A community event in North Belfast aimed to address recent racist incidents in the city by celebrating the area’s cultural diversity.

A festival of music, dance, and food from across the world were showcased at the multicultural event, with Polish, Filipino, and Arabic residents among those who provided a taste of their food and culture at Wolfhill in Ligoneil recently.

Dancers from ArtsEkta also entertained the crowds who attended the event which aimed to improved community relations.

South Asian, Chinese lion and Chinese fan dances and workshops were held so that local people could test their own skills. Dhol Drummers and bohran players also displayed their talents.

Behind the project was Councillor Ryan Murphy, who wanted to address racist incidents which occurred over the summer months by bringing different communities in Ligoniel together and celebrating the diversity of cultures and people now living in the area.

Ligoniel Improvement Association received £2,900 from Housing Executive’s community cohesion fund for the occasion.

Dr Sean Brenan, Good Relations Officer, Housing Executive, with some of the performers at the Ligoniel multi-cultural festival.

Organiser Maria Burke, from Wolfhill, said: “We were delighted to receive this funding from the Housing Executive which has helped in our important work of making communities stronger.

“This one-day event supported and encouraged shared participation in diverse community activities, highlighting what we all have in common as well as celebrating differences in culture, music, food and dance.

“People from different cultures bring a huge contribution to our society and we are all richer for helping them to integrate.”

Gerard Flynn, the Housing Executive’s North Belfast Area Manager, said: “We were delighted to fund this inspiring celebration of cultural diversity.

“Our staff work hard to try and improve the lives of all our tenants and days like this give local people an opportunity to work together in their estates and help them create a better and safer place for everyone to live.”