Flag Parade Restricted

A parade marking the restriction of the flying of the union flag atop Belfast City Hall is being restricted to 500 people, the Parades Commission has determined.

The march, which is being held by loyalist flute bands over the decision in December 2012 to only fly the union flag on UK-designated days, is due to take place on Saturday 29 November.

While the organisers had initially expected 6,000 people to take part, the Commission has restricted this number to 500.

Many loyalists and unionists have taken issue with the decision by Belfast Council to restrict the flying of the union flag according to the official UK government's policy. Hitherto, the flag had flown above Belfast City Hall 365 days a year.

As a result of the decision taken two years ago, Belfast and Northern Ireland were subjected to months of protest, often erupting into violent scenes of disorder in which police were pelted with missiles, golf balls, bottles and bricks.

This latest parade marks the two-year anniversary of the decision. The route will incorporate City Hall, Donegal Place, Royal Avenue, North Street, Shankill Road, Tennent Street, Crumlin Road and Cambria Street.

Ten bands are expected to take part: Lord Carson Memorial, Lower Woodstock, Ballybeen YCV, Ulster First Flute Band, South Belfast Protestant Boys, Tigers Bay Protestant Boys Flute Band, Cloughfern Young Conquerors Flute Band, Sons of Kai, Pride of the West and SBYC.

The Commission has ruled that the parade must leave City Hall no later than 14:15 and have passed the Royal Avenue/North Street junction no later than 14:35.

The Commission said it had taken into consideration the fears of city centre traders, as the last weekend in November is normally a strong trading day in the run-up to Christmas.

"These representatives have expressed their view that, regardless of the actual numbers which do eventually participate in these parades, the advance notification of thousands of participants heightens tensions and discourages shoppers and others from coming into the city centre," a statement said.

(IT/CD)