Republican flute band hit out at comments from TUV leader Jim Allister ahead of appearance in Derry tomorrow

The Spirit of Freedom Republican Flute Band has branded criticism from TUV Leader Jim Allister as ‘faux outrage aimed at stoking tensions’ ahead of the planned ‘Windmill Hill’ Tour tomorrow in Derry.

TUV leader Jim Allister has labelled the planned 'event in Derry tomorrow as a 'blatant glorification of terrorism'.

He made the comments after the Spirit of Freedom Republican Flute Band carried out an re-enactment event in Derry in October last year where its members carried imitation firearms and balaclavas, pictured above.

A spokesperson for the Band said: “This will be the second of these tours to be held in the past few months. The tour recounts the history of the City from the time of St Columba up until the present day. It tells the story from a Republican perspective, something which we are perfectly entitled to do but Jim Allister seems unable to accept.

“We respect the right of everyone to remember their own history as long as they do it in a respectful manner. We share that right and believe we have a duty to inform people of the Republican narrative of the history of this City. Others may disagree with that narrative and, again, that is their right to do so.

“Throughout the course of our history there have been periods of armed struggle by Republicans. That is a matter of fact and is one area that this tour depicts. Let us be clear, there is no hurt or offence intended by this tour, it is merely a factual re-enactment of events that have taken place throughout our history.

The spokesperson added: “We will not be deterred from events like this by people like Jim Alistair who thrive off controversy and faux outrage aimed at stoking tensions through the media.

“If anyone would like to take part in this tour, please come to the Gweedore Bar at 2pm tomorrow(Saturday), all welcome.”