BEAUTIFUL weather, brilliant bands and some of the best food and drink in the county came together in perfect harmony to make Ipswich’s 20th annual Music Day a roaring success.

Thousands travelled from all over the county to Christchurch Park, in Ipswich, to sample the delights of the day-long festival, the highlight of the fortnight-long Ip-Art extravaganza.

And they were certainly not disappointed as a chilled-out atmosphere belied the numerous events and activities on offer for people of all ages.

There was music to suit every taste and era, from the Ipswich Youth Steel Band and Ipswich Community Gospel Choir, to Sudbury metal band Never a Hero and new folk group Crumbs of Comfort, who hail from the Suffolk coast.

But as well as choosing from seven different music stages and three classical music venues, revellers also had a host of other fun activities to fill the day, with art-taster sessions from Ipswich’s Waterfront Arts Studio, and games offered by charity stalls including Guide Dogs for the Blind and Camille’s Appeal.

There was also plenty on offer for youngsters with dozens of fairground rides, including everything from traditional merry-go-rounds and hoop-the-duck stalls, to a space-age rocket simulator and roller coasters.

Local food and drink also had a good showing, with plenty of families enjoying picnics in the park or making the most of the many stalls serving delicious cider, sausages, burgers and other Suffolk produce.

Linda Thoburn, of Sidegate Lane, Ipswich, has attended the festival every year since it began.

“It’s been great so far, and the weather has been very accommodating,” she said.

“We come every year – we would have to be out of the country not to come – because we really enjoy live music and we get to see friends who we haven’t seen for ages.

“It’s a great atmosphere.”