Statement by TUV Court Councillor Jolene Bunting:
“Last night the noise from the Ardoyne festival could be heard in the Shankill area. The volume was turned up considerably around midnight and people, including myself, could clearly hear pro-IRA songs and chanting in their homes. Not only was this provoking but it was particularly distressing for elderly people and young children.
“I have lodged a complaint with the council about the noise pollution and I am also gravely concerned about the nature of the event given the emergence of recordings of what took place on the internet with a member of a Republican band telling the crowd that it’s about time that British soldiers and Orangemen “f***** off back to England”.
“I have contacted Belfast City council to establish how much ratepayers contributed to the cost of this event. I have also contacted sponsors of the festival – including Ladbrokes, Subway and Spar – to advise them of what took place and to ask them to ensure they do not sponsor the event again.
“Finally I have made a formal complaint to the PSNI about the hate speech which was a feature of the event.
“I await the replies with interest.”
Note to editors
You can view some of what went on at the event here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obAuGlMEb64&feature=youtu.be