Mela 2010

I was delighted on Sunday to have been invited to attend the Belfast Mela in Botanic Gardens. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has been associated with and a sponsor of the Mela since its inception four years ago.

The word Mela means ‘to meet’ and what an exciting array of colour, scents, food and diversity were on display on Sunday. Recently so many of the news headlines have portrayed images of hatred but this was a fantastic example of everything tolerant and positive about the future of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Over 30,000 people descended on the gardens at Botanic to celebrate Northern Ireland’s rich cultural background. People from all over the City of Belfast and further afield, from all backgrounds and cultures, ages and communities coming together to enjoy a varied programme of music, food and dance.

Indeed as I was leaving there was a huge queue of people waiting patiently at the gates of the park to get in, such was the interest in the event.

As I have said many times before our diversity is something to be celebrated and not feared. The Indian community first started arriving in Northern Ireland in the 1920’s and whilst the community is relatively small, the Mela has become the biggest multi-cultural event in Northern Ireland, attracting stalls and performers from all over the world.

It was my pleasure to have had the opportunity to join with them to celebrate everything they have contributed to life in Northern Ireland.

I also took the opportunity to visit the PSNI and Unite Against Hate stand. Unite Against Hate is a partnership initiative to promote diversity and create a zero tolerance of hate crime and discrimination.

If you would like to add your support, you can find out more at: HYPERLINK "http://www.uniteagainsthate.org.uk/" http://www.uniteagainsthate.org.uk/

The more people who become actively involved the better. For example, if everyone who visited the Mela on Sunday became proactively involved, think of the difference that could make.

My sincere thanks to all who supported the Belfast Mela and especially to Artsekta for bringing such a beacon of hope to the City of Belfast.