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19/11/2007
First Citizen Leads Band Parade Critics
A confused 'protest' band parade that is to take place pre-Christmas in Belfast city centre has led to further controversy.
Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers is now facing criticism by the organisers for asking for its postponement.
"You don't speak for us," said band Secretary George Spence who continued: "He's the Lord Mayor, fair enough, and has a right to his own views, but Jim Rodgers does not speak for the band or any member of it.
"We have had two meetings with Mr Rodgers and have walked away with nothing to show for it."
The first citizen - and senior Orange Order member - was rebuked after calling on Pride of the Raven to put off its planned protest parade on Saturday.
The band is, however, seeking legal advice on its next move after the Parades Commission imposed restrictions on the parade to prevent any alleged intimidation of the Chinese community in the Donegall Pass area.
Mr Spence said the main point of the parade had been to protest at the Commission. But the band had also been disgruntled after police passed an official form with Mr Spence's name and address on it to Alliance South Belfast MLA Anna Lo.
Mr Rodgers appealed to the band to withdraw their application for next Saturday and apply again to the Commission in January.
"I do not believe the band means any offence, but traders in the city centre who do 40% of their annual business in the run up to Christmas are very concerned this parade would disrupt business at a time when many traders are struggling," he said.
(BMcC)
Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers is now facing criticism by the organisers for asking for its postponement.
"You don't speak for us," said band Secretary George Spence who continued: "He's the Lord Mayor, fair enough, and has a right to his own views, but Jim Rodgers does not speak for the band or any member of it.
"We have had two meetings with Mr Rodgers and have walked away with nothing to show for it."
The first citizen - and senior Orange Order member - was rebuked after calling on Pride of the Raven to put off its planned protest parade on Saturday.
The band is, however, seeking legal advice on its next move after the Parades Commission imposed restrictions on the parade to prevent any alleged intimidation of the Chinese community in the Donegall Pass area.
Mr Spence said the main point of the parade had been to protest at the Commission. But the band had also been disgruntled after police passed an official form with Mr Spence's name and address on it to Alliance South Belfast MLA Anna Lo.
Mr Rodgers appealed to the band to withdraw their application for next Saturday and apply again to the Commission in January.
"I do not believe the band means any offence, but traders in the city centre who do 40% of their annual business in the run up to Christmas are very concerned this parade would disrupt business at a time when many traders are struggling," he said.
(BMcC)
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26 November 2013
Bandsmen Guilty Of Breaking Parade Conditions
Parading conditions were broken by two bandsmen who played The Sash outside a Catholic Church. The two flute band members, Thomas Beresford, 21, of Strathearn Court and Stephen Walker, 28, of Church Green, both in Holywood, County Down, were convicted of knowingly flouting a ban on playing non-sacred music.
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22 June 2015
Two Men Attacked In South Belfast
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Two Men Attacked In South Belfast
Two men have been seriously injured after being attacked in south Belfast. The assault occurred in the Donegall Road area at around 9.30pm on Saturday. One of the men suffered a serious head injury and is currently in a critical condition in hospital.
14 March 2012
Loyalist Band Given Green Light For Parade
A loyalist parade, set to take place in Armagh on St Patrick’s Day, has been given the green light by Northern Ireland’s Parade’s Commission. Despite concerns being raised the loyalist band, Cormeen Rising Sons of William, have been given permission to hold a procession with 40 other bands and more than 1000 supporters.
Loyalist Band Given Green Light For Parade
A loyalist parade, set to take place in Armagh on St Patrick’s Day, has been given the green light by Northern Ireland’s Parade’s Commission. Despite concerns being raised the loyalist band, Cormeen Rising Sons of William, have been given permission to hold a procession with 40 other bands and more than 1000 supporters.
20 August 2009
Trouble Feared At Friday Band Parade
The fear of violent confrontation at a weekend band parade is increasing. Dissident republican activists and their supporters are planning to demonstrate at a permitted loyalist band parade on Friday night. As many as 40 bands are to take part in the predominantly nationalist village of Rasharkin.
Trouble Feared At Friday Band Parade
The fear of violent confrontation at a weekend band parade is increasing. Dissident republican activists and their supporters are planning to demonstrate at a permitted loyalist band parade on Friday night. As many as 40 bands are to take part in the predominantly nationalist village of Rasharkin.
21 November 2007
Band Backs Down On City Parade
A contentious protest parade that was expected to disrupt the city centre this weekend will not now be taking place. The loyalist band has called off the march it had planned to hold in Belfast on Saturday. Last week, the Parades Commission banned the Pride of Raven from marching along Donegall Pass after complaints from South Belfast MLA Anna Lo.
Band Backs Down On City Parade
A contentious protest parade that was expected to disrupt the city centre this weekend will not now be taking place. The loyalist band has called off the march it had planned to hold in Belfast on Saturday. Last week, the Parades Commission banned the Pride of Raven from marching along Donegall Pass after complaints from South Belfast MLA Anna Lo.
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