Organisers of Ipswich’s One Big Multicultural Festival are hoping for bumper crowds at this year’s event which is taking place on the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The festival will bring music and celebrations to Alexandra Park from throughout the world as diverse communities in Ipswich come together for a day of celebration,

It is the seventh festival – but the first to be held on the bank holiday weekend.

Organised by the town’s Bangladeshi Support Centre, it has grown and now reflects the culture of many of the recently-established communities in the town.

The first of the day’s acts has just been announced.

Nii Okai Tagoe’s West to West will be one of the live acts performing on stage on the day. This band is planning to bring a fresh new sound to the stage at Alexandra Park in Ipswich with music deeply rooted in African rhythm and melody.

Nii says of his music “It reflects an extensive international journey, from haunting Celtic violin and rockers reggae, to Welsh harp, balafon and sensational African rhythms.”

As well as being creative director of his Pan African Drumming and Dance Ensemble Frititi, currently Nii is lead singer with Osibisa, having worked with African Headcharge, Lorraine Ayensu and Konkoma.

He said: “This music is like nothing you’ve heard before; it will uplift, inspire and make you dance!” The community workshop is designed to bring people of all ages and cultures together to share views on history, philosophy and spirituality in celebrating connections through music and dance.

Entrance to the park is free with entertainment on stage from noon. It usually attracts more than 8,000 visitors.

There will also be world food stalls, a market bazaar, a five-a-side football tournament as well as the traditional Kabaddi demonstrated – the national game of Bangladesh.

Boshor Ali, Chairman of The Bangladeshi Support Centre (BSC) said: “We are also planning to have a funfair so plenty to entertain there on the day for the whole family to enjoy plus some delicious food to try from all around the world so we hope plenty of people will come along with their families and really embrace the spirit of the day.”