Ipswich May Day Festival returns to Alexandra Park this Sunday

Why it matters: Founded in 1978, the free annual festival celebrates International Workers Memorial Day while providing a platform for local musical talent and family entertainment.

The details: The Ipswich May Day Festival will feature three areas of live music, stalls, food vendors, DJs, and fairground rides in a family-friendly environment.

• Two emerging acts from Suffolk New College have earned spots in the lineup through a recent battle of the bands competition.
• Independent judges, including BBC Introducing DJ Angelle Joseph, selected A Love for Money and Indigo Lillies as winners from five competing college acts.

Supporting local talent: Eva Wayland, 17, from Ipswich, who represents A Love For Money alongside four fellow students, said: "We are so grateful for this opportunity. People can expect to hear a bit of everything from us. We will be playing mostly original music and a cover."

Lily Kemp, 17, from Leiston, will perform with her duo Indigo Lillies. "Our genre incorporates indie, folk and rock," she said.

Georgie Fawley, music performance lecturer at Suffolk New College, said: "I'm really proud of my students. I feel this year we have a large proportion of really good musicians and songwriters. It's lovely to hear their music. What an experience for them. Hopefully they can all build a fanbase as a result of playing this festival."

The bottom line: The festival continues its tradition of being free to attend while offering diverse entertainment including music, food, and activities for the whole family, alongside a platform for emerging local artists.