“I would just like to make a comment, that everybody is very welcome to come along to the Hairtlan Festival on the first two weeks in July.”
A NI council has kept costs of the “largest Ulster Scots festival in the World” behind closed doors despite a unionist plea for transparency.
The ‘Hairtlan Festival’ organised by the Schomberg Society will host a multitude of cultural events over two weeks this summer with a highlight advertised as the July 11th Bonfire Night celebrations in Kilkeel.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s economy, regeneration and tourism committee approved funding this week away from the public and media with its live meeting online stream unplugged.
READ MORE: Co Down forum member resigns over Warrenpoint ‘sickening’ stench.
READ MORE: Downpatrick set to be World’s 5 Star attraction to St Patrick.
Mournes DUP councillor Glyn Hanna said:”Is there any need to put the Hairtlan Festival’ into closed session?”
A council officer replied:”It has been in closed session at previous meeting and there would be information relating to the business affairs of the council and others.
“So the details warrant it being in closed session.”
As party colleague, Councillor Callum Bowsie was about to offer a suggestion to keep some of the matters in open debate, the onlline connection to the public and the media was cut off.
Tha Hairtlan Festival in Kilkeel will include Ulster-Scots heritage and history exhibitions as well as many social events for all ages and an open air concert.
The first ever festival was held just last year, with the Mourne Gullion Strangford tourism website advertising the Schomberg Society leaflet claiming it as the “largest Ulster Scots Festival anywhere in the World”.
In open session, committee chairperson Councillor David Lee-Surginor Alliance said:”The Hairtlan Festival, it was agreed to support the new outreach and support programmes for the the festival in 2026.
“It was also agreed on the proposal of Councillor Hanna to allocate 20% of the total event cost towards delivery of the event including all activities set out in the report.”
Councillor Hanna added:”I would just like to make a comment, that everybody is very welcome to come along to the Hairtlan Festival on the first two weeks in July.
“They’d have a good experience if they come, and they will.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login