Organisers of an upcoming international festival in Ipswich say the event highlights the town’s vibrant multicultural identity through community connection and traditional cuisine.

The annual Global Food and Pita Festival takes place on Sunday, 17 May at Suffolk New College. Hosted free of charge by the charity BSC Multicultural Services (BSCMS), the event brings together residents from all backgrounds for a day of celebration, food, and family-friendly activities.

Key Highlights of the Event

• Pita Competition: A central feature of the festival is a food competition showcasing traditional Bangladeshi cakes known as pitas—sweet or savoury delicacies similar to pancakes, fritters, or dumplings.
• Community Judging: Submissions will be judged by community figures, including Lydia Tse from the Anglo Cultural Chinese Exchange and Marianne Flack, deputy principal at Suffolk New College.
• Family Activities: The festival includes children’s entertainment and interactive events for all ages.

Promoting Unity Through Food BSCMS funding officer Mojlum Khan noted that while discussions around multiculturalism can sometimes become argumentative, bringing people together around shared experiences helps build real community bonds. The charity has served people from over 65 different nationalities in Ipswich for nearly 30 years.

Supporters from across the community—including local politicians, councillors, and representatives from groups like the Caribbean and African Community Health Support Forum—gathered at the launch photoshoot to show their backing for the initiative.