The Annual Somme Parade passing through East Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo – Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
The Annual Somme Parade passing through East Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo – Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
The Annual Somme Parade passing through East Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo – Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
The Annual Somme Parade passing through East Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo – Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
Stephen Nolan at the Annual Somme Parade passing through East Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo – Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
The Annual Somme Parade passing through East Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo – Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
The Annual Somme Parade passing through East Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo – Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
The Annual Somme Parade passing through East Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo – Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
Police maintained a heavy presence as the annual Somme parade passed through east Belfast on Tuesday evening.
It’s understood arrests have been made.
The parade is held in memory of thousands of Ulstermen who fought in one of the bloodiest battles of World War One – with around 2,000 killed and more than 3,000 wounded.
A parade in their honour has been held in east Belfast every year since the war ended.
The Annual Somme Parade passing through East Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo – Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
The parade, with more than 30 bands, set off from Templemore Avenue at 7.30pm, making its way along the Albertbridge, Ravenhill and Castlereagh roads, before returning to Templemore Avenue via the Upper Newtownards Road, Belmont Road, Holywood Road.
There was a heavy police presence on Albertbridge Road due to it being on the Interface with Short Strand.
The Annual Somme Parade passing through East Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo – Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
Images show the PSNI approaching young people in the area.
Ahead of this year’s parade, Ballymacarrett District LOL No 6 has asked everyone involved or attending to do so in “remembrance” and with “dignity, respect, and gratitude.”
A post on Facebook adds: “The past few years has witnessed an alarming rise in crowds of young people consuming alcohol and encroaching into the parade.
“Indeed, the crowd encroachment is prevalent along most of the Newtownards Road from McDonalds until after the Skainos Centre.
“Remember, the reason for the parade is to remember with respect and dignity.”
The Annual Somme Parade passing through East Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo – Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
Watch: Lord Mayor hosts wreath laying ceremony to commemorate 109th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme
The PSNI has been contacted for comment.