visitors.
Great weather and superb music were enjoyed by the crowds. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
As well as the music, local food and drink stalls were open as well as fairground rides and inflatable challenges to help seal the day as one of the fixtures on the Ipswich event calendar and the biggest free music festival in the country.
Visitors enjoying Ipswich Music Day. Picture by ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
Mark Whiting, operations manager for commercial development at Ipswich Borough Council, said: “It’s been fantastic, the weather has been so good.
Bands enjoyed plenty of support. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
“We have had people coming in right from the start and all the stages have been well attended.
Florado perform on the Ed Sheeran stage. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
“We are really proud of the fact it is the biggest free music festival in the country, and we look to heavily promote that because it is something we are really proud of – it clearly means something for the people of Ipswich.”
More than 35,000 people attended. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
The day comes off the back of a successful open air cinema day which ended up attracting more people than expected, and kicks off a packed summer schedule which features the Global Rhythms and Indian Mela celebrations, as well as the Maritime Festival.
It was the the 27th year the event has taken place - the biggest free music festival in the country. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
Following the events in Manchester, security had been upped for the gig which caused some queues early on, but the borough council staff said it was vital people felt comfortable and safe.
Two year old Connie Oliver and mum Sarah enjoy a ride at the fairground . Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
Rosalynn English, 37, who attended with partner Paul said: “It’s such an amazing event that is put on for free for the people of Ipswich, it is really nice. We are so lucky to have that so we come every year.”
Crowds dance to the music. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
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Tom Lehkyj, 26, added: “It’s a nice day with good music, you get to see up and coming bands and some that have been going for a while, it’s about having a family day out.”
Ipswich Music Day 2017. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
Martin Webb, who was helping run the Grapevine Stage, said he hoped it could help bring more people into gigs in the town centre to support live music.
The Ed Sheeran stage. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
“You look around and look at all the bands and what is going on and it is a great reflection on the local music scene,” he added.
Florado perform. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
“Now we want all of these people to come out twice a month and enjoy these musicians, and support our live music scene.”
Ipswich Music Day 2017 Pop Gun perform on the BBC stage Picture by ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
People brough picnics to enjoy the sun and music. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
A young visitor to the music day enjoys one of the bands on stage. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
Music day goers enjoy a performance by Hot Tramp on the BBC stage. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
Music day goers watch a band on the Town 102 stage. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
All the fun of the fair for 8 year old Oliver Bradshaw and mum Emily Collisan on the dodgems . Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
10 year old Eliana Phillips hooks herself a duck at the fairground . Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING - Credit: Ashley Pickering
