Member's statement: Royal Landing Event: Carrickfergus
Member's statement by Ms Cheryl Brownlee on .
- MLA
- Ms Cheryl Brownlee
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 17 June 2025
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Royal Landing Event: Carrickfergus
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5013430
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I wish to celebrate the outstanding success of the Royal Landing event held in Carrickfergus on Saturday, despite what can only be described as truly horrific weather conditions. Thousands of people flocked to our historic town to witness the re-enactment of the landing of King William III, an event of deep historical and cultural significance. It is one of the key annual celebrations for Carrickfergus, drawing visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond. I place on record a huge thank you to all who attended. A particular word of appreciation goes to the marching bands from across Northern Ireland and even from as far as Liverpool that put on a truly terrific display. We were also treated to an outstanding array of musical and dance performances celebrating our Ulster-Scots heritage. Alongside them were many local musicians who showcased their talent with passion and pride and fantastic historical re-enactment groups that made history come very much to life. The event would not be possible without the support of our funders. My sincere thanks go to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the Ulster Scots, Clanmil and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for their continued recognition of the fact that events such as this bring enormous cultural, social and economic benefits to our town. It was wonderful to see so many young people involved throughout the day, clearly showing that our traditions are alive, well and thriving. A special moment on Saturday was the presentation of a new trophy, gifted by Stormont Loyal Orange Lodge (LOL) 2015 in memory of the late David Hilditch MLA, a man who, as we all know, served Carrickfergus with immense pride. Congratulations go to the Ulster Grenadiers Flute Band, the worthy winners of the award. We were also honoured to welcome DUP deputy leader, Michelle McIlveen, to the parade, and I acknowledge that support came from as far away as Fermanagh and South Tyrone, with Deborah Erskine also in attendance. The incredible event is organised by a small group of dedicated volunteers from the Carrickfergus Historical Re-enactment Group committee. I especially thank Darren McAllister for his tireless work in the months leading up to the day. It is a privilege to work alongside him. As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with excitement and with our fingers crossed for much better weather.
388 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Jev’s structured answers met the documented threshold for “not flagged”.
- Overall probability that the activity is being used to promote, exploit or escalate an identity-based controversy: 0.08 (flagging needs at least 0.70; at or below 0.30 is not flagged).
- None of the five culture-war criteria was met (each was below 0.60).
- No identity-based framing was identified (0.90).
- Subject area: Parades, bonfires and commemorations.
- The overall probability was at or below the not-flagging threshold.
This is an AI-generated assessment of the text, made against published criteria. It is not a finding of fact about the MLA or their intentions. The Assembly record itself is the fact.
Jev’s structured answers
| Question | Probability | Met? |
|---|---|---|
| Identity framing | 0.11 | No |
| Sectarian or communal antagonism | 0.02 | No |
| Cultural grievance politics | 0.05 | No |
| Dog-whistle messaging | 0.02 | No |
| Controversy escalation | 0.05 | No |
| Legitimate policy scrutiny | 0.03 | No |
| Overall judgement | 0.08 | At or below not-flagging threshold |
| Option | Probability |
|---|---|
| No identity-based framing (chosen) | 0.90 |
| Reports or questions it | 0.00 |
| Criticises or condemns it | 0.00 |
| Adopts it | 0.10 |
| Subject | Probability |
|---|---|
| Parades, bonfires and commemorations | 0.74 |
| Irish language, Ulster-Scots and language policy | 0.19 |
| Religion and belief (including people of no religion), churches, faith communities and religious prejudice (including antisemitism and anti-Muslim prejudice) | 0.03 |
| Sectarianism, hate crime and community relations | 0.02 |
| Flags, emblems, symbols, names and memorials | 0.01 |
Assessed 21 October 2026 at 12:47 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reads every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.