Major parade as Portrush Sons of Ulster Flute Band event returns amid Open Championship crowds

Portrush is preparing for a significant evening of festivities and potential congestion this Saturday as the annual Sons of Ulster Flute Band parade returns to the seaside town.

Organisers expect more than 80 bands to participate in the large-scale event, which will unfold in the midst of heightened activity due to The Open golf championship.

The parade is scheduled to commence at 8.30pm from Metropole Green, winding through the town before concluding at Dunluce Avenue around 11pm. The full route includes Sandhill Drive, Eglinton Street, Kerr Street, Upper Main Street, Main Street, Causeway Street, and Victoria Street.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesperson issued a detailed statement advising the public to prepare for extensive traffic disruption in the town centre and surrounding routes.

“Road users are advised to anticipate traffic disruption in Portrush this Saturday evening, 19th July, due to a planned annual parade,” the spokesperson said.

“Additional traffic management measures will be implemented from approximately 6pm until 11pm with all roads into Portrush town temporarily closed to facilitate the volume of participants and spectators.”

Key closures include:

• Coleraine Road at Glenvale Avenue Junction

• Hopefield Avenue

• Girona Avenue and Girona Park

• Girona Avenue by Ballywillan Road

Police have confirmed that from 8.30pm, vehicular movement into and out of the Portrush peninsula will not be possible due to the parade route and crowd density.

“With the increased volume of traffic already on the roads into Portrush due to The Open, the public is advised to expect delays,” the statement continued.

Uniformed officers will be on the ground throughout the evening to support public safety and direct traffic diversions where required.

Despite the restrictions, local businesses will remain open and accessible.