Beoga perform for Garvaghy Road community

Beoga performed for residents of the Garvaghy Road, Portadown on Wednesday, to show solidarity with protestors as demonstrations continue for a fifth day.

It has been reported that The Mary Wallopers are also set to perform for residents of the Garvghy Road today at 3 pm to support the protest.

They are protesting against the controversial decision by the High Court in Belfast to allow 35 members of the Orange Order to walk down the road as part of the Drumcree parade route. The nationalist, catholic area is in Portadown, which is predominantly protestant.

They have not been permitted to walk in the nationalist area since 1998, due to violence between the Orange Order, security forces, and Garvaghy residents. A number of people died as a result of the disputes.

Other musicians that have shared support for the protestors include Huartan, Kneecap, and Eimhear Ní Ghlacaín.

Beoga recently exited Ed Sheeran's LOOP tour, along with all other supporting acts, due to US rapper Macklemore's removal. He was dismissed after calling for a 'free Palestine,' during his opening set at Sheeran's concert on September 4 in New Jersey.

Several stadium owners contacted him following Macklemore's opening set and threatened to pull the show from stadiums if he was not removed from the tour.

The band wrote on their Instagram that they are "in awe of the wonderful community on the Garvaghy Road tonight. A shining example of solidarity, people power, culture, resistanceand standing firm for peace and dignity in our communities."

 

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The Orange Order parade was approved by the Parades Commission of Northern Ireland. The marchers would have a service at Drumcree Church, before marching through the Garvaghy Road.

The approval came with several conditions including that it would start at 8 am on Sunday, September 27 and conclude by 9.30 am. No supporters were allowed to accompany the parade, and no bands were permitted to join the route.

The ruling was upheld on September 27 by a special late night sitting of the High Court in Belfast. It was decided at 2.15 am, with the march due to begin six hours later.

However, a swift response followed by residents, with cars blocking the road early Sunday morning, and local people forming a physical blockade to prevent the organisation from entering the area. The Order have since tried to begin the parade a number of times, however they have been blocked by the PSNI.

Garvaghy Road residents were given a proposal last night, which, if accepted by the Orange Order, would be suitable for them.

No details of the deal have emerged, but it is rumoured that it establishes the Orange Order's legal right to march the controversial route, however they acknowledge they will not exercise this right.

Unionist MP Carla Lockhart has said that the Order will not accept a deal that would see them "walk away."