The Orange Order have said they will investigate how volunteers stewarding a north Belfast parade managed to tune into the Belfast Coastguard emergency radio frequency while marshalling the event.
The parade – which consisted of 20 bands and an expected 2,500 participants – took place from 12pm on Saturday, and made its way along the Shore Road from the bottom of Skegoneill avenue to Seaview.
In order to marshal the parade, organisers used a set of walkie-talkie radios, but tuned into a frequency used by Belfast Coastguard to deal with emergency calls.
It is understood this led to the Coastguard issuing a plea for marshals to stop using what they said was a “working frequency” for the service.
Despite the pleas, organisers continued to use the channel and could be heard attempting to marshal bands onto the pitch at the home of Crusaders FC.
Attempts by emergency crews to communicate on the frequency were interspersed by further updates on the progress of the band parade.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said steps had been taken to resolve the issues once they became aware of the situation.
“Earlier today (Saturday September 28), HM Coastguard became aware of an issue potentially affecting radio communications in Belfast,” they said.
“The problem was rectified quickly and did not affect Coastguard operations in the area.”
Around 20 bands attended the event. Pic: Brian Kingston MLA
The Orange Order said they would investigate how the error occurred.
“We will have a look into it and try to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” said Grand Secretary Rev Mervyn Gibson.
The band parade formed part of the Ulster Scots Agency and Belfast Orangefest’s ‘Pitch Perfect’ event at the north Belfast ground.
Billed as a celebration of Belfast’s “rich Ulster Scots musical traditions”, the free event featured marching bands from across Ulster and was supported by Belfast City Council as part of the Belfast 2024 programme.
DUP MLA Brian Kingston – who attended Saturday’s event alongside party colleague Phillip Brett – took to social media to congratulate organisers.
“Well done to Belfast Orangefest, the Ulster-Scots Agency, Crusaders FC and others in organising this excellent event – on Ulster Day and making the end of Orange Heritage Week. Enjoyed attending, along with party colleagues,” he said.
“A celebration of Belfast’s rich Ulster-Scots musical traditions, with our best marching bands and invited guests from across Ulster.”
The programme of cultural celebrations aims to facilitate the city to “build its creative capacity to better understand” its identity, relationships with others and its place in the world.