THE PARADES COMMISSION has issued determinations for three additional parades passing Clifton Street in Belfast.

These are:

• 36th Ulster Division Memorial – June 30th (Church Service)
• Thiepval Memorial – July 1st. (Remembrance Service)
• Committee of Management, Belfast Orange Hall – July 7th (Thanksgiving Service related to the Battle of the Boyne)

In a statement issued this evening, the Commission said that for each of these parades “respectful hymn tunes are to be played past Carrickhill and St Patrick’s”, saying there was no determination for a ‘single drum beat’ on any part of the route.

Last week, in response to the Orange Order’s recent outlining of a ‘template for parading’ the Parades Commission called upon both parade organisers and residents groups to ‘step up to the plate’ to help ensure a peaceful parading season.

The Commission also welcomes “some of the language and the commitment of the Order to respectful behaviour at interfaces and places of worship such as St Patrick’s”. In particular, the Commission noted the Order’s desire to “create an atmosphere of mutual respect” and its recognition of it “responsibility to work with others to address local difficulties and the need to foster respect and toleration as key to building a shared future”.

“As Northern Ireland approaches the main parading season, the opportunity remains to prove that there is no inevitability to a narrative of discord over parading,” the Commission said.

Read: Orange Hall smoke damaged in arson attack
Read: Loyal order apologises to Catholic parish for marching band music
Read: Third night of disturbances in Belfast

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More