Court Street was packed with visitors for a celebration of unity and culture yesterday evening.

Culture Fest was put on by the organisation 'Up' formerly known as the Uptown Market Association. It featured live fashion and hair shows, with clothes and styling supplied by local businesses in an effort to showcase them.

The idea was to boost business in the street, which has suffered from negative publicity due to a series of shootings in recent months. Vice-chair of Up, Gina Spence Farmer, whose son-in-law died after being shot outside nearby Place's Place in March, explained the event was designed to uplift and inspire the community.

"There's a really positive energy in the street," she said during the event. Steve Simons, chairman of Up, estimated that between 500 and 600 people attended. "I would like to give thanks and appreciation to all those who came out in support of our efforts," he said.

The event was sponsored by the Department of Tourism and Corporation of Hamilton.