Somme commemoration crowds should ‘observe social distancing’

Organisers of the annual Somme commemoration parade in east Belfast are urging spectators to comply with social distancing and other measures to reduce the risk of Covid transmission.
A previous 
Somme Commemoration parade organised by Ballymacarrett District Lodge No 6. Picture: Aidan O’Reilly/Pacemaker PressA previous 
Somme Commemoration parade organised by Ballymacarrett District Lodge No 6. Picture: Aidan O’Reilly/Pacemaker Press
A previous Somme Commemoration parade organised by Ballymacarrett District Lodge No 6. Picture: Aidan O’Reilly/Pacemaker Press

Thousands of people usually line the route from Templemore Avenue and Ballymacarrett No6 District LOL expects another large turnout on Thursday evening.

In a statement, Ballymacarrett District said: “We are pleased to announce that our annual Battle of the Somme commemoration will take place on Thursday, July 1, 2021.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The procession will proceed in groups of 500 persons as per the current regulations and commence at 7.15pm from Templemore Avenue and proceed along the normal route.

“We would strongly ask members of the general public to abide by the current Covid-19 regulations of social distancing and face coverings to reduce any community transmission.”

The statement adds: “Please also assist us by spreading out all along the route and not creating large gatherings at any one given point. We would also ask spectators not to follow the parade and make use of your garden facilities for viewing where possible.”

A social media campaign has also been launched encouraging people to become “socially distanced supporters.”

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor