The One Big Multicultural Festival in Ipswich has celebrated its biggest ever turnout, with more than 8,000 people gathering in Alexandra Park for a day of music, food and cultural activities.
Organised by BSC Multicultural Services and Ipswich Borough Council, the annual festival is designed to bring communities together in a free, family-friendly event. This year marked the 13th edition, with organisers saying it was the strongest line-up yet.
Festival lead Steve Favell, a long-standing volunteer with the charity, said the event had grown not only in scale but also in variety. “As well as a great line-up of live entertainment from many different countries we also have, 40 stall holders, many different types of food being offered from around the globe. Plus, this year we are planning a special Health Corner where you will be able to access free health advice.”
The new feature included services such as free ear checks from All About Hearing, skin blemish checks from Cancer Support Suffolk and general wellbeing guidance from the NHS Bee Well Bus.
On stage, audiences were treated to performances from across the world, with Kenyan-born Ipswich resident Nazneen Molu among those entertaining the crowds. Her singing, paired with traditional dress, added colour and vibrancy to the afternoon.
BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Wayne Bavin, who hosted the day, said: “I’ve been supporting this event since 2015. It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family and to look out from the enormous stage and see everyone enjoying themselves in the sunshine, is just great. Food and music are something we can all enjoy regardless of our nationality or faith.”
The entertainment was complemented by side stalls, crafts, and interactive activities. Families enjoyed a children’s funfair, face painting and henna art, while sports fans had the chance to take part in cricket, football and Kabaddi – a traditional Indian team sport which combines strength, speed and strategy in a form closely resembling an intensified version of ‘Tag’.
Community voices highlighted the importance of the festival’s message. 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.”
Visitors echoed the sentiment. Winston Brown, attending 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.”
Local leaders also spoke about the value of bringing people together. Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, described the event as one of the highlights of the town’s cultural calendar. “I believe the diverse communities in our town help make it a great place to live, work, visit and enjoy, and this festival is an opportunity for all of us to come together to celebrate everything that’s good about Ipswich,” he said.
The importance of integration and shared experiences was underlined by Gulshan Kayembe, High Sheriff of Suffolk, who told the crowd: “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.”
Stallholder Naadirah Rahim, who offered henna tattoos, said the day reflected the inclusivity at the heart of the festival: “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.”
Despite concerns over the weather in the lead-up to the event, the afternoon passed without rain, allowing the festival to continue uninterrupted.
With Alexandra Park filled with food, music and activity from midday until evening, organisers said the turnout showed the continuing appetite for events that celebrate the town’s diversity.
The One Big Multicultural Festival in Ipswich looks set to remain a fixture of the calendar for years to come.
