Over 10,000 were in the Falls Park for the Féile dance night (Photo by Kevin Scott)
Over 10,000 young people have attended a dance night in west Belfast.
Organisers hailed the event, saying it brings young people “off the streets and away from the potential of unwanted and destructive bonfires”.
It is part of Féile an Phobail community festival which has been staged this week.
Last night’s event in Falls Park brought together a host of DJs, including Matty Ralph, NIFRA, Paul Van Dyk and Will Atkinson.
It is staged as a “diversionary event” from bonfires, which have traditionally been lit each year to mark the anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial on August 9 1971.
The controversial policy saw thousands of people, mostly nationalists, detained.
Over 10,000 were in the Falls Park for the Féile dance night (Photo by Kevin Scott)
Féile celebrate 5th consecutive year of no August bonfires in west Belfast
However, efforts have been made over several years, including the dance night as part of Féile, to divert young people from pyres.
Féile director Kevin Gamble said: “The benefit of the absence of these unwanted bonfires on August 8 is significant.
“As well as the positive images of young people from all parts of the city and beyond enjoying themselves emanating from the Falls Park, there is also a considerable benefit to the local economy which the associated increase in visitor footfall and spending brings due to Féile.”