Belfast Mela Carnival: Police issue traffic warning ahead of city centre multicultural parade
The M3 will also be closed over the weekend, with traffic diverted through the city centre.
Police have warned of traffic disruption in Belfast city centre this Saturday, August 16 due to the Mela Carnival parade.
The 19th Belfast Mela Festival kicks off this Saturday with the Carnival taking to the streets of Belfast, led by the city's Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly.
The multicultural parade will assemble in Writers Square in the Cathedral Quarter at 12pm and then proceed along the streets of Belfast by the following route from 12.30pm: Donegall Street - Waring Street – Bridge Street - Castle Place - Donegall Place and into the grounds of the City Hall.
The parade will disperse at approximately 1pm. Vehicular access will be restricted on the above roads while the parade take place. Additionally, Hill Street will be closed to all traffic between 1.30pm and 3.15pm.
The M3 will also be closed from Bridge End to M2 Foreshore over the weekend, with traffic diverted through the city centre.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "This will cause additional delays, and we would strongly advise all motorists to plan in advance, leaving additional time for their journey.
"Please seek an alternative route where possible. Police will have an appropriate and proportionate policing operation in place to ensure the safety of all."
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