The 2011 Ip-art Festival has been hailed as the most successful ever by its organisers.
A record 45,000 people flocked to Christchurch Park for the main festival event of Music Day.
The record numbers marked the two-week festival’s 20th anniversary in the town. There were almost 50 events staged at various venues in the town during the celebrations between June 24 and July 10. Areas covered included visual art, literature, dance, theatre, film and music.
There was a crowd of up to 8,000 people at the festival’s Indian Summer Mela event. The day celebrated food, dance, music, art and history from the Indian subcontinent.
Opera star Katherine Jenkins attracted a crowd of nearly 5,000 for her performance in Christchurch Park and there was a record audience of nearly 3,000 at the free Royal Opera House screening of Madam Butterfly.
Other music events included a Club Classics Summer Party and a concert by pop singer Peter Andre.
Councillor Bryony Rudkin, Ipswich Borough Council’s culture portfolio-holder, said it was not just the record crowd numbers that made the event a success.
She added: “Yes, we had around 100,000 people enjoy some great events, but the richness of Ip-art lies in its wide variety of attractions, including, this year, Jo Brand, Esther Freud, Sam Mellish and the spheres on the Waterfront as well as all the headline acts.
“I want to thank all those who attended, all the people who took part and the tireless organisers here at the council and among its many partners. I would also like to thank Wall’s and our other sponsors for making Ip-art possible. Bring on Ip-art 2012!”
Organisers say they have already started planning for next year’s event.