Thousands of people are attending an anti-racism rally in Belfast.

It set off from Writers’ Square shortly after midday, arriving at City Hall a short time later.

People carried banners saying ‘United Against Racism’ and “Ulster says no to racism”.

Political representatives were among those in attendance.

The rally will hear calls for zero tolerance of hate and division.

Sporadic violence has broken out across the city with homes and businesses targeted in racially-motivated attacks over recent nights.

There were also violent scenes at an anti-immigration protest in Belfast last Saturday.

It follows similar scenes in English towns and cities after the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

Unrest was fuelled after false information was spread online about the suspect.

Today’s ‘Belfast Welcomes Diversity’ march has been backed by more than 140 community organisations and trade unions.

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland director, said: “Minoritised communities are not responsible for the failure of politicians to address poverty and inequality in our society.

“Let’s be clear. Racist violence didn’t start here last Saturday.

“It didn’t start three weeks ago when eight families were put out of their homes in Antrim.

“It didn’t start three years ago when the Belfast Multi Cultural Association was burnt out by men in balaclavas.

“Racist violence has been a real and present danger here for far too long.

“But all too rarely have the racists responsible been held to account. No wonder they feel emboldened.

“Racism is a stain on our communities. Paramilitary violence is a scourge on our communities.

“This week of shame must be a wake-up call for our politicians and the police. There must be zero tolerance for racism in all its manifestations.”

Police at City Hall on Friday as two demonstrations took place (Photo by Kevin Scott)

A United Against Racism spokesperson said Belfast is an inclusive, diverse city that “will not be bowed by racist hate”.

“On Saturday, we are urging all who oppose division to join the march and show that those who peddle racism do not speak for the majority,” they added.

“Violent racists must not be allowed to control our streets or control the narrative around the problems facing our communities. When progressives campaign for social change, for investment in public services, or for the rights we all deserve, the far-right are never to be seen.”

On Friday, about 1,000 people gathered in Belfast for a counter-protest against several hundred anti-immigration demonstrators.

A heavy police presence and barriers were put in place to keep the two groups apart at Belfast City Hall, while Donegall Square North and Wellington Place were closed to traffic for several hours.

The people at the anti-immigration protest were seen holding signs with slogans such as “Shankill Road says no to illegal immigration” and chanting “Send them home”.

Trade union banners and signs with anti-racism messages were being held aloft at the counter-protest, with chants of “When migrant lives are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back” and “Belfast is anti-fascist”.

Police planned a “significant, visible” operation ahead of the gatherings.