More than 10,000 young people dance the night away in celebration in Belfast

More than 10,000 youngsters danced the evening away in west Belfast on the night before the anniversary of the start of internment.

The evening, part of a day of remembrance and celebration, has largely replaced the building of bonfires that once marked the eve of that day and the early hours of the one after in 1971 when more than 300 people were picked up and interned, some for years.

DJ Bryan Kearney headlined the Falls Park event, with locals Micky Seaton, DAIRE, Shugz and the Symmetrik duo adding to the bill playing over the more than three hours.

The PSNI said there were no reported incidents of any disorder around the Falls Park during the evening.

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“Those young people who attended are a credit to themselves and their community,” the director of Féile an Phobail, Kevin Gamble said.

Bonfires were historically lit the night before interment day, often leading to riots. The Féile, a central part of which is the dance night, was first organised in 1988 to celebrate the positive and creative elements of the city.

West Belfast MP Paul Maskey described the dance night as “famous” and the “true face” of the west Belfast community.

“In defiance of the shameful events of the last week, this is the true face of our community,” Mr Maskey said.

“Many families enjoyed fun days throughout the city, while thousands of young people danced side-by-side in the Falls Park having the time of their lives.”

Mr Gamble said the night “is a combined effort to provide a diversionary event that brings young people off our streets away from the potential of unwanted and destructive bonfires”.

“Last night the big bonfires that have been an unwanted feature in this community again didn’t happen and that is a massive success,” Mr Gamble added.

“The benefit of the absence of these unwanted bonfires on 8th August is significant, as well as the positive images of young people enjoying themselves emanating from the Falls Park, there is also a considerable benefit to the local economy which the associated increase in visitor footfall and spending brings due to Féile.

“I want to specifically praise the young people who attended. They conducted themselves fantastically and they deserved a great night. They are an absolute credit to themselves and to the community.”