Previews

That's what Ipswich Borough Councillor Judy Terry said at the launch of the Ipswich Arts Festival at the Town Hall Galleries.

Now in its fifth year, the annual event runs from 24th June to 8th July and promises to be the biggest and best yet.

There are over 65 events taking place across a range of venues within the town.

Parklife

Once again Christchurch Park plays a central role, hosting a number of the main events within the festival.

Now in its sixteenth year the Ipswich Music Day (Sunday July 1) boasts 6 outdoor stages as well as the indoor classical stage and over 50 different acts to choose from. BBC Suffolk's stage (12noon-7pm) features The Caution Horses, Mohawk, The Giants, Words & Music by Lennon & McCartney, After The Fire, The Ugly Guys and Soul Kitchen.

There is also the Indian Mela on 8 July, which returns following its success last summer.

Outdoor film screenings include Casino Royale and Top Gun while Twelfth Night will be performed on the Mansion lawn.

James Young and Judy Terry

Bookworms

For the second year - the event includes a literary festival. A number of local names will perform and there will be world renowned figures including the BBC's 'scud stud' Rageh Omaar who will discuss his life as a Muslim in Britain.

There will also be an Ip-art short story writing competition alongside a creative writing workshop, providing a chance for people to get involved.

Visual arts becomes a large focus of this year's festival with the Art Street fair opening the festival in the town centre on Sunday 24 June. It'll include street entertainers and taster exhibitions.

For the fourth consecutive year One Railway is the main event sponsor, continuing a strong relationship which has allowed the event to progress. James Young, Ipswich Borough Council events officer, says "the sponsorship we get is essential; we couldn’t do this without the support we receive".

Details of all the events are in the festival brochure available from Ipswich Town Hall box office, the Town Hall galleries and tourist information centres as well as on the Ip-art website.