DRUMBEAT: Crowds come out for bands bonanza
LAST Friday saw two large band processions take place at opposite ends of the country, with excellent turnouts of both bands and crowds, bolstered by the pleasant weather.
In the Co Tyrone capital of Omagh, an incredible turnout of 40 bands took part, with all six counties of Northern Ireland having representatives on show.
Hosts for the evening were Omagh True Blues Flute, who have had a very successful 12 months, amply illustrated by the support they received.
Already at this early stage of the season it is apparent that standards of the marching band scene in general have taken another step up, with quality and improvements clearly visible.
The display in Omagh underlined this, with some much disciplined appearances and highly musical performances. Mountfield Pipe were first away, bringing the distinctive sounds of pipe to the venue, before a string of flute bands followed.
Steeple Defenders Flute came all the way from Antrim, with other visitors coming from Downshire Guiding Star Banbridge, Pride of the Derg Castlederg, Synotts True Blues Newtownhamilton, Burntollet Sons of Ulster and South Fermanagh Loyalists Enniskillen.
Pride of the Bann Flute Coleraine were very entertaining, while the melody flutes of locals Omagh Protestant Boys stood out for many. Moygashel Sons of Ulster, Montober Flute, Pride of William Donemana, Derryloran Boyne Defenders and Newtownstewart Red Hand Defenders Auld Boys all flew the flag for the county’s thriving band scene, with other notable visiting bands including Craigavon Protestant Boys Flute.
The parade ended with the organisers taking part, a massive band including a drum corps of 14 and flute corps of 26 both looking striking and playing to a very high standard.
Further west in the Co Down village of Crossgar, the Crossgar Young Defenders Flute held their annual parade with, similar to Omagh, large crowds along the entire parade route.
Over 30 bands took part, all well turned out. Pride of the Hill Flute Rathfriland and Newtownards Volunteer Flute both had large turnouts of members, with both presenting an immaculate appearance.
Red Hand Defenders Flute Downpatrick kept the crowd happy with their own particular traditional style, while Mourne Young Defenders Flute and their military drums corps struck an imposing sight in the small town’s streets.
Moneyslane Flute and Upper Bann Fusiliers Flute Lurgan were strong, even with smaller bands than some, with the first appearance of Clough Flute on the road impressing. Ballynahinch Protestant Boys were one of the standout performances of the evening, boding very well for their year to come.
On Sunday afternoon, the Crown Defenders Forum held a very successful charity football tournament in Belfast. In all, 13 teams took part, with a total of £600 raised for charity Life after Loss.
This Friday night the inaugural band procession and competition will be taking place in the south Armagh village of Newtownhamilton for Synotts True Blues Flute.
The band only emerged last year and already has been travelling extensively across the country, and a good turnout of bands is assured.
Further north, the iconic stronghold of the Shankill Road is the location for the annual parade of Shankill Star Flute. The Star are well travelled and respected across the country, and support is sure to come from right across Northern Ireland.
Other large band parades will be taking place in Coagh village for the Drumconvis Young Defenders Flute and in Killyleagh, Co Down for William Savage Memorial Flute. On Saturday night, Rising Sons of the Valley Flute host the first of many Kilkeel events, with the occasion traditionally attracting large support. In Co Antrim, the Randalstown Sons of Ulster Flute parade will take place in the town, while in Ballycarry The Village Flute are the organisers.
Ballykeel Conservative Flute Band was formed in 1900 as a melody flute band but for the past 50 years has been a part flute band consisting of trebles, concerts, altos and bass. This Friday night the band is holding a Spring Concert at 8pm in First Holywood Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church.
A varied programme for the evening will include traditional marches along with classical and modern pieces. Admission is £8 with a £5 concession charge, and will include a light supper. On Saturday evening, the Whitewater Pipe Newtownhamilton are hosting a fundraising dance in Newtownhamilton Orange Hall. Doors will open at 8.45pm, with admission £5 and music provided by Robert Brown.
Elsewhere on Saturday night, Whitewell Flute North Belfast are holding a fundraising band night in the Bentley night club. Several bands are confirmed to play and it is sure to be a great evening’s entertainment.
If you would like to publicise fundraising, competition, cultural or indeed any events related to the large Ulster marching band fraternity, you can contact Drum Beat by ringing/texting 07835624221 or emailing admin@ulsterbandsforum.net, with all contributions, opinions and news from the country’s thriving band movement very welcome.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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