Ministers Celebrate Multiculturalism At Belfast Mela

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Pam Cameron have joined Northern Ireland's largest multicultural event, the Mela at Botanic Gardens in Belfast.

Now in its 18th year, the Mela is organised by ArtsEkta and brings together food, dance, music and arts from across the world.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "The Belfast Mela is a fantastic opportunity to experience and celebrate our incredible cultural diversity, and I was delighted to join in today's celebrations.

"The Mela has grown from strength to strength over the past 18 years and I thank Nisha Tandon and her team for all the hard work and dedication that was involved in organising so many fantastic events over the past nine days.

"We have all seen the devastating impact that recent violent disorder and racist attacks have had on our communities.

"There is no place for racism, intolerance and bigotry in our society. We stand united against hate and will continue to work towards an inclusive future to ensure that this is a place where people are proud to live, work and bring up their families."

Junior Minister Pam Cameron said: "The Mela is a celebration of all that is positive about our multi-cultural society and shows we are 'stronger together'.

"Every year more and more people unite in the real joy that is Mela. People of all backgrounds join in with a true spirit of friendship and mutual respect, experiencing different cultures and traditions,

"The Executive Office has been a long-term supporter of ArtsEkta through our Minority Ethnic Development Fund, and we are proud to be involved with the Mela. Everyone who lives here should be able to benefit from a fair and inclusive society where everyone is made to feel safe and welcome."

Junior Minister Aisling Reilly said: "The Mela is a highlight in our cultural calendar and is a fantastic opportunity to experience and celebrate the incredible diversity of Belfast and beyond.

"We must do all we can to assign racism and hatred to the past, and the thousands who have attended and enjoyed the Mela festivities over the past nine days shows the real face of Belfast.

"The vision of our Racial Equality Strategy is to be a society which is strengthened by its ethnic diversity. And we are absolutely committed to making this a place that is free from hate – one where everyone is welcome, everyone is treated equally and everyone is respected."