Sun, fun and a great day in Belfast

The creative energy that has marked Féile an Phobáil since its inception all those years ago was evident on the Falls Road this past Sunday 1 August as thousands of people turned out for the 'Carnival'.

The carnival parade that took to the streets this year was the biggest and best yet, as people in costume, on floats and in bands came out in a colourful display that would have brought a smile to any face — with the exception of DUP man Peter Weir, the latest unionist to call for funding for Féile to be stopped.

Foremost in this year's parade were the many representatives of Belfast's ethnic communities; the Filipino Sports Association was there and the Chinese community was conspicuous through the colourful dragons and dancers.

True to the theme of this year's parade, Myths and Legends, many floats depicting figures from our mythical past were on the Falls Road, armed to the teeth with swords and axes and the obligatory medieval supersoaker.

One of the floats with a more political and up to date message was that representing the events of 1969, when the people of Bombay Street were attacked by loyalist mobs, backed up by the RUC. In the pogrom, hundreds of people saw their houses burned to the ground in the frenzy of violence.

However, Sunday was about community and fun, and this year the many communities who took the time and effort to build their floats and dress up did themselves proud.

The many GAA clubs who turned out as well, brought their own colour and presence to an event that is already the envy of other summer festivals throughout Ireland.