A cultural celebration of inclusivity and creativity has begun in Belfast city centre.
The Belfast Mela was founded in 2006 and attracts thousands of people from all communities
The festival kicked off with a carnival parade from Writer’s Square to City Hall on Saturday and finishes with a large celebration in Botanic Gardens on Mela Day on 24 August.
Mela, a Sanskrit word meaning “to meet”, is now one of Northern Ireland’s largest arts festivals.
It culminates with Mela Day at Botanic Gardens, where world music, dance, food and art celebrating the city’s culture and communities are on display.
A full list of festival events can be found here.
