A series of large public events in Belfast and Derry are set to proceed this weekend, organisers have indicated, following nights of disorder earlier in the week. The PSNI has announced an increased presence in Belfast city centre.

The Belsonic festival at Ormeau Park opens on Friday and Saturday with two separate shows. Up to 20,000 people are expected each night for the country and folk line-up Farmers Bash and house DJ Josh Baker. Translink confirmed it intends to run buses and trains as normal, including dedicated event travel to the site.

At the Waterfront Hall, a Shrek-themed performance by Starburst Theatre School is scheduled for Friday evening. A tribute show to pop singer Tina Turner is planned for Saturday. Both events remained confirmed as of Friday afternoon.

The Belfast Empire music venue also listed its weekend shows as going ahead, including a jazz tribute to Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra and a 1990s tribute band. A number of smaller local band and DJ performances are set to take place in other venues around the city.

On Saturday afternoon, anti-racism protests organised by the group United Against Racism are planned for Belfast and Derry. The Belfast demonstration is due to start at 1pm outside City Hall. A separate gathering is set for 2pm in Guildhall Square, Derry. United Against Racism describes itself as a grassroots all-Ireland organisation that opposes the scapegoating of migrants and minorities and calls for the opening of borders to refugees and the regularisation of undocumented migrant workers.

Public sector union NIPSA has backed the protests, issuing a call for what it described as working class unity against racism.

A large annual loyalist memorial parade is scheduled for Saturday night in east Belfast. The event involves 25 bands and about 1,000 supporters and is expected to last two and a half hours, moving from Newtownards Road to near Woodstock Road.

Chief Superintendent Amanda Ford of the PSNI said there would be an increased police presence in the city centre and encouraged people to continue shopping, dining and attending events.