Northern Ireland's biggest event of its sort is the yearly Belfast Mela Festival.

Just after 12:30 p.m on Sunday, the parade funfair began in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter.

There was traditional music and dancing from all around the world, along with performances by over 20 cultural groups and individuals from the city.

The event is in its eighteenth year, and its organisers claim that, given the recent spate of racially motivated violence in Belfast, this year may be the most significant yet.

"I think it is the most important event in the calendar of Belfast and I think it should be taking place not just every year in the month of August but also a number of other times during the year just to keep giving that learning and education about diversity," said Dr. Nisha Tandon, the founder of the festival.

"It's giving out that message that Belfast is a diverse city, we are here to stay, we are not going anywhere."

Weihing Qu, a dancer from a Chinese troupe, and ArdsEkta, an organisation that promotes cross-cultural understanding, were among the participants.

Mimi Unamoyo, a representative of Northern Ireland's Bomoko NI—a group that advocates for women who are refugees or seeking asylum—participated in the march as well.

Hilary Benn, the secretary for Northern Ireland, was among the onlookers. He got to know a lot of the attendees when he stopped by the global village that was erected in the Belfast City Hall grounds as part of the funfair.

"The Belfast Mela is a wonderful celebration of colour and unity and togetherness and it celebrates all of the communities that are in Belfast and Northern Ireland," he stated.

Up to 60,000 people are expected to participate in various festival events over the course of the next nine days, according to the organisers.