BANDS that were restricted to playing a single drumbeat while passing a Catholic church have breached a Parades Commission determination during today's Twelfth marches.
The commission had said just a single drumbeat could be played as the marchers passed St Patrick's Church on Donegall Street church and the nearby nationalist district of Carrick Hill.
However, in an unusual move it also ruled that only a single side drum could be used.
During this morning's parade, bandsmen were recorded using a bass drum, playing music and using muliple drums in the vicinity of the church.
The restrictions apply to both the outward and return parades.
There was controversy in July 2012 when Shankill Road-based flute band Young Conway Volunteers was filmed walking in circles outside St Patrick's while playing the ‘Famine Song'.
Thirteen members were later convicted of performing a provocative act, but successfully appealed the convictions after agreeing to be bound over to keep the peace.
There were also violent scenes the following month during a Royal Black Institution parade past the church.
In the following years nationalists held regular demonstrations outside the church and Carrick Hill.
Video by Mal McCann:
