11-07-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
July bonfires: A sectarian safety risk, or a harmless tradition?
The night before, bonfires will be lit across the country - a tradition that began when fires on hillsides were used to signal William of Orange's march from Carrickfergus to the Battle of the Boyne.
But a night of tradition and celebration for some is viewed by others as physically dangerous, and in some cases, undeniably sectarian.
The tallest bonfire in Northern Ireland is Craigyhill in Larne – standing at over 200 feet.
In the same town, a father of two died in 2022 after falling from a different pyre in the Antiville area.
Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan has criticised a 'lack of leadership' from unionist politicians after Belfast City Council voted to remove a south Belfast bonfire over concerns around asbestos and disruption to the electrical supply.
Paramilitary sources have warned of sustained disorder if the bonfire is removed.
Certain bonfires are also infamous for featuring sectarian slogans and controversial effigies, such as this year's pyre at Moygashel, which features an effigy depicting illegal migrants on a boat.
To discuss the heated topic, Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride, Loyalist activist Moore Holmes, and the chairman of the Schomberg Ulster Scots society in Kilkeel, Gareth Crozier.
