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In Pictures: Belfast Mela begins

Abigail TaylorBBC News NI
News imagePacemaker Four people throwing coloured paint powder into the air. They are covered in it and smiling. Pacemaker
News imagePacemaker A man is covered in coloured paint powder. He is wearing black sunglasses and has his arm raised in the air.Pacemaker
Bright colours were used in the parade
People threw coloured paint powder into the air

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.

News imagePacemaker An act is performing on a stage. There is a large group of people holding instruments. Pacemaker
News imagePacemaker four people dressed in mirror clothing. Their faces are painted white with black eyemakeup. Thy are holding drum sets around their waist. Pacemaker
Performances took place on the stage
There were lots of sparkles

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.