As we count down to Ipswich Music Day taking over Christchurch Park this Sunday, 5 July, Ipswich Entertains is giving event goers all the information they need to get ready to enjoy the UK’s largest free one-day festival.
Running from 12pm – 8pm, there will be a lineup of over 60 artists and musicians playing live throughout the day and performing across six stages, along with fairground rides for children and adults, street food, and a marketplace featuring a vibrant mix of vendors in the park.
The Bowl Stage sponsored by BBC Suffolk, near to the Henley Road entrance will, among other talented artists, feature BBC Introducing Artists.
The Crossroad Stage, sponsored by Costa Coffee, close to the Westerfield entrance of the park is highlighting rock and indie music.
The Rise Stage sponsored by Suffolk Sound, next to the playground, for crowd-pleasing pop music.
Pond Stage in the heart of the park will present indie, rap, R&B and DJs as well as hosting the winner of Suffolk One’s Battle of the Bands competition.
The Mansion Stage, sponsored by Grapevine, next to the marketplace will feature acoustic and jazz artists and soul singing groups.
In addition to five stages of local music artists, this year’s Indian Summer Mela will be part of Ipswich Music Day, This rich and colourful celebration of Indian culture will include live entertainment on a fully programmed Mela Stage, as well as workshops, demonstrations, and authentic Indian street food.
View the full lineup to see set times for each of the six stages at: Ipswich Music Day | Christchurch Park
Ipswich Arts Association events
At the IAA Stages of Ipswich Music Day, audiences can enjoy an exceptionally wide range of music genres and performance styles across four indoor venues close to Christchurch Park: The Ipswich Masonic Hall, St Margaret's Church, Bethesda Baptist Church, and the Lower Tudor Room at Christchurch Mansion.
The IAA Stages showcase everything from classical, choral and brass band music to jazz, folk, pop, rock, musical theatre, acoustic performances and poetry readings.
Full details of venues and times, performers and their musical programmes for the afternoon at: Ipswich Music Day - IAA Stages - Ipswich Arts Association
Parking
We’re encouraging people to walk or travel by bus or train to this busy event.
Only Blue Badge Blue holders’ vehicles will be allowed on site and can park for free from 12pm – 8pm. This will be accessible via the Park Road entrance at the top of Christchurch Park.
For other visitors travelling by car to Ipswich Music Day, the organisers recommend parking at Ipswich Borough Council car parks around town.: Car park locations and tariffs | ipswich.gov.uk
Find your way in Christchurch Park
Maps can be downloaded from the Ipswich Entertains website Ipswich Music Day | Christchurch Park helping festivalgoers find their way during the event.
Food and drink
- Street food vendors will be available throughout the park and visitors can also bring their own food into the park.
- Disposable BBQs are not permitted in the park.
- Limited quantities of alcohol for personal consumption are permitted - excessive amounts will not be permitted on site. Several bars serving a range of refreshments and drinks will be available throughout the festival.
- Glass, including glass bottles or containers, is not permitted on site.
Litter
Visitors are reminded to make use of the appropriate recycling bins that will be available throughout the park or take their litter home with them.
Beat the heat
With very hot, sunny weather forecast to return this weekend, reaching temperatures up to 29oC in Ipswich on Sunday, festivalgoers are advised to follow Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK advice, including:
- Seek shade - try to stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest, to limit exposure to the sun
- Cover up with suitable loose, light-coloured clothing
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or other head covering, and sunglasses
- Apply sunscreen liberally and re-apply frequently
- Stay hydrated by increasing water intake