The Newcastle ‘Eats and Beats’ festival takes place over the weekend fo Sept 6&7.
Unionists have raised concerns a “family friendly” festival could become politicised this weekend.
The Newcastle Eats & Beats music and food celebration takes place on Saturday and Sunday – September 6 and 7 – and is expected to attract thousands of people to the town giving a boost to the local economy.
On Monday Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chamber heard fears over members of the community being “alienated” over Palestinian flags and political songs.
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DUP councillor Glyn Hanna said: “This weekend the Eats & Beats is on, and I am sure everyone is looking forward to it. But, quite a number of people have been on to me concerned about it.
“Is the council prepared, whenever the music is going on, when any group or participant is singing if there is any sort of political statement or any sort of activity like that? Has the council taken steps to prevent that from happening?”
A council officer replied: “With respect to the Eats & Beats, we would always be monitoring any event in its content, and ensuring that there are measures in place in the event plan to react to any material that would be deemed unsuitable or inappropriate.”
On its website, the council has promoted the Newcastle event as a “family friendly” takes place over two days at the town’s Donard Park.
A celebration of local food during ‘Restaurant Week’ will also be taking place from September 1-7 along the seaside promenade.
DUP councillor Henry Reilly added: “To follow up on Cllr Hanna’s query, there were a number of Palestinian flags in Newcastle and I can show you the number of emails and phone calls I have got, complaining about them.
“Because the Ancient Order of Hibernian went through Newcastle and the Pride of Maghera as well. They all had their flags and paraphernalia down that night. And yet these Palestinian flags were left up for a long period of time. And it was alienating a lot of the community. I know it is a very emotional subject.
“But, it is our responsibility to work with the business community of Newcastle, to do our best for them.”
Council’s Sinn Fein chairperson Phillip Campbell responded: “This matter is not on the agenda, so it is not up for discussion.”
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