We realise that a one-day event is not going to solve every problem, but it is an extremely positive start

Assistant Chief Constable John McLean

However, tensions have been heightened by a string of racist attacks against those who have been housed in the area.

Police hoped that the North Glasgow International Festival, at Sighthill Youth Centre, would improve relations by bringing local people and asylum seekers together.

Assistant Chief Constable John McLean said: "We realise that a one-day event is not going to solve every problem, but it is an extremely positive start.

"I'm sure it will produce a feel-good factor which will help reduce conflict in the area and bring fresh hope to those living in the Sighthill and Springburn areas of Glasgow."

The attractions also included a performance by local teenage ballet dancing star Steven McMahon, who took the stage with 17-year-old Fatma Salim, a Somalian asylum-seeker now living in the area.

Many asylum seekers live in the Sighthill area

Invited guests included the Deputy Lord Provost Bailie Jean Macey, who officially opened the event.

Residents groups welcomed the opportunity to celebrate their estate - and said that events like the festival were useful in showing all those living in the area that they have much in common.

Police had said before the event that they hoped between 5,000 and 10,000 people would attend.

Earlier this month asylum seekers failed to turn up for a children's party in Glasgow designed to bring them together with their Scottish neighbours.

Organisers expected about 300 people to attend the event at a church in the city - but only a fraction of that number turned up.

Those behind the event feared that some families did not join the party because they felt unwelcome outside their own community.