TUV's Gaston praises marching bands

TUV Assemblyman Timothy Gaston has praised the contribution of marching bands and Loyal Orders in a speech st Stormont.

The North Antrim MLA said: "I take this opportunity to reflect on the immense contribution that the loyal orders and the marching bands scene made to the cultural life of Northern Ireland over the summer months.

“Every year, the streets of Ulster resound to the music of marching bands that have spent the winter months reaching a standard that is unmatched anywhere else in the amateur world.

“Bands give people an identity, a pride and a sense of achievement whilst nurturing their musical talents.

"A fact that often goes untold is the contribution that bands make to the economy.

“Uniforms alone can cost £1,000 or more, with no grant support.

“That is money that goes straight into the economy of Northern Ireland.

“Alongside that, the loyal orders this year staged 19 major demonstrations on the Twelfth, bringing tens of thousands on to the streets to celebrate a living tradition in the glorious sunshine.

"All that happened despite the usual attempts to blacken my community through lies and mistruths.

“That was seen most clearly when a lodge in Comber was demonised for 48 hours by the BBC for daring to challenge the GAA's links to republican terrorism.

“Some in the media have since apologised for getting carried away in the hysteria, yet the BBC — the source of much of that misinformation — offered only a grudging correction, which was hidden away online.

“The media's double standards are glaring and need to be called out. Republican cultural events are endlessly promoted and defended, while loyalist culture is endlessly maligned.

“I appeal to those who wrongly rushed to condemn the lodge in question, including Members in the House, to do the honourable thing and apologise.

"I make no apology for speaking up for my culture and the marching bands scene, and I will continue to do so when given the opportunity in the House."