Multicultural festival sees biggest ever crowd

Winston Brown (centre) attended with his family and said the event was blessed with good weather

A festival celebrating a town's multicultural community has seen its biggest ever attendance.

Organisers of the One Big Multicultural Festival in Ipswich said more than 8,000 people visited Alexandra Park on Sunday afternoon.

It was the 13th time the event had been held, and included music, dancing and crafts.

One of the organisers Boshor Ali said: "Everybody's seeing how important it is to unite our communities, and everyone in Ipswich is looking out for one another."

Festival favourites JS and the Lockabillies performed on the stage, along with a reggae choir, Bollywood dancing and the local Pop Chorus choir

Winston Brown, who attended with his family, said: "It is so beautiful to be here.

"I believe we are all of one God, and he's given us a great day."

Naadirah Rahim, who was giving people henna tattoos, said: "I've had a mix of race, a mix of gender, a mix of age, henna's really for everyone because you can pick whatever design you want.

"Events like this are really important because it brings everyone together. You don't have to be from a specific culture or background, you can just come and enjoy the music."

Naadirah Rahim gave henna tattoos Inside a large marquee, alongside other stalls and displays

The festival is organised by BSC Multicultural Services and Ipswich Borough Council.

People spoke on stage about the need for unity and the value different communities bring.

The current High Sheriff of Suffolk, Gulshan Kayembe, said: "The message to everyone is how important it is that we have events like this so we can integrate, get to know each other.

"That process of coming together is so key in today's world where there are forces trying to rip us apart."

Boshor Ali said he had a sleepless night worrying about the weather, but the afternoon passed without any rain

The festival is held in Alexandra Park near the centre of Ipswich