DUP slams pro-IRA chants at Wolfe Tones festival gig
an Phobail organisers took steps to ensure there were no pro-IRA flags or merchandise allowed within the venue during a Wolfe Tones gig at the weekend.
However, the DUP hit out at the “glorification” of terrorism during the band’s headline Falls Park show in west Belfast on Sunday after some in the crowd chanted pro-IRA slogans during the performance.
There had been heavy criticism of the festival last year after IRA flags were flown and proIRA chanting was heard during a Wolfe Tones concert.
The organisers of the festival, however, took steps to try to ensure there was not a repeat of some scenes last year.
Flags were checked at the gates to ensure that no pro-IRA flags could be brought into the venue, more security ensured there were no incidents, and no retailers were allowed to sell merchandise within the venue.
Despite efforts, DUP councillor Brian Kingston said “huge questions” need to be asked of the festival’s organisers.
“Following the widespread condemnation of events at last year’s concert by The Wolfe Tones it is depressing that once again the ‘headline act’ of this festival has led a crowd of mainly younger people in chants glorifying IRA terrorism, which killed over 1,700 people during the Troubles and injured many thousands more,” he said.
“The only purpose which this concert appears to serve is to encourage as much anti-British sentiment as possible, with ‘ooh,
The Wolfe Tones perform on stage at Feile an Phobail in Falls Park, west Belfast, on Sunday
aah, up the ‘Ra’, ‘go on home British soldiers’ and ‘f *** your Union Jack’ all forming a central part of the performance.”
At one stage The Wolfe Tones also played a rendition of God Save The Queen.
However, Mr Kingston said organisers need to explain why the “glorification of terrorism” remains a part of the festival.
“At some stage Feile an PhoFEILE
bail needs to move into the modern era and recognise the great harm such a premeditated and sectarian performance causes to community relations as well as hugely damaging their own brand,” Mr Kingston said.
“Neither can Belfast City Council ignore this abuse of a council facility and council funding. DUP colleagues and I will be
pursuing this matter with senior council officers.”
Feile an Phobail director Kevin Gamble said: “Over the last nine years The Wolfe Tones have performed at the August Feile.
“The Wolfe Tones are one of Ireland’s most famous musical bands, and have played to sold out audiences right across Ireland, the UK, the USA, and indeed the world, as well as performing on the biggest show in the country, The Late Late Show on RTE.
“Following our own event, The Wolfe Tones will once again be heading to The Fleadh Cheoil na h-Eireann, the biggest traditional musical festival in the world, and then onto a UK tour with performances in the London Irish Centre and right across the UK.”