A bonfire labelled an "expression of hate" has been lit early after controversy.
The pyre on the Greystone Road in Limavady, which had been painted green, white and orange, was set alight in the early hours of Saturday morning, ahead of this weekend's planned events.
It had been criticised by local Sinn Fein MLA Caoimhe Archibald as being "an expression of hate".
Tweeting a picture of the bonfire, she said: "This is the bonfire in Limavady. This isn’t an expression of culture, it’s an expression of hate."
On Friday, SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter also tweeted a picture of the bonfire and said: "This sectarian bonfire does not reflect the warm and welcoming people of Limavady. This expression of hate is not welcome in our communities.
"In 2021, do people really think this is an legitimate expression of culture? We’re fed up."
It is understood fire crews attended the scene on Saturday after the bonfire was set alight.
It comes after both the SDLP and Sinn Fein issued statements on Friday seeking the removal of "an illegal paramilitary flag that was erected outside council offices in Limavady".
Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Council Ashleen Schenning said: "The people of Limavady have no appetite for this type of behaviour in the town. I have been contacted by people from both sides of our community and they are clear that nobody wants these flags flying.
"Council staff attempted to remove this illegal paramilitary flag from our offices last night but were prevented from doing so by sinister elements. Those responsible for the intimidation of public servants have nothing to offer people here and must be faced down by our community."
Speaking following the removal of the flag, Sinn Fein's Caoimhe Archibald said was glad it had been taken down.
"The removal of this flag should be the first step in the removal of all flags which have been erected illegally over recent weeks and months, with all paramilitary flags being taken down immediately and steps then being taken to end the practice of flags being erected to mark out territory and intimidate people," she said.
"I would once again call on political leaders in Limavady to work together to bring to an end the practice of marking out territory and intimidating people through the erection of flags and painting kerbs.
"It’s imperative that political and community representatives use their influence in a positive way to end these intimidatory practices."
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