'Participation is about giving our culture a platform': Marching bands take centre stage at Fleadh with huge Titanic Slipway show

Bands from all over Northern Ireland are set to make their way to the city’s historic Titanic Slipway as the Fleadh stages a showcase of Ulster-Scots musical culture that will also see highland dancers entertain the crowd.

It’s part of a series of events that have seen bands join in the celebration of traditional music in Ireland, their prominent positions cementing the fact that Ulster-Scots people and communities are as vibrant a part of the heritage of the island as the festival’s expected fiddles and reels.

Tonight’s showcase will see the sounds of flutes and Lambeg drums reverberate around the area where the RMS Titanic was built, tying together Belfast’s industrial heritage with Ulster-Scots traditions during the present celebrations as the city hosts the all-Ireland Fleadh for the first time in its history.

Among those taking part are the distinctive Sir Henry Inglesby Fife and Drum Band from Carrickfergus, who perform in 17th century costume, as well as multiple bands from the capital city itself and two highland dance schools from Co Tyrone.

In a statement issued in advance of the concert, one of the bands involved – The Loyal, from east Belfast – reinforced the importance of getting involved, while admitting that some people in loyalist communities may question their participation.

But, they maintained: “Our culture is not something to hide, it is something to be heard; confident cultures don’t retreat, they perform.”

Stated the band: “We are not attending to become something we are not, we are attending because we are proud of who we are.

“For generations, loyalist marching bands have produced tens of thousands of dedicated musicians. Yet too often our bandsmen and bandswomen are overlooked as musicians, despite the countless hours of practice, discipline and commitment that go into preserving our tradition.

“Belfast’s musical heritage is broader than many people realise. The sound of the flute, the drum, the pipe and the accordion has echoed through our streets for generations and forms an important part of the city’s cultural identity. We are proud to represent that tradition.

“Our participation is not about leaving our culture behind. It is about giving our culture a stage. It is about allowing people from across Belfast, Northern Ireland, across Republic of Ireland and from around the world to hear our music, meet our members and see the pride, discipline and community spirit that define our movement.”

Another Belfast outfit, Imperial Guards Flute Band, said it would be a privilege to perform at one of the city’s “most iconic venues as part of a sold-out Fleadh event”.

In a social media post, they stated: “To take to the stage at the Titanic Slipways and perform music that has been woven into our communities for generations is something we’re immensely proud of.

“Culture is at its strongest when it is shared, respected and celebrated, and we’re honoured to have the opportunity to play our part in doing exactly that.

"Our sincere thanks go to the Belfast Bands Forum for their continued dedication to preserving, promoting and supporting our musical tradition, and for helping create opportunities such as this.”