Community parade kicks off month-long 10th anniversary celebrations

Why it matters: The local charity has grown from just two projects in 2015 to delivering over 25 programmes annually, supporting thousands of people through language learning, music, and creative empowerment.

The big picture: Ipswich Community Media now works with people from over 40 nationalities, compared to just four when it began. Over the past decade, the organisation has connected with more than 60,000 people through workshops, events, and performances.

What happened: The anniversary celebrations began on Saturday, 21 June, with a vibrant parade featuring staff, volunteers, trustees, and learners. Drummers and musicians from Ipswich Marathi Mandal accompanied the procession, which ended at Westgate House on Museum Street, where Deputy Mayor Councillor Pat Bruce-Browne welcomed participants.

What's next: The celebrations continue with several events:

• Launch of ICM Connected, an online alumni network for past, present, and future participants
• Saturday 28th June, 12:00-13:00: South Street Kids (aged 7-12) premiere their new EP and music videos at Eastern Angles, created through an Arts Council-funded project
• Saturday 28th June, 15:00-19:00: The main birthday party featuring live music and dance performances

The birthday party will showcase talent from across the community, including 21-year-old Ipswich rapper Ryski, 16-year-old indie singer-songwriter Sam Milne, and local rapper Kelci, known as the "Queen of Suffolk". Traditional dance performances will come from partner organisations including Ipswich Romanian Community Dance Ensemble, Polish Community Hub, Bollywood Dance School Dance Folks, and Anglo Chinese Cultural Exchange.

By the numbers: In the past decade, ICM has achieved:

• 2,112 learners accessing English language courses
• 249 young people engaging annually in youth and music programmes
• 900+ advice sessions supporting people navigating life in a new country
• 110 volunteers contributing time and skills

"ICM was founded on a belief in fairness, creativity, and community potential, and that belief has only grown," said Bruce MacGregor, ICM director. "This milestone is about more than what we've achieved; it's how we've done it: through participants, volunteers, staff, partnerships, passion, and trust."

Gulshan Kayembe, chair of the board of trustees and High Sheriff of Suffolk, said: "Over the past ten years, Ipswich Community Media has championed local stories, provided vital education and skills training, and created spaces for people of all backgrounds to come together to learn and to grow."

The bottom line: ICM's anniversary celebrations highlight how a small local charity has grown into a vital community resource, demonstrating the power of bringing people together through learning and creativity.