It was a perfect day for an Indian summer as huge throngs of people made their way to Botanic Gardens to enjoy all aspects of ethnic culture at the Belfast Mela.
Despite an unexpected hitch with a burst pipe that kept the park gates closed for a time leading to long queues, it wasn't long before this year's offering got underway.
The Indian sub-continent then quickly came to life as bazaars began trading and craft makers put out their stalls.
Picnic blankets and deck chairs were promptly laid out on the grass as hungry Mela attendees and families enjoyed the best of cuisine on offer at the world food market.
The organisers apologised for the delay, while a portion of the audience area was cordoned off because of the leakage.
People from countless cultures streamed into the open air venue to hear music from African, Irish and Latin American musicians and see the garden of live flowers created by Asian acrobats.
Toddlers danced on the grass as the festival stage drummed up thundering beats by The Dhol Foundation.
The lawns were already heralding the advent of autumn with fallen oak leaves scattered across the grass at the south Belfast park.
Teams of youngsters explored the fantasy forest and were told stories as traditional dancers and stilt walkers brought bursts of colour as they wandered the park.
Mela is from Sanskrit meaning a meeting or fair and the Belfast Mela is now in its ninth year.
Nisha Tandon, festival director said the economic environment had been difficult for the arts in Northern Ireland this year, but that cultural activities were continue including theatre with Nine Nights in autumn.
"It has been an extremely difficult year for the arts in Northern Ireland and even greater challenges lie ahead for a sector that is already at breaking point," she said.
"Next year we will celebrate our 10th anniversary with ambitious plas to expand the festival in the the autumn we return with Nine Nights - one of the largest outdoor theatre events Belfast has ever seen."
