Flute Band Display At City Hall Sparks Outrage

Belfast City Council has launched an investigation after footage showing a loyalist flute band parading through City Hall appeared on social media, sparking outrage across the political community.

The Govan Protestant Boys, a band from Glasgow, attended an Orange Lodge centenary event at the civic buildings on Saturday evening, 12 October. Video appears to show the band playing The Sash in the foyer of the City Hall and throughout the building's corridors.

Council has launched a full investigation into the events following cross-party calls for action after politicians claimed the display goes against the shared and integrated environment fostered throughout the building.

SDLP North Belfast Councillor Carl Whyte was among those urging the Council Chief Executive to investigate and said the city's civic spaces should be respected by all users.

Cllr White said: "Bandsmen marching through the corridors, beating drums with crowds of supporters shouting in their wake. It appears disrespectful of our shared civic space and I've asked the Chief Executive of the council to investigate what happened.

"Our civic spaces must be open and welcoming to everyone in this city. There are spaces for events, performances and cultural celebrations in City Hall. The corridors of a working building are not that space."

Sinn Fein Councillor Ciarán Beattie branded the actions of the band a "disgrace".

"This sends out the wrong message of the changing Belfast and City Hall which is supposed to be a shared space and open to all.

"I have contacted the Chief Executive to raise serious concerns and demand answers as to how and why this was allowed to happen.

"A Council investigation is now underway to identify a possible breach of protocol and into the conduct of this flute band."



(JG/CM)