Northern Ireland

Loyalist flute band music was played in Portrush during the Open

Portrush Sons of Ulster playing in the town centre on Saturday. Picture by David Young/PA
Portrush Sons of Ulster playing in the town centre on Saturday. Picture by David Young/PA Portrush Sons of Ulster playing in the town centre on Saturday. Picture by David Young/PA

LOYALIST flute band music was played in Portrush town during the Open.

Crowds gathered as the Portrush Sons of Ulster held an outdoor concert on Saturday evening, with several bands performing.

Critics had claimed it could send out the wrong message about Northern Ireland during the golf championship, but supporters insisted it was an opportunity to showcase loyalist culture.

Portrush Sons of Ulster usually has a parade, but the event was downsized due to the logistical challenges presented by the golfing major, in particular the lack of parking spaces.

Young and old watched in a relaxed atmosphere as the first band, the William King Memorial, took to the stage of the amphitheatre at about 6.30pm.

Earlier in the week the Open's organisers moved to sidestep potential controversy over the event.

Martin Slumbers, R&A chief executive, stressed that The Open was a guest among the local community.

"We are very conscious that The Open comes to town once every X years," he said, when asked about the flute bands.

"We are very conscious that we are guests here. We're guests every year at the place we go.

"As guests we are very conscious that we want to be part of the community."