Organisers have made a fresh application to the Parades Commission that could see 40 bands, 5,000 participants and 5,000 supporters in Belfast City Centre on Saturday, November 30.
Councillor Maire Hendron, Group Leader on Belfast City Council, said: “I am again calling on those behind this parade to reconsider their plans. There will be many traders more concerned than ever at news this parade will be bigger than originally thought.
“Christmas is an essential time for traders, with many relying on this busy shopping period to secure and protect their business in the following quieter months. The last thing anyone wants is to see is the disruption witnessed last year, which sadly a number of businesses did not survive.
“November 30, is only four weeks before Christmas and we should be doing everything possible to encourage shoppers into Belfast City Centre. This event has the potential to severely damage our Christmas economy and I would again urge organisers to re-consider.”