URBAN music, classic cars and an international football tournament were all part of the bank holiday celebrations in Ipswich.

Elliot Furniss

URBAN music, classic cars and an international football tournament were all part of the bank holiday celebrations in Ipswich.

The 39th annual Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run was held yesterday with more than 550 classic cars, vans, busses and motorbikes making the journey as part of a mighty convoy.

The run began in Christchurch Park at 11.30am and ended along Felixstowe Promenade during the afternoon.

As always, the procession of well-preserved vehicles, the oldest being an 1897 Leon Bollee car, was welcomed along the way by crowds of spectators.

Peter Bannister, a member of the organising team, said the free event remained hugely popular and was the biggest of its kind in the region.

He said: “We had a lot more interest than normal and many more people in Christchurch Park and at Felixstowe - it all went very well.

“We had a very good day and thanks to everybody who helped us on the run - the vehicles are the stars but the owners are very important as they bring them all along.

“A couple of cars broke down on the way down their but they got going again and made it to Felixstowe.”

One of those taking part was Dale Richards, from Stowmarket, who was behind the wheel of his yellow 1961 Ford Consul Classic.

He said: “We came last year - it's always a lovely day. There's nothing like a classic car - the style and the look of them.

“You can't tell the difference between them all these days. The Run is great fun, with people lining the streets all the way there.”

Meanwhile, in another of Ipswich's parks, thousands of people were enjoying the May Day Festival 2009, organised by the Ipswich and District TUC.

With musical entertainment, an array of food stalls and dozens of charity and trade union stands, the free festival, which has been running for more than 30 years, offered something for everyone.

Organiser Roger Mackay, also district TUC president, said: “It's very well supported by the local community and there's always a friendly atmosphere.

“We've got a great football competition with three Kurdish teams and two Bangladeshi sides - you won't get that anywhere else in the county with that mix of players together.

“All ages, all classes, all races and they all mix together - it's something we always hope to achieve.”

Among the stallholders at Alexandra Park was Pam Littlejohn, co-ordinator of the Waterfront Community Centre.

She said the festival was a great opportunity to attract new members and promote the centre's activities.

She said: “It's a lovely atmosphere. It brings the people of Ipswich together from all different backgrounds. There's thousands here - it's just a brilliant day and it's free, that's the main thing.”