Sectarian and anti-Catholic chanting heard at one of Banbridge’s biggest annual parades has been condemned as “completely unacceptable” by a local Sinn Féin councillor.
Footage has circulated on social media from Friday night’s Downshire Guiding Star parade – a major event in the parading calendar – appearing to show individuals singing songs associated with the UVF and lyrics containing sectarian and anti-Catholic references.
Sinn Féin councillor Kevin Savage said the scenes did not reflect the type of community people in the town want to build.
“Banbridge is a shared town, and there is no place for sectarianism or hatred towards any religion or community,” he said.
“The footage that has emerged from Friday night’s parade is deeply disappointing, particularly the singing of songs associated with the UVF and anti-Catholic songs.
“At a time when tensions have been heightened by attempts to reignite a march down the Garvaghy Road, songs promoting sectarianism or hatred against any religion are completely unacceptable.
“This is not representative of the inclusive and shared community we want to see in Banbridge.”
Friday’s parade, organised by Downshire Guiding Star Flute Band, drew significant numbers into the town centre, with 74 bands taking part – including, organisers say, one group travelling from as far away as Limavady.
The band’s honorary president has hailed the event, suggesting it may have attracted the largest crowds of any demonstration so far this year.
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