“Such actions do not represent us, our band, or the vast majority who attend to celebrate with pride and dignity.”
Police attended the Connswater area of East Belfast amid scenes of disorder(Image: NI Emergency Response Vids)
A flute band in East Belfast has condemned scenes of disorder after their annual parade on Saturday evening.
Police were in attendance at the planned East Belfast Protestant Boys parade in the Newtownards Road area on May 9 when they received a number of reports of anti-social behaviour and altercations in the area.
The parade passed off peacefully, with disorder in the Connswater area reportedly due to large groups of young people gathering for “arranged fights” organised through WhatsApp.
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During the disorder on Saturday night, two fast food restaurants had to close due to large groups of young people gathering in the area. In one of the restaurants, a window was smashed by young people engaging in disorderly behaviour.
In a statement on social media, the East Belfast Protestant Boys flute band condemned the anti-social behaviour, saying the scenes “do not represent us, our band, or the vast majority who attend to celebrate with pride and dignity.”
They said “trouble makers are not welcome at our parade, or any parade” and called on parents and guardians to speak to their young people about the dangers of being involved in such behaviour.
A spokesperson for the band said: “The Protestant Boys East Belfast stand proudly for our culture, our traditions, and the right to celebrate our heritage through parades.
“These parades are not just events — they are a living expression of our community’s identity, history, and faith, passed down through generations. They bring families together, strengthen community bonds, and remind us who we are.
“We unreservedly condemn any trouble, disorder, or antisocial behaviour from young people around our parade. Such actions do not represent us, our band, or the vast majority who attend to celebrate with pride and dignity. They disrespect the hard work our members put in year-round and damage the reputation of a tradition that means so much to so many.
“Let us make this clear. This is NOT a parade issue, this is a societal issue. Parades are about respect — respect for our culture, respect for our community, and respect for each other. We call on all parents, families, and supporters to help us protect that. Our traditions survive because we uphold standards.
“We will continue to work with community leaders, statutory agencies and the PSNI to ensure our parades remain safe, family-friendly celebrations of our culture. We ask every young person involved to remember: you carry the name of your community – represent it well or stay at home.
“The Protestant Boys East Belfast remain committed to preserving our parades, our music, and our traditions for the next generation — and we will not let the actions of a few undermine that for the many.
“We want to make this very clear. Trouble makers are not welcome at our parade, or any parade for that matter. Parents, guardians, uncles, aunts, grandparents and siblings, if you know of anyone involved we implore you, speak to them before someone gets badly hurt.”
Speaking to Belfast Live, local DUP councillor Ruth Brooks, who flagged concerns with police earlier in the week amid reports of potential arranged fights circulating, said the scenes on Saturday night “happened so quickly.”
She said such anti-social behaviour has been ongoing in the area in recent weeks, with many young people travelling from across the city and further afield for “arranged fights” organised through WhatsApp. Cllr Brooks said the scenes of trouble on Saturday night “should not take away from what was otherwise a successful and well-supported parade.”
“There have been ongoing issues with detached youth who travel to East Belfast for the purposes of stirring up trouble and disorder,” she added.
“This is becoming an increasing challenge and has caused issues for residents, youth workers, local communities and for parade organisers and those attending responsibly.
“The overwhelming majority of those attending tonight’s parade came to enjoy the occasion responsibly and support a long-standing cultural event within the community.”
In recent weeks, many scenes of anti-social behaviour in the area have centred around the derelict Connswater Shopping Centre. Last month, four young people were detained by police at the former shopping centre for anti-social behaviour and criminal damage after entering the derelict site.
On Saturday night’s anti-social behaviour, PSNI Chief Inspector Robinson said: “Enquiries are ongoing into individual reports of criminal damage and assault, while additional evidence was gathered at the scene which will now be reviewed by our Public Order Evidence Team.
“There will be consequences, by way of proactive arrests, for those identified as being involved in offences.
“We will continue to engage with local representatives and the wider community in order to help prevent further instances of this behaviour.
“We would particularly ask parents and guardians to speak to their children so they know where they are, and to play their part in ensuring that they do not become involved in such reckless behaviour that could lead to someone getting hurt.”
A PSNI spokesperson added: “Anyone who has information, or who can help identify those responsible, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1119 10/05/26.
“A report can be made online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
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