Letter to organiser of the Rising Sons of the Valley Flute Band parade in Kilkeel on Saturday, 14 April 2012
04 April 2012
Letter to organiser of the Rising Sons of the Valley Flute Band parade in Kilkeel, Saturday, 14 April 2012
The Parades Commission has heard representations which you, as parade organiser made in relation to the parade by The Rising Sons of the Valley Flute Band notified to take place in Kilkeel on Saturday, 14 April 2012.
At the meeting you were given the gist of representations from local political representatives who have put their concerns about the parade to the Commission. The Commission welcomes your assurances that all those taking part will comply with the Commission’s Code of Conduct, and that the parade will take place in an orderly and responsible way.
In particular, the Commission notes that only the host band has notified to proceed along Newry Street once the main parade has returned to the notified dispersal point. The Commission has heard that this arrangement is to enable the Schomberg Fife and Drum Band to lead the parade along its notified route, which does not include Newry Street. The host band shall marshal the main parade and shall then itself proceed along Newry Street and return to the dispersal point. You have also assured the Commission that this arrangement has been notified only on this occasion for commemorative reasons and will not be notified in future years.
The Commission has welcomed your assurances that the host band shall play respectful music as it parades on Newry Street. You have further undertaken that the band will play only a single drum beat on a single side drum on that section of the notified route on Newry Street between Kilkeel Jobs and Benefits Office, and the point at which the band shall turn about at the junction of Hillside Drive and Newry Street.
The Commission further welcomes your assurances that the host band aims to have returned to the notified dispersal point by 10:30 pm or earlier.
Taking account of the representations it has heard and in the light of all the factors set out above, the Commission has decided not to impose conditions on the parade. The Commission looks to you as the organiser and to those taking part in and supporting the parade to conduct themselves with dignity and discipline, making good on the assurances you have provided, and in full compliance with the Commission’s Code of Conduct. I have enclosed a copy of the Code for your information.
The Commission shall in any future consideration of the parade take account of the conduct of those taking part in and supporting it. It looks to you as a responsible organiser to ensure that all marshalls and participants obey any direction given by the police in relation to the parade.
ANTHONY CARLETON
Secretary to the Parades Commission