CROWDS turned out in force yesterday despite the occasional shower for the annual Ipswich Music Day.

CROWDS turned out in force yesterday despite the occasional shower for the annual Ipswich Music Day.

Held in Ipswich's Christchurch Park, bands from across the county took to the event's stages and performing a variety of music.

And from reggae to musicals to rock to classical, every musical taste was catered for.

Julie Gatt, of Bixley Drive, Ipswich, said: “I come to the music a day every year. It's a great atmosphere and there is a lot to see. I like the variety of music and the BBC Radio Suffolk Stage it always popular, they get some great bands here.”

Vera Rogers, secretary of Ipswich Arts Association, said: “We bring classical music to Ipswich Music day every year.”

Bands among those booked by organisers included Ipswich band Rosalita, The Orwell Singers, The Unremarkables, Texas Thunder, Kudos and Whisky Chaser.

The performers included 60 youngsters from the Co-op Juniors performed selections form their latest production High School Musical.

Elsewhere in the park poetry fans were treated to a selection of work in the poetry tent hosted by Diki Mols.

Ipswich poet Wayne Cool, 34, of Pleasant Row, said: “I come to the music day every year to see what's going on. I get a lot of my inspiration for my poetry from the beauty of Britain and what's around me.

“Today I've been reciting poetry about my experiences and things that have happened to me.”

Karen Wilding, whose daughter Charlotte, 11, and son Reece, 8, were among the performers, said: “The Juniors love performing to a big crowd. Today is a chance for them to show people what they've been up to.”