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21/01/2013
Men Arrested During City Of Culture Protests
Two men have been arrested during union flag protests at the opening concert for L’Derry’s year as UK City of Culture.
150 loyalists staged a protest at the Sons and Daughters concert on Sunday night. They were protesting against the decision by Belfast City Council to restrict the number of days the union flag will fly above City Hall.
The protesters waved flags and held placards.
One of the men who was arrested is expected to appear in court today, while the other is due next month.
Protesters were contained by police on the Limavady Road, but about 30 people managed to defy police directions and blocked traffic on the road for a short time.
The PSNI issued the following statement in relation to the protests.
"Police can confirm that a crowd of approximately 150 loyalist protesters attempted to cause disruption and block roads during the opening UK City of Culture Sons and Daughters concert in Londonderry yesterday evening, Sunday 20 January.
"The policing operation that was in place ensured all main roads in the area remained open and no disruption was caused to the event by the protesters.
"Two men were arrested during the operation and both have been charged with disorderly behaviour.
"As is normal procedure all charges will be reviewed by the PPS."
The concert launched the beginning of the city’s year as UK City of Culture 2013, and was the first event to be hosted at The Venue; a purpose built development on the former Ebrington Barracks site.
There were over 11,000 applications for the 2,000 free tickets for the concert.
The event featured performances from the city’s most famous musical exports, including Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle, Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy, Dana, Phil Coulter and The Undertones.
The concert was staged by BBC Northern Ireland.
(IT)
150 loyalists staged a protest at the Sons and Daughters concert on Sunday night. They were protesting against the decision by Belfast City Council to restrict the number of days the union flag will fly above City Hall.
The protesters waved flags and held placards.
One of the men who was arrested is expected to appear in court today, while the other is due next month.
Protesters were contained by police on the Limavady Road, but about 30 people managed to defy police directions and blocked traffic on the road for a short time.
The PSNI issued the following statement in relation to the protests.
"Police can confirm that a crowd of approximately 150 loyalist protesters attempted to cause disruption and block roads during the opening UK City of Culture Sons and Daughters concert in Londonderry yesterday evening, Sunday 20 January.
"The policing operation that was in place ensured all main roads in the area remained open and no disruption was caused to the event by the protesters.
"Two men were arrested during the operation and both have been charged with disorderly behaviour.
"As is normal procedure all charges will be reviewed by the PPS."
The concert launched the beginning of the city’s year as UK City of Culture 2013, and was the first event to be hosted at The Venue; a purpose built development on the former Ebrington Barracks site.
There were over 11,000 applications for the 2,000 free tickets for the concert.
The event featured performances from the city’s most famous musical exports, including Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle, Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy, Dana, Phil Coulter and The Undertones.
The concert was staged by BBC Northern Ireland.
(IT)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
