Skip to main contentEnter
Purposeful journalism for people who care about our town
Ipswich.co.uk logoSupport our journalism
News

UK's biggest free music festival returns to Ipswich this summer

The 35th Ipswich Music Day will showcase everything from hip hop to folk across six stages, with 49 acts performing at the largest free one-day music festival in the country.

Soap Your Auntie performing at Ipswich Music Day
Sophie DebenhamSophsinfocus photography
Soap Your Auntie performing at Ipswich Music Day

Why it matters: As well as being a bloody good (free) day out for the whole family, the festival provides a crucial platform for emerging artists from across Suffolk and East Anglia to perform in front of thousands, supporting local talent development.

The Downsetters performing at Ipswich Music Day
Sophie DebenhamSophsinfocus photography
The Downsetters performing at Ipswich Music Day

The big picture: Sponsored by local law firm Attwells  and running on Sunday, 6 July, at Christchurch Park, the event celebrates a diverse array of music and culture with plenty of free family entertainment.

By the numbers:

  • 49 performers selected from over 220 applications

  • Six stages including five for local acts and the Indian Summer Mela stage

  • 35 years of festival tradition

  • Thousands of expected attendees

The details: This year's line-up spans multiple genres including acoustic, folk, country, Americana, indie, samba, soul, jazz, funk, blues, hip hop, rap, rock and alternative rock. The festival will feature five stages of local music artists plus the Indian Summer Mela stage.

Soap Your Auntie performing at Ipswich Music Day
Sophie DebenhamSophsinfocus photography
Soap Your Auntie performing at Ipswich Music Day

What's included: Beyond the music, families can enjoy fairground rides suitable for children and adults, street food vendors, and a marketplace. The Indian Summer Mela will add live entertainment, workshops, demonstrations, and authentic Indian street food to celebrate Indian culture.

What they're saying: "Ipswich Music Day is a brilliant celebration of music, culture and local talent," says Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council Leader. "This year's event promises to be more diverse than ever, so we're looking forward to showcasing some really exciting and talented artists and bands."

The bottom line: Ipswich Music Day 2025 continues its reputation as one the UK's biggest and best free music festivals, offering a ton of entertainment whilst championing local musical talent in a family-friendly setting.

You can view the full lineup here.

Attwells Solicitors

An award-winning local law firm. Attwells is rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors and holds an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

It cost us ~£5 to produce this article

Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of Kingsfleet, GBS and Ipswich School

The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
GBS logo

GBS

This family-run construction company has delivered quality services across commercial building, fire protection, diamond drilling, health and safety, and asbestos removal for over 30 years.
News

Ipswich man jailed for five years after rape conviction

Leon Thomas, 53, formerly of Farina Close in Ipswich, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday after a jury found him guilty of raping a woman he knew.
by
Continue reading →
News

Suffolk and Norfolk mayoral elections to be delayed by two years

The government is expected to announce today that it will postpone planned elections for a new Suffolk and Norfolk mayor from May 2026 to 2028, marking the second delay to democratic processes in the region this year.
by
Continue reading →

Kingsfleet, GBS and Ipswich School

The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
GBS logo

GBS

This family-run construction company has delivered quality services across commercial building, fire protection, diamond drilling, health and safety, and asbestos removal for over 30 years.
News

'I've got my life back': Ipswich woman reverses her diabetes in months

Susan Wolton from Ipswich has reversed her type 2 diabetes, lost over three stone and seen her IBS symptoms disappear after joining a free NHS programme that can be completed from home, with limited places remaining for local residents.
by
Continue reading →
News

College and university launch charity-business platform

Suffolk New College and University of Suffolk brought together over a dozen local charities and businesses in a new event designed to build partnerships beyond traditional fundraising. Organisers plan to make it an annual Christmas fixture.
by
Continue reading →
News

Attwells beats national rivals for apprenticeship award

Local solicitors Attwells has won the National Apprenticeship and Skills Award 2025 for SME Firms, beating national competition for its commitment to developing emerging talent.
by
Continue reading →

Kingsfleet, GBS and Ipswich School

The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
GBS logo

GBS

This family-run construction company has delivered quality services across commercial building, fire protection, diamond drilling, health and safety, and asbestos removal for over 30 years.
Load more content
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Want our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday?

Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter?

If you haven’t, you really should. You’ll get our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday afternoon, just in time for the weekend. You can unsubscribe at any time, although 99.7% of people don’t.

  • Lee Walker
  • Joe Bailey of Brighten the Corners
  • Mark Hubert
6,340+ people are already loving it