SINN FEIN has branded this weekend’s Star of Down Maghera band parade in Newcastle an unwelcome event that “raises tensions and damages community relations.”

One of the party’s South Down MLAs, Cllr Willie Clarke, said the Star of Down wasn’t from Newcastle and he described its parade as “another sectarian coat-trailing exercise.”

But the flute band said Mr Clarke’s remarks amount to another “tired old rant” against its annual parade.

Spokesperson Stephen Herron said the reality was the parade had been well organised and managed in previous years and the band aimed to ensure this Saturday’s parade was a night for all the family to enjoy.

Mr Clarke told the Mourne Observer Sinn Fein was disappointed the Parades Commission had decided to give the parade through the centre of Newcastle the green light.

“Notwithstanding our formal objections, the Parades Commission have shown their usual contempt for the people of Newcastle and allowed the Star of Down band parade to proceed without restrictions, meaning widespread disruption for local people and visitors to the town, as well as heightened tension,” Mr Clarke said.

“This event has a history of trouble and bad behaviour and is held at the worst possible time, 7pm to 11pm on a Saturday evening. Taking aside the disruption to the bar and restaurant trade, and the impact on taxi drivers, the potential for trouble is there and at the very least this unwelcome event raises tensions and damages community relations.

“I would now urge Newcastle Chamber of Commerce to publicly state their views on this event and for once to show some leadership and demand that this parade be banned.

“By not doing so they are failing their membership and the people of Newcastle, who are sick and tired of having to put up with these events,” he concluded.

But responding on behalf of Star of Down Maghera, band spokesperson Mr Herron said it was “ridiculous” to suggest the band should not hold its parade in Newcastle.

“Unsurprisingly, William Clarke’s latest attack on our annual parade and competition contains nothing new; it is just the same tired old rant he employs every year,” said Mr Herron, a TUV Councillor on Banbridge District Council.

“I am interested to know what the ‘formal objections’ he claims to have made refer to exactly, and would challenge him to make them public. 

“Furthermore, for him to make the ridiculous suggestion that because the band is from Maghera it should not host an event in Newcastle, is akin to saying the Parish of Maghera should not convene in Newcastle Chapel.

“He should get a map and find out where Maghera actually is.”

Cllr Herron said previous parades have been well organised and had passed off “peacefully, without major incident.”

“This has been acknowledged by both the PSNI and the Parades Commission, this year’s determination, which is published on the Commission’s website, makes clear reference to that,” he stated.

“The organisers, and those marshalling the parade, will ensure Saturday night’s event will continue in that tradition.

“This year we are celebrating 35 years since the formation of the Star of Down Flute Band, and we expect to have a successful night this Saturday, with quality bands in attendance and the usual good turnout of supporters from the locality.

“We aim to make it a night for all the family to enjoy,” Cllr Herron added.

In response to Cllr Clarke’s statement, Newcastle Chamber of Commerce has said: “The Newcastle Chamber of Commerce takes all matters to do with Newcastle very seriously indeed and no doubt will be discussing this and further issues at future meetings.”