Now recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s largest arts festivals, Belfast Mela brings together music, dance, art, theatre, wellbeing and food from around the world to celebrate the city’s growing cultural diversity.
The multicultural festival, which attracted more than 60,000 people last year, once again takes place over nine-day period.
The full Mela 2024 programme is available online at https://belfastmela.org.uk
25. Belfast Mela parade
The colourful parade makes its way through the city centre. Photo: Andrew McCarroll / Pacemaker
26. Belfast Mela parade
The colour and spectacle of the Mela parade. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye
27. Belfast Mela parade
This year’s Belfast Mela Festival started with a Mela Carnival through the streets of Belfast city centre. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye
28. Belfast Mela parade
This year’s Belfast Mela Festival started today with a Mela Carnival through the streets of Belfast city centre. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye