Parading Through the Heart of Ipswich: A Joyful Celebration of 10 Years of ICM

Photo credit: Luke Tomlinson

On Saturday 21st June, the streets of Ipswich came alive with colour, music, and community spirit as ICM celebrated its 10th anniversary in spectacular style, on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year. Despite the soaring temperatures we danced to the beat of the drum, and it felt like nothing could dampen the energy or our spirits.

Starting at the historic Town Hall, we paraded through the town centre in our vibrant cultural dress, led by the infectious rhythms of Ipswich Marathi Mandal. Our joyful procession danced its way through the streets, turning heads and raising smiles, before finishing at our brand new home, Westgate House for nibbles, laughter, and more celebration.

Parading through the town was an important act. It was a powerful, living statement of who we are and why we exist.

For a decade now, ICM has been building bridges across cultures, bringing people together through creativity, language, and community action. Our work is rooted in the belief that integration benefits everyone.

Integration isn’t just about learning a language, it's about creating belonging. It’s about being seen, heard, and valued. When people from different backgrounds come together, share their stories, and work side by side, communities become stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient.

On Saturday, we saw that spirit in action. We danced side by side, Romanian, Kurdish, Bengali, Sudanese, Polish, British, and more, celebrating both our differences and our shared humanity.

It was a joyful, unifying day that reminded us why we do what we do.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, by taking part, waving, dancing, singing or simply showing up.

Here's to the next ten years of building community, together.

Photo credit: Luke Tomlinson