Miscommunication as Derry Halloween parade participants Bready Ulster Scots Pipe band refused banner

Derry Halloween parade participants Bready Ulster Scots Pipe band being prevented from carrying a banner during the parade was due to Council 'not fully communicating' in advance.

Foyle MLA Gary Middleton raised his concerns about the incident on Facebook the day after the parade.

However, the Derry and Strabane District Council, which is in charge of the parade, has since said the issue was due to a lack of communication on its part.

A Council spokesperson said its Halloween Carnival Parade encourages all of its participants to refrain from carrying banners, flags and emblems.

“At the start of the parade, the Bready pipe band were asked not to carry a banner whilst participating in the parade,” they said.

“The group had hoped to use the banner to profile their charity during the parade and Council is currently liaising with them to apologise for not fully communicating the advisory on banners well in advance of the festival and to advise them that Council in recognising the importance of the charity they were hoping to profile hopes to do something with them to help raise profile of their charity work and to continue to work with them going forward.”

In the Facebook post Mr Middleton also said he had been 'inundated with complaints' about people flying Palestinian flags during the parade. He called the flying of 'political' flags a 'serious concern' but said the Bready Ulster Scots Pipe band is 'non-political'.

“I have been inundated with complaints between last night and this morning in relation to the 'Halloween Parade' yesterday evening. I am aware that my councillor colleagues have also received complaints. It relates to the flying of Palestinian flags on parade,” the DUP MLA said.

“Over the years there have been issues with flags along the route, however the flying of political flags on this parade is of serious concern.

“I am also aware that Bready Ulster Scots Pipe band were informed that they would not be allowed to carry their banner, which is non-political and promotes a charity which is poignant to them and many others.

“I have contacted the Chief Executive of the Council alongside the director and organiser.

“Events which are being organised by Council must be inclusive and welcoming to all. Sadly, that appears not to have been the case on this parade.”

The Council spokesperson responded it encourages all of its participants to refrain from carrying banners, flags and emblems and will work to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

“Council has been informed that a group did display flags during the Carnival parade,” the spokesperson said.

“While Council officers were not made aware of it at the time, Council are committed to following it up with the parade organisers and working with them and other partners going forward to ensure all participants are aware of the guidelines on banners and health and safety measures.

“Derry’s Halloween celebrations is a hugely positive event for the city and district and every effort is made to ensure everyone taking part and attending has an enjoyable experience.”

Bready Ulster Scots Pipe Band was contacted for comment but no response was received.

However the group did post on Facebook about the night in general without acknowledging the incident.

“It was a privilege for us to lead the Halloween parade & show everyone how talented our wee band is. We hope you all enjoyed,” the wrote.