Celebration of cultural diversity draws crowds in Belfast

By Q Radio News and Rebecca Black, PA

Thousands descended on a Belfast park for Northern Ireland's biggest annual celebration of cultural diversity.

The thirteenth Belfast Mela opened at the Botanic Gardens on Sunday with a colourful parade of dancers, music, a Chinese dragon and a giant replica elephant.

What a wonderful ☀️ day as more than 30,000 people celebrate cultural diversity at the 13th annual Belfast Mela.#belfastmela @ArtsEkta
📸 Alan Lewis pic.twitter.com/OReYZEiGbo

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 25, 2019

Lord Mayor John Finucane helped officially open the event, which he praised as a "fantastic celebration of our cultural and artistic diversity".

(Photo - Alan Lewis)

One of the highlights of the event, organised by ArtsEkta, was the parade led by the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band, however the entertainment also included a programme of performances on the main stage as well as food, crafts and art.

Nisha Tandon, executive director, ArtsEkta, said the festival "continues to go from strength to strength".

🎥 Belfast Mela 2019. Organiser @nisha_tandon tells @qnewsdesk “it’s the best yet, with many more to come.” The sum up this time: “Amazing people, amazing atmosphere...everybody in such a happy mood.” #belfastmela @ArtsEkta pic.twitter.com/WumRwuW2gd

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 25, 2019

🎥 Well, these ladies certainly enjoyed their day at the 13th Belfast Mela in Botanic Gardens - and they did it in style ... #belfastmela @ArtsEkta pic.twitter.com/LleKzJOgHC

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 25, 2019

(Photo - Alan Lewis)