Culture Club, 2011

Welcome to Donegal Street Belfast, home of St, Anne's Cathedral, the John Hewitt pub, luxury apartments and the new kebab shop. And tonight for the third annual Culture Night, the drag is busy with visitors and old-timers, all looking for a signature event.

They find it aboard an open top bus, which has been commandeered by the anointed Lord Mayor of the festival, Terri Hooley. His entourage is with him and they're waving down at their subjects, pouring out of the Duke Of York, waving from the hotel windows and sauntering past the old Assembly Rooms.

Behind the bus, there's a parade float, decked out in a loose representation of the shipyard cranes. Katy Richardson, the Wonder Villains and various game musicians are up there, playing charming versions of 'Alternative Ulster' and 'Girl From Mars'. The weather has been understanding and the crowds have responded to the throwdown. This is fun.

We're not always good at street events in this city, but it's only right that the Parades Commission has allowed this one to pass. No-one is offended, the mood is tolerant and happy and the streets belong to the artists, the artisans, the people. Pity it's not always thus.