Twelfth parades planned for across east Antrim

The applications for events on Monday, July 13 are listed on the Parades Commission website.

They have been submitted by the Ulster Grenadiers Flute Band from Carrick, Carrickfergus Defenders, Constable Anderson Memorial FB Larne, Pride of the Hill Carnmoney, Ballyclare Protestant Boys and Cloughfern Old Boys.

In a statement issued to the Times, a spokesperson for the Parades Commission said on July 1: “During lockdown, the majority of band parade organisers agreed to withdraw their notifications to parade. “Since the easement on Monday evening permitting up to 30 persons outdoors, bands have submitted new notifications, mostly for the Twelfth. 50 parade notifications have been received today and yesterday, with more anticipated. Details are on the Commission’s website.

“Parades are subject to Covid-19 regulations, the enforcement of which is a matter for the NI Executive and PSNI, including Regulation 6 restricting numbers to 30 persons.

“The Commission’s role is focused on community relations, disruption to community relations, disruption to community life, public disorder and human rights.

“The Commission has no role to ‘approve’ parades, nor to impose conditions on the grounds of public health. The production of guidelines on public health grounds is not a function of the Commission. The Commission will co-operate fully with those focused on the public health emergency.”

Commenting on the development, a PSNI spokesperson said: “We are aware of discussions taking place in relation to celebrations around the Twelfth and will continue to liaise with our partner organisations including event organisers, local councils, public and statutory bodies and community representatives to put in place an appropriate and proportionate policing support in place for any events, in line with legislation and the Covid-19 restrictions at that time.”

Members of the flute bands are urging residents to organise garden parties on the day.

A spokesperson for Newtownabbey-based Pride of the Hill Flute Band said: “In our 35th year we will be flying the colours and walking loud and proud on the Queen’s Highway. Get the streets decorated and the garden parties organised for the parade route.”

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