Ards and North Down Council has approved an open-air Fleadh Fringe event in Bangor for August, the day before the all-Ireland Fleadh starts in Belfast. The date conflicts with the annual Ulster Pipe Band Championships held nearby.

Unionist politicians requested changes to avoid the overlap. Alliance and SDLP members stated unionists aimed to block the folk event. The DUP rejected those statements.

The local Orange Order objected to the scheduling conflict. Council officials advised against rescheduling the Fleadh Fringe, noting it would reduce attendance once the main Fleadh begins.

The council decided to provide greater funding to the Fleadh Fringe than to the pipe championships. Details on the spending remain undecided.

Band parade routes could adjust to accommodate the folk event. Documents for council discussion appear Wednesday evening, with the prior approval likely to stand.

The DUP noted complaints from community event organisers about difficulties securing grants compared to the Fleadh Fringe. The council may review its tourism funding process.