TUV’s Kyle condemns “misinformation” as PSNI confirms peaceful Portrush Parade as 12,000 attend

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has praised organisers of the Portrush Sons of Ulster Flute Band parade following a peaceful and well-attended evening in the seaside town, where an estimated 12,000 people gathered to watch the annual event.

In a statement issued on Monday, police confirmed that two arrests were made in the Portrush area on Saturday night, but emphasised that these were not related to the band parade.

“The parade itself passed off peacefully without incident, and it is estimated that over 12,000 spectators were in attendance,” the PSNI said.

The clarification follows public praise from TUV Chairman and Causeway Councillor Allister Kyle, who condemned what he described as “an enormous amount of misinformation” in media coverage prior to the parade.

“In the build-up to Saturday night’s parade in Portrush, there was an enormous amount of misinformation from the media. In the aftermath of the event, I look forward to the facts being reported—including those which I received from the PSNI this morning,” said Cllr Kyle.

Kyle said police officials had commended the event’s planning and cooperation:

• An estimated 12,000 spectators attended;

• There were zero police incidents linked to the parade;

• Officers described the organisers as a pleasure to work with and praised their meticulous planning.

“It is beyond dispute that, for locals and visitors to our shores alike, the band parade was not, as some uninformed outlets described it, controversial in any way, shape or form, but instead positively contributed to a most memorable weekend on the North Coast,” Kyle added.

The event, held on the first Saturday after the Twelfth, has long been a fixture in the Northern Ireland flute band calendar, with the Portrush Sons of Ulster Flute Band maintaining its traditional date despite scheduling clashes with The Open golf championship.

Saturday’s parade featured over 80 bands and concluded shortly before 11pm, with no disruption to public order or local businesses.

“Well done Portrush Sons of Ulster—and thank you,” Kyle concluded.