Carnival spirit hits city

The colourful parade gets underway

More than 1,000 people have taken part in a parade in north Belfast marking the opening of the annual Ardoyne Fleadh.

This is the 10th year the week-long festival has been held.

The fleadh's chairman, Kevin McVeagh, said it helped to promote harmony in the area.

He said: "We believe that what is usually a volatile time of year around the August period, that we have now transformed it.

"This is our 10th year.

"People enjoy themselves, they look forward to the fleadh and actually book their holidays around the fleadh.

"There has been a great turnout for the parade, lots of noise and lots of kids enjoying themselves and basically having a great time.

"We would like to welcome anyone and everyone to join in what promises to be a non-stop rollercoaster ride of fun," he said.

Meanwhile, across the city, thousands of people turned out for the official opening of the West Belfast festival.