‘Leave us alone’- pleads Bands Forum

LONDONDERRY must move on from the past if everyone is to have an equal place in the 2013 City of Culture Celebrations, the secretary of the city’s bands forum has said.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Dec 2011, 14:38 BST

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Lundy Day parade, Kenny McFarland said that bandsmen have so far been “quiet” about the abuse they are subjected to by those who object to Apprentice Boys’ celebrations throughout the year.

Last week the Londonderry Bands forum attended the District Policing Partnership’s monthly meeting to ask what was being done about abusive protesters and what protection bandsmen could be offered by police.

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“All the boys were saying is that we have kept quiet for so long...” said Mr McFarland. “What part are we to play in the City of Culture if we are not accepted? Are we in a shared city or not? I would say to those people who gather to shout abuse at us that yes, you may not like us or want us to be there but just leave us alone to get on with it.

“Parading has become ‘the’ issue since the ceasefire. It seems ridiculous but there was really less issue with this during the troubles.

“We nearly expect it as part of the day now, there is always the usual gathering but we hope as always that the day will pass off without incident. We have been working with the DPP and with the community we just hope to move forward.”

For parade details, see page 3.