July Bonfires: A sectarian safety risk, or a harmless tradition? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 10, 2025 · 38 MIN

July Bonfires: A sectarian safety risk, or a harmless tradition?

from The BelTel

The Twelfth of July is a day of joy, pride, and nostalgia for Unionists and Loyalists in Northern Ireland. The night before, bonfires will be lit across the country - a tradition that began when fires on hillsides were used to signal William of Orange’s march from Carrickfergus to the Battle of the Boyne. But a night of tradition and celebration for some is viewed by others as physically dangerous, and in some cases, undeniably sectarian.  Are bonfires a sectarian safety risk, or just a harmless tradition? Olivia Peden is joined by Sam McBride, Loyalist activist Moore Holmes, and the chairman of the Schomberg Ulster Scots society in Kilkeel, Gareth Crozier.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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July Bonfires: A sectarian safety risk, or a harmless tradition?

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