Junior Minister Newton Joins Mela Celebration of Diversity

Junior Minister Robin Newton MLA joined the celebrations at the third annual Mela festival in Belfast's Botanic Gardens today.

Organised by Belfast based charity ArtsEkta the Mela offers a showcase of music, dance, arts and food from over 30 nations across the globe.

Speaking at the event Junior Minister Newton congratulated the organisers and recognised the festival's growing importance to the city: "Over the past couple of years the Mela has become a highlight of the summer calendar in Belfast and OFMDFM are proud to be associated with today's festival. We are confident that we can build on events such as the Mela as we continue our work in building strong, vibrant and peaceful communities."

Junior Minister Newton also commended the contribution which the festival makes to good race relations."Festivals such as the Mela are particularly important as they allow us to focus on, and recognise, the positive work being undertaken by individuals and groups in our society on a daily basis to promote integration. The organisers are to be commended on creating a festival which can be enjoyed by all in our communities."

The underlying theme of the Mela this year is 'Caring for Our Environment' and crowds exceeding 12,000 were expected to attend the day's festivities. The Mela was part funded by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister as part of the Minority Ethnic Funding Scheme.

Note to Editors:

1. ArtsEkta (which means bonding or uniting in Indian language) is the first arts-based organisation to provide a unique display of Indian and other multi- ethnic arts within the North and South of Ireland. It works to enhance the practice, understanding, and appreciation of ethnic arts across the North and South of Ireland within a contemporary artistic, social, and educational context.

2. ArtsEkta is dedicated to strengthening and deepening relationships between all the different cultures through exciting and inspiring arts-based programs.?

3. All media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned