The annual Ipswich Music Day in Christchurch Park is well underway after a wet start to proceedings.

The popular Ip-Art event, which has become a centre-piece of live music in the town, regularly attracts more than 40,000 spectators across the day.

But despite the morning downpours, the weather improved this afternoon as more than 60 performers have come together across nine stages.

Music started at 12pm and continues until around 8pm this evening with a mix of rock, pop, folk, acoustic, choral, world and instrumental groups taking part.

The day also includes poetry performances, food stalls, storytelling, face painting, fairground rides and bouncy castle for the family friendly event.

A spokesman from Ipswich Borough Council which organised the event, said: “Even though the rain was coming down we still got it started and there were people here from the beginning.

“It’s a great atmosphere and it’s always a great process of going through the auditions and choosing the bands.”

But while the rain lashed down for the start at noon, the clouds parted after a couple of hours and left the park basking in glorious afternoon of summer sunshine.

Ken Hammond, who has been attending every year since its beginning 24 years ago with wife Glennis, said: “It’s a brilliant event – Suffolk always puts on a show and as a free event it’s one of the best in the area.”

Meg Burrows, 24, who braved the downpours from the outset, added: “People don’t worry about the weather, they are still ready to listen to the music and there’s such a good mix.”

Performers have flocked from across East Anglia for the festival, which has established itself as the biggest free one-day music event in the country - regularly attracting more than 40,000 people.

Among those playing in Christchurch Mansion was the Cambridge-based Moonlight Mandolin Orchestra. Anna Langley from the group said: “We played here last year and we had good feedback, and it’s such a lovely venue to play music in so we couldn’t be happier.”

Popular Manningtree-based rockers Dingus Khan were ecstatic to be called up for their first ever appearance. Bassist Tom Armstrong said: “We’ve been coming to watch for 10 years now so it’s really good to play as well now.”

The day also supported Ipswich Mayor Glen Chisholm’s two chosen charities, Suffolk Mind and the Sunrise Appeal for Ipswich Hospital with donations taken on the gates.

Admission is free, although a discretionary £1 donation is welcomed, which includes a programme.

For full lime-up details of this year’s event, visit Ip-Art.com.