The annual band competition and parade in Portrush will not go ahead this year as normal due to a clash with The Open golf championship.
With the golf major taking place at Royal Portrush , organisers have had to scrap the band annual competition and parade which usually takes place on the third Sunday of July and replace it with an outdoor concert.
Portrush Sons of Ulster said that "after months of talks with the Causeway Coast and Glens Council, PSNI , R&A and Translink" they have agreed to host a Celebration of Marching Bands outdoor concert on July 20th.
Explaining the decision on their Facebook page, Portrush Sons of Ulster said: "We have been given the go-ahead to hold an outdoor concert, in the amphitheatre along Kerr Street, on Saturday the 20th July.
"At 2200, we will be the only band to parade the town back to the Orange Hall. This is a decision that has taken us several months to come to, as there were many factors to take into consideration.
"The main reason being is that all car parks in the town are occupied, because of The Open.
"We had 48 bands in attendance last year and there is simply nowhere available to park cars or buses. It was important that we came to some sort of compromise and had something happening in the town on the date of our parade.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the parties listed above - As they all wanted to work with the band to allow us to have something on the night."
The list of bands included in the celebration are:
1830 - 1900: William King Memorial
1900 - 1930: Derryloran Boyne Defenders
1930 - 2000: Dunloy Accordion
2000 - 2030: Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster
2030 - 2100: Moneyslane Flute Band
2100 - 2130: Drumderg Loyalists, Keady
Portrush Sons of Ulster apologised to the bands who couldn't be included in this year's celebrations and hopes those visiting the town for The Open will see what their culture is all about.
"We also must apologise, to all of the bands who have been loyal to us over the years and can't be a part of this year's parade. We hope you can understand that we have picked this list of bands, to demonstrate various styles of band from all across the country.
"As much as we would rather have our annual parade go ahead as normal, it is simply not possible this year. Now, we must use this opportunity to show all those who will be visiting for The Open what our culture is all about."
