Alliance South Belfast MLA Kate Nicholl has encouraged people to participate in a major multi-cultural festival in her constituency later this month, saying it showed the growing diversity of life there and beyond.

Belfast Mela takes place from August 21-28. The celebrations will include a carnival procession, world food market, silk road supper club and tea walking tours, culminating in the festival finale in Botanic Gardens.

Ms Nicholl said it was important to show the growing variety of life in Northern Ireland.

“Belfast is changing and for the better. One of the showcases of this is the annual Mela, which has gone from strength-to-strength over the years. It is both a way to better understand different cultures and also show how welcoming people in Belfast are,” she said.

“With the growing number of people from ethnic minority backgrounds living in Northern Ireland, it is clear we are now living in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society, with valuable contributions coming from all corners.

“I am particularly pleased to see the focus this year on green issues, committing Mela to being environmentally friendly as well. It is a perfect event to explore the vibrancy and diversity of Belfast, and have great fun in doing so.”