Preparing for The Downshire Guiding Star Flute Band Annual Parade in Banbridge - one of the biggest of the year
One of the biggest parades in the annual marching calendar takes place in Banbridge tommorrow night, with some 70 bands competing for a wide range of titles.
The Downshire Guiding Star Flute Band Annual Parade will attract bands from all across Northern Ireland who will parade from one end of the town to the other for some four hours.
Some 5000 to 7000 spectators are expected to attend the event, with a local band from Scotland making their annual weekend visit to take in the spectacle.
Stephen Sergeant, Vice Chairman of the Downshire Guiding Star told the News Letter: "It's now known as one of the biggest events in the marching calendar."
The parade and competition will be inspected by a panel of independent judges who will select the best entrants across a wide range of categories.
"There will be 70 bands this year, but sometimes we have upward of 90, sometimes coming from Liverpool, Scotland and all over the UK.
"It will take the parade two hours to pass any given point. The route is basically from the top of the town to the bottom and back again.
"We expect from 5000 to 7000 spectators.
"We really look forward to it every year. There's been a bit of a buzz around the town and local hospitality businesses are looking forward to it.
"It should be a good night for everybody - spectators, bandsmen and women and children - it is a very family thing, we have Mickey and Minnie Mouse coming again as they do every year. Everybody will be made welcome."
Downshire Guiding Star Flute Band will begin the parade, moving off from Banbridge Orange Hall and parading through the town. There will be a short wreath-laying ceremony at Banbridge War Memorial.
The main parade will move off from approximately 7.45pm on Commercial Road and proceed through the town. Legananny Accordion will be leading the parade on their 70th anniversary.
Marshals will be organising the parade and police have advised band buses to use Banbridge Leisure Centre for parking.
Organisers have asked anyone not going to the parade to try and avoid the town centre.
There will also be a 'Sash Bash' Disco in Banbridge Orange Hall on Victoria Street.