Crowds enjoy Ballymena Pride while teenager charged over ‘disgusting' slurry incident ahead of parade
Police are treating the incident, which happened overnight, as a hate crime.
The parade went ahead this afternoon, with colourful scenes on the streets as hundreds of people took part.
Banners and rainbow flags were carried as the procession made its way through the town.
A small counter-protest was also staged, with some displaying religious messages on placards.
This afternoon the PSNI said the man had been charged in connection with the slurry incident ahead of the parade.
'A 19-year-old man, arrested in the Granville Road area of Ballymena, after slurry was spread on a number of roads in the area on Saturday morning, has been charged with criminal damage, possession of an article with a blade or point and causing material to be deposited on a road.
"He is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday, June 30.
"As is normal procedure, all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.'
Political representatives led condemnation of the incident, with one MLA saying it was a 'disgusting' attempt to intimidate those taking part in the Pride parade.
Local people and businesses took part in a clean-up operation this morning.
The Pride parade started at 2pm and finished up at Greenvale Street, which was one of the areas affected, an hour later.
Organisers said the event was an effort to celebrate "diversity, inclusion and cross-community unity.'
Scott Cuthbertson from The Rainbow Project thanked local businesses who helped clear the area ahead of the parade.
He branded the incident 'disgusting'.
Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland said 'There is no place for this kind of disgusting and deliberate attempt to intimidate, disrupt or shame those taking part in a peaceful and joyful celebration of love, identity and community.'
She added: 'Ballymena Pride is a historic and hopeful moment for our town. No amount of hate will drown out the message of inclusion, solidarity, and pride that today represents.'
Justice Minister Naomi Long said on X: 'I despair the mentality of those who spread slurry on the streets of their town motivated by hate and bigotry. Disgusting in every sense of the word.
'Solidarity to all at Ballymena Pride. It's a frightening time but love will always triumph over hate.'
Watch: Belfast Pride Parade 2024
UUP MLA Doug Beattie also condemned what happened.
'I think this is appalling, stupid and a level of hatred not wanted by the majority of people in Ballymena,' he said.
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said: 'This is a disgraceful act, clearly intended to disrupt Ballymena's first pride parade and intimidate those taking part.'
SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite said it was a 'shameful and targeted act of intimidation'.
Ahead of the parade, the PSNI said there would be an increased police presence in Ballymena 'to ensure everyone's safety'.
'Pride is an important event for those in our community who identify as LGBT+ and for those who want to show support for our LGBT+ community,' a spokesperson said.
'We want members of our LGBT+ communities in Mid and East Antrim to feel represented by their Police Service and to know that if they come forward to report an incident, they will be met with fairness and respect, particularly if they have been subject to hate crime in any form.'
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