Derry:Diverse cultures and clashing colours combined to provide a spectacular parade in Derry yesterday.
Irish dancing schools joined Samba dancers, Chinese lion dancers and members of Derry's Indian community in the spring carnival festivities which took place in the city centre.
As the local pubs did a roaring trade, the Guildhall Square, Waterloo Place and a stretch of the Strand Road area of the city centre were an alcohol-free zone in what was a successful bid to attract as much family participation in the Derry City Council- organised events.
The festivities started with a five-kilometre roadrace which also included family fun events such as rickshaw rides, balloon modelling and face painting. That was followed by the spring carnival which included 20 community groups parading along Ferryquay Street, Bishop Street, Butcher Street and the Diamond before ending in the alcohol-free family zone at Guildhall Square.
There the crowd was entertained in a two-hour concert which included the Henry Girls, Paul Casey and the band The Plea.
Mayor of Derry Gearóid Ó hÉara said the organisers of the festivities deserved a lot of credit.
"I want to thank everyone involved in bringing such a diverse programme of events to the city. I particularly want to thank those who decided to implement the alcohol-free family zone."