FRIDAY 29th APRIL

STAR OF THE NORTH FLUTE BAND, DOLLINGSTOWN, LURGAN

The marching season is now well underway, large crowds are turning out for parades throughout the country and Friday 29th April was the turn of Dollingstown F.B. to host their annual parade. Although the Loyalists in Lurgan have proven to be a particularly favourite target of the Parades Commission and their pandering to the residents groups and their threatened violence, Friday night saw a large number of local people come out to support the band. Although the parade had many restrictions placed on it, the bands acted with dignity throughout the procession and, it has to be said, great restraint. The R.U.C. presence at the lower end of the town was more akin to a scene from Bosnia, and was deliberately aimed at trying to provoke a reaction from the marchers. It was particularly disgraceful to see the war memorial surrounded by police when bandsmen have never showed anything only the utmost respect at the monument.

CRAIGAVON PROTESTANT BOYS

Irrespective of the Policing, the parade was well attended by Bands from all over Ulster. Dollingstown themselves were turned out in their newly purchased uniform, and should be given a lot of credit for the way that the band has improved since last year, they have obviously put a lot of effort into their practices over the winter

.

PORTADOWN DEFENDERS FLUTE BAND

K.V.F.B. paraded Lurgan early to leave for another parade in Crossgar, but as they become available we will place the trophy results and the number of bands on this page. Once again however, the policing issue appears to be going to be a major problem this year. It is beyond understanding why the reason for parade rerouting is because of threatened disorder from protestors, yet the entire policing effort was aimed against the Bandsmen, who have NEVER caused any disturbance in the past.

KILCLUNEY VOLUNTEERS FLUTE BAND

SATURDAY 30th APRIL

ENAGH ACCORDIAN BAND, MARKETHILL

The first parade of the year in K.V.F.B. s home town,was ,like the previous night, very well attended. Enagh were the first band down the street and confirmed their reputation as one of the best accordian bands in the Country.

BESSBROOK TRUE BLUES

The bands on parade were largely from the local area. Hillhaven were out in new uniforms, and Drumderg Loyalists Keady, Armagh True Blues and Bessbrook True Blues were all well turned out. Some of the others on parade were South Down Defenders, Armagh Loyalist Fusilers and some of the local accordian bands. A good crowd, good weather and some excellent bands. This was a typical example of what the Marching band culture represents and was worlds away from the scenes of massed ranks of landrovers and Police in lurgan the previous night. Those individuals that are offended by parades like these should have their motives thoroughly scrutinised.

SOUTH DOWN DEFENDERS

FRIDAY 5th MAY

DERRYCLAVIN ACCORDIAN BAND

On Friday the 4th of May, it was Derryclavin Pipe Band annual band
parade.  As usual the parade was held in the small village of Lisbellaw
in County Fermanagh. Although not as supported as much as other years (most likely due to the
North west 200 being held on the same week-end), at least the good
weather was on our side. At the parade we had six bands.  Ballinamallard Accordion Band,
Cornafangoue Flute Band, Churchill Sliver Band, Tempo Sliver Band,
Maguiresbridge Pipe Band and of course ourselves. Although a small turnout of bands, everyone who attended seem to enjoy
the event.

[HOME] [WHO WE ARE] [PARADES] [DRUMCREE] [ARTICLES] [PHOTO GALLERY] [AUDIO FILES] [MERCHANDISE] [LINKS] [CHAT] [GUESTBOOK] [SITE INFO] [CONTACT US]