Phoenix Energy has renewed its Friend of Mela partnership with the Belfast Mela, Northern Ireland's largest cultural diversity festival, organised by ArtsEkta, which returns this month to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The company has been an active backer of the festival's growth, which brings tens of thousands together to enjoy global cultures through music, dance and food.

Speaking about the partnership, Emma McConkey, Responsible Business Champion at Phoenix Energy, said: "Phoenix Energy is incredibly proud to have supported the Mela Festival since 2019 and to celebrate this significant 20 year milestone alongside the organisation. Over the past two decades, Mela has grown into a vibrant celebration of the rich diversity, cultures and communities that make Northern Ireland such a welcoming place to live and work.

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"Our corporate values align perfectly with the festival as we believe strong communities are built by embracing diversity and inclusion and creating opportunities for people to connect. We are honoured to have played a small part in Mela's journey and look forward to supporting its continued success for many years to come."

A special weeklong programme is planned for the 20th Belfast Mela Festival, beginning with the magical Mela Carnival on Saturday 22 August, followed by the outdoor theatre spectacle Earth Child on Sunday 23 August at Titanic Slipways, a series of Mela Plus events throughout the week, and culminating in the traditional Mela Day on Sunday 30 August at Botanic Gardens, Belfast.