Festival of the River – a feast for all

Thousands of people enjoyed an amazing feast of colour, music and flavours from around the world. 

Almost £10,000 of Community Cohesion funding was provided by the Housing Executive for the art, music and culture zone and a young people’s educational zone. 

Festival of the River - Féile na hAbhann - is based around the river Lagan and forms part of a week of community events supported by Belfast City Council, Féile an Phobail and local groups.

Amanda Ashe, Housing Executive, said: “Community Cohesion involves developing strong, positive relationships between people from different backgrounds in the workplace, in schools and within neighbourhoods.

“We were delighted to fund varied activities to promote multi-culturalism in our city. The festival, which was a huge success, particularly aimed to engage with black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities, young people and families. 

“With so much to see and do, it was a real feast for the senses, bringing art and melodies from many different and exotic parts of the world.

“We had music from Africa, dancing from India, China and Mexico, south Indian drummers, Irish, Somali and Polish arts and crafts, Chinese calligraphy and African refreshments. 

Chinese dancers made a colourful display for visitors to the Festival of the River.

“Also, there were a climbing wall and kite making workshops - something for everyone to enjoy, young and old.”

Konrad Pawlaszek, Good Relations Officer from LORAG and one of the organisers of Féile na hAbhann, said: “Money we received from the Housing Executive enabled us to grow the cultural diversity element of the festival.

 “It allowed us to add artists and acts from cultures all around the world living in Belfast and bring that culture to the festival.

“Festival of the River gives people the opportunity to engage, try something new, and develops key friendships and partnerships between established communities and newcomers.”