Portrush parade that clashed with The Open made for ‘most memorable weekend' on north coast, councillor says
Allister Kyle hailed the Portrush Sons of Ulster Parade as a huge success despite concerns expressed in the run-up the event which saw more than 80 bands march through the seaside town.
The local representative and TUV chairman, who was among those who lined the streets on Saturday night, praised parade organisers.
Mr Kyle cited an assessment he received from the PSNI this morning which estimated the number of spectators to be 12,000.
He said he was informed that 'in spite of that mammoth attendance, there were a sum total of zero incidents involving police linked to the parade' and that 'organisers were a pleasure to work with'.
The PSNI confirmed it made two arrests in the Portrush area on Saturday evening 'which were not related to the annual band parade'.
'The parade itself passed off peacefully without incident,' a spokesperson added.
The Parades Commission was notified of 83 bands from all over NI taking part in the march making it bigger than any single Twelfth parade.
It was led by Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster Flute Band.
Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster Flute Band parading on Saturday night. Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX
Watch: Birmingham man enjoys his first Twelfth as thousands parade in Belfast
Organisers had been offered around £20,000 to postpone the parade due to concerns about supporters merging with golf fans, but rejected the cash incentive.
Tee-times were then brought forward as "marginal adjustments" were made at Royal Portrush Golf Club to ensure both events could take place in a "seamless" way.
Robert Thompson, bandmaster of Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster Flute Band which led the parade, previously said he had no hesitation in supporting the decision to go ahead with the demonstration.
'If they had chosen not to have held it, we would have backed them," he said.
'But they chose to go ahead and asked us to have the privilege of leading it, and we jumped at the chance.'
A number of tourists who were in the area for The Open decided to stick around after the golf ended to watch the spectacle.
Harn Huang had travelled from South Africa with her mum and boyfriend and snapped up the chance to see her first parade.
'We don't have anything like this,' she said.
'I'm here to see both the golf and the parade.
"It's very cool.'
Other visitors, including Canadian Jess Marks and her partner Tim Shaw, were not aware of the parade but said they had heard rumblings of 'an event that might cause a few problems at the train station with more people trying to leave'.
But Mr Kyle said 'meticulous planning' avoided any problems.
'It is beyond dispute that, for locals and visitors to our shores alike, the band parade was not, as some uninformed outlets described it, controversial in any way, shape or form, but instead positively contributed to a most memorable weekend on the north coast,' he added.
'Well done Portrush Sons of Ulster — and thank you.' Read more
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