Dozens of bands are planning to attend a memorial parade for a notorious loyalist linked to the Glenanne gang.
Wesley Somerville died when his own bomb exploded as he attempted to murder members of the Miami Showband in July 1975.
Three members of the band also lost their lives when the minibus they were travelling on was stopped at a bogus UDR checkpoint near Banbridge, Co Down, as they made their way towards the border almost 50 years ago.
Somerville and accomplice Harris Boyle, who were both members of the UDR, died when the bomb they were planting on the minibus exploded prematurely.
Other loyalists then opened fire, killing several members of the well-known band, including lead singer Fran O’Toole.
The attack was carried out by members the Glenanne Gang, which included RUC, UDR and UVF personnel.
After the deaths of Somerville and Boyle a UVF linked publication, Combat, carried a UDR sympathy note from Lurgan, Portadown and Dungannon UDR Centres stating they “deeply regret the tragic deaths of their colleagues-in-arms, Major Harris Boyle and Lieutenant Wesley Sommerville (sic)”.
Somerville’s brother John was later convicted for his part in the Miami attack and murder of Patrick Falls, near Coalisland, in November 1974.
Wesley Somerville is also suspected of involvement in the killing of Mr Falls.
Dozens of bands from across the north are expected to gather in Somerville’s home village Moygashel, Co Tyrone, for a “memorial parade and social evening” on April 12.
A message circulated on social media includes a UVF flag and logo attached to a poppy wreath.
A notification on the Parades Commission website site for a “Moygashel Memorial Parade” reveals that 30 bands are expected to attend the event, which organisers say will include 200 participants and 100 supporters.
Among the bands listed to attend is the “Regimental Band Ulster Volunteer Force East Belfast” along with several from Co Tyrone including Pomeroy True Blues Flute Band.
Former Miami Showband member Stephen Travers survived the attack that claimed the lives of his friends
“Let them go ahead, I have no objection, it reflects on them far more than it reflects on us,” he said.
“I wouldn’t even object to it, what’s the point?
“They want to honour their dead and they are entitled to do that.
“But at the end of the day we are reflected in our heroes and if that’s who they want to be associated with, well, God help them.”
In the past relatives of people killed by the UVF have called for an images of Somerville and signs glorifying the UVF, which are hung from a lamppost in Moygashel, every year, to be removed.
The loyalist village has a history of racism and religious intolerance.
SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn said: “Everybody has a right to remember their dead but considering what he was involved in, and been accused of, and knowing the impact felt by victims this event is bound to cause hurt and offence.
Mr Quinn urged organisers to “consider the impact it has on the wider community”.
“It’s 2025, it’s time to start thinking less about our past and more about our future.”
