SALSA, samba and ska set the city centre swinging during Plymouth's 13th Respect Festival.

After a year's break, the colourful event was back this weekend with a packed line-up of music, dance and food from around the world.

Thousands of people joined in the festivities at Plymouth Guildhall and Armada Way.

The extravaganza celebrated the city's diverse cultures to promote understanding and respect.

The party started on Saturday with Rhythms 4 Respect, an evening of dance and music. It included salsa dancing, African and ska bands Siga La Salsa, Chimanimani and Too Hot.

Sunday saw the return of the Respect Parade, which started at 10am by the city-centre Sundial. Led by a samba band, it included 100 city schoolchildren and their families, Emerge Circus Group and UCP Marjon International Students.

The parade's theme was 'fire and heat', with costumes created at workshops led by Stiltskin and funded by Devon and Somerset Fire Service and Affinity Sutton Housing.

The free family festival at the Guildhall included Pearl of Africa Children's Choir, stalls, performances, workshops, information stands and world food. Two free zumba sessions, on Saturday at 2pm and the second on Sunday at 1pm on the Civic Piazza, were also part of the fun.

The Plymouth Respect Festival is an important event in the city's calendar for highlighting diversity and celebrating differences.

A spin-off strand of events is called Respect 4 Respect – with events and shows throughout the year.

Over the years the festival has grown to become one of the biggest free events in Plymouth, taking place over two days featuring arts, performance, information, fashion and food.

Organisers last year took a break from the event, saying they needed to "review, reflect and plan the long-term journey".