A contentious loyal order parade must adhere to a number of restrictions when it passes a potential flashpoint in Belfast this weekend, an adjudication panel has ruled.
The Parades Commission said the those involved in the part of the Ulster Covenant parade that passes St Patrick’s Catholic church in the north of the city must only play sacred music.
The Orange Order had offered to play hymns as members passed the church but a residents’ group from the surrounding area requested that no music be played.
The commission said no supporters would be allowed to accompany the parade on that section of the route.
St Patrick’s, on Donegall Street, was the scene of dispute over the summer after a loyalist band was accused of playing provocative music outside the church on July 12.
The event on Saturday is being staged by the Orange Order to commemorate the centenary of the unionist proclamation against plans for Home Rule in Ireland.
It is set to be one of the largest parades ever held in Belfast, with potentially 30,000 marchers taking part.
Only a section of the parade will pass St Patrick’s as it makes its way to join the main body.
The Orange Order estimates that around 2,000 people are scheduled to participate in that part of the event.
The commission also placed the sacred music restriction on those bands that will pass St Matthew’s Catholic Church on the Newtownards Road in the east of the city.
The centre piece of the Covenant commemorations will see a cultural festival staged in the grounds of the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont.
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