The parade kicks off at Writers` Square opposite St Anne Cathedral, taking in Royal Avenue and Donegal Place before finishing at the City Hall, where a Global Café will be set up in the grounds. Featuring the best of produce from Northern Ireland and around the world, hungry parade-goers can refuel on tasty fusion cuisine from curries to crepes and sausages to salsa.

Supporting the learning and artistic side of the event is the acclaimed cultural organization, ArtsEkta, whose team of musicians and facilitators are already offering potential participants the chance to learn about everything from West African Djembe drumming, Bollystreet Dancing, Chinese Lion and Ribbon Dancing to Dhol Drumming and Latin Beats. Get ready to pick up the moves and rhythms to be showcased in the carnival parade, bringing a taste of global theatre to Belfast`s streets and delighting shoppers and onlookers.

Some of the free workshops also include the preparation of vibrant, eye-catching parade costumes with multi-cultural and ethnic themes, such as Eastern European floral decorations. Alongside these, participants can enjoy prop-making workshops which will create huge, decorative Chinese-themed umbrellas.

The crowds can expect a fantastic mix of multi-cultural entertainment with many hundreds of participants, including a spectacular troupe of Jai Ho Indian dancers, Eastern European dancers in traditional costume and of course plenty of Irish, English, Scots and Welsh talent too.

Expect everything from the bizarre to the beautiful including Leaping Salmon Irish dancers, a pretty dancing swan, Chinese lions and dragons - and much, much more to feast the eyes upon.

There`s lots of family fun lined up including street performers, face painting, a have-a-go drum circle, comedy duos on the hoof and much more to entertain and delight.

Citybeat Radio will be media partners for the event, broadcasting live from the city centre action on 18 June. Citybeat presenters will host a live stage at the City Hall with a true eclectic mix of music covering everything from Irish traditional, Ulster Scots, Indo/African fusion and everyone`s favourite Queen tribute band, Flash Harry.

If you`d like to be part of the party, contact Gillian Kelly or the Lord Mayor`s Parade team on 028 9064 1107 or email gilliansworld@btinternet.com