‘Diversity is here to stay’ - Belfast Mela needed more than ever after week of race-fuelled riots

THE head of the Belfast Mela has said this year’s event is more important than ever after a week of riots and racist intimidation left minority communities fearful for their safety.

Launched in 2007, the Mela’s celebration of global cultures through music, dance and food has developed into one of the most popular fixtures in Belfast’s cultural calendar, with a record turnout of nearly 60,000 visitors last year.

It returns on Saturday with a nine day programme, starting with the Mela Carnival parade from Writer’s Square to Belfast City Hall.

Behind it all is Dr Nisha Tandon, who moved from India to Northern Ireland in the late 1970s before setting up ArtsEkta, the cultural organisation which produces the festival.

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“Mela has always been a very important part of Belfast and Northern Ireland, but (recent events) make it more important and more positive this year by proving that diversity is here to stay,” she told the Irish News.

“Diversity is also what we thrive at. The contribution from Mela over the last 18 years has been immense.

“Personally, for the last 45 years, the contribution I have made in the community sector has been very important and we should be singing the praises of all the people who have supported us from day one, right up until today.”

She said the massive turnout at an anti-racism rally at Belfast City Hall on Saturday had been reassuring for those concerned for their safety.

“It has given us huge encouragement, it was a beautiful turnout and personally I was contacted by so many people,” she said.

“But yes, there has been a little bit of nervousness. Especially from women of ethnic minority backgrounds, who may wear hijabs or look a little bit different.

“But they are feeling more confident now with the support they received from their communities, their neighbourhoods, that they are wanting to come out of their homes and be part of not only the carnival, but everyday life in Belfast.”

After decades living in Northern Ireland, she said the violent scenes playing out had been frightening to watch.

“It scared me. In one sense it was ‘why are we doing that?’ I think it’s the perceptions, the stereotypes which we need to change. I think education plays a very important role,” she said.

“We need to educate more and more people who think they can go and destroy their own communities and areas which is not good.

“Neighbourhoods, schooling and housing is going to change. When I came to this country there were only 50 Indian families, but now if you look at it we are the pillars of many parts of the hospitality industry, NHS, your IT sector.

“I think it’s very important people see not just the cultural, but also the economic benefit of having diverse people.”

To those who haven’t experienced the Mela before, she said: “Come along and see how beautiful and vibrant your city is. There will be more than 20 cultures taking part, there will be international influence and so many things happening.

“So please come along and support and show people there is a lot of love in every human being.”

For more information on this year’s events, visit Belfastmela.org.uk.