Images devotes the next few pages to Ip-art 2008, a festival of arts activity of all kinds. Vera Rogers, Ipswich Arts Association Administrator and a Member of the Festival Management Group, gives us her take on events, followed by highlights chosen by other images writers and friends. Brochures are available from entertainments venues, Tourist Information Centres and libraries, or go to www.ip-art.com.

It seems hardly any time at all since the Festival Management Group sat down to consider the programme for the Ip-art Festival in 2008 and now here we are, the programme printed, ready for two weeks of events covering every field of artistic endeavour. As usual, the tricky part is fitting everything in, and we all have our own highlights. This year, mine certainly include Ipswich Sings on Cornhill on 29 June, when we hope that people will turn out in vast numbers to make music together. Everyone is welcome to join in with what should prove a hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience. The following weekend (5 July) sees Big Dance, with six hours of dance classes of all types during the day followed by an evening of awesome performances and a chance to strut your stuff until the early hours of the morning. I am also looking forward to Sense, performed by members of Wayne McGregorIRandom Dance and students from local schools in Endeavour House. If all this leaves me feeling somewhat breathless, I hope to discover some new aspects of Ipswich on a guided walk and enjoy the many and varied art exhibitions around the town. And finally, I am definitely going to make time for stand-up comedian Michael McIntyre and his particular brand of insight into and hilarious take on the human condition. I am going to make the most of the Festival and hope you are too!