Bannerette unveiled at Roughfort
SONY DSC
ANOTHER busy weekend on the marching calendar saw parades taking place in Coleraine, Lurgan, Armoy, Dunmurry and Markethill.
Friday night saw Freeman Memorial hosting their annual parade in this their 35th Anniversary year and bands travelled from all over to support the event which moved off from the Coleraine Showgrounds at 8pm.
53 visiting bands took part in the procession which made its way through the main town. Dollingstown in Lurgan held a successful parade on Friday evening also as bands attended from all over.
On Saturday it was the turn of Pride of the Park in Armoy to host their parade and they received great support particularly from North of Antrim and this made for what was another great procession of Marching Bands while across the country in Dunmurry bands were on parade for the Ballylesson Old Boys annual event which saw good crowds.
Markethill Protestant Boys brought the weekend to a close with their parade also on Saturday evening and saw a good turnout of bands and supporters as the parade made its way up through the Armagh town.
A smaller event took place in Roughfort on Saturday evening as the Roughfort Young Loyalists paraded through the local estates to proudly show off the new Bannerette which has been added to the band along with their new shirts. This was followed by an Indoor Concert in Cottonmount Arms.
Passing of Antrim bass drummer
Members of The Steeple Defenders Flute Band wish to pass on their thoughts and deepest sympathy to the whole family circle of Bill Craig who was laid to rest last Wednesday.
Bill was a past member of the Steeple Young Defenders joining in the early 70s, after spending a short time in Ballycraigy he made the decision to move on to the Steeple where he became the bass drummer following on from Harry Macareevy.
Bill spent many years in the Steeple Young Defenders and he will be fondly remembered for his style and unique drumming which placed him firmly above the rest.
Many of Bill’s band mates of those days are now members of the Steeple Veterans who also wish to extend their wishes and sincere sympathy to the family circle at this sad time.
Roughfort Young Loyalist Dedication
Saturday saw Roughfort Young Loyalists take to the local estate to proudly show off their new Bannerette which the band have added this season.
The band made its way along a short parade route as many residents and supporters came out to watch and show their support to the wee band who made their way down to the Cottonmount Arms before dispersing.
An indoor concert was then held inside the function room and Roughfort were supported on the night by Pride of The Shore, Pride of The Hill, Newtonabbey Accordion and Steeple Veterans Flute Band.
The evening was a great success and will go along way to helping the “Wee Fort” getting back onto the roads this season as they build their membership again and work to promoting their band and their culture.
Ballycraigy Sons Of Ulster Parade.
This Friday, May 4 will see The Ballycraigy Sons Of Ulster host their annual band parade in Antrim town moving off from Dublin Road Car Park at 7.30pm.
The band wish to invite everyone to come along and hope to see a good turnout of supporters in the town as always. Last year saw 39 bands taking part in the parade through the town and the hosts hope that this year will be something similar with a disco to follow in the Anchor Bar. Everyone is welcome to come along.
Antrim Protestant Boys
The newest venture for Antrim’s band scene is having its first get together this Thursday evening May 3 in Muckamore Community Centre at 7pm.
This will be an initial meeting of the Antrim Protestant Boys Flute Band and is to gather up interest and set out what objectives, aims and targets can be set by those who wish to become part of a new band in Antrim.
Anyone who is interested or wishes to find out more is asked to be in attendance at Muckamore Community Centre for 7pm on Wednesday.
Wee Blue Army
The Steeple Defenders continue their season this weekend with four events and three of them on the one day.
Friday night will see Antrim’s “Wee Blue Army” take to their home town to take part in the Annual parade for Ballycraigy Sons Of Ulster before the Saturday sees them moving off at 1pm to support Pride of Ardoyne in an afternoon parade in Belfast then going across to Larne were they will participate in the annual band parade in Ballycarry before moving on down to Ballymena where the band will perform at an indoor concert for Major Crawford Flute Band.
The Steeple are certainly well into their season now and have confirmed details for their upcoming trip to Kilwinning in Scotland which will see them travel to participate in the Scottish Battle of the Boyne celebrations taking place in Ayrshire on Saturday, June 30 before returning home to once again host a week of festivities at the annual Steeple Orangefest.
The Steeple Defenders are holding weekly Flute and Drum Tuition at the IEP Office Parkhall Shopping Centre every Monday from 6.30pm and anyone wishing to take part is welcome to come along.
In addition to this the band are always recruiting new members for all ranks of the band from Colour party, drumming and fluting male or female is welcome and coaching will be provided so if you wish to seek more information please contact any member of the band or attend practice which is on Monday evenings at the IEP Office Parkhall Shops 7.30pm.
Upcoming Events
This weekend sees the continuing parades throughout the province and bands will be coming from all over to support one another at events which on Friday night include Skeogh Flute Band Dromore, Red Hand Defenders Newtonstewart and Ballycraigy Sons Of Ulster Antrim before the following day events will take place in Belfast for Pride of Ardoyne, The Village Ballycarry, Craigavon Protestant Boys Craigavon, The Teenies in Broughshane and Carnagh Accordion Newtonhamilton.
As you can see plenty of events on the band scene this weekend and only the beginning as we enter May with some big weekends and major Anniversary Dates coming up.
As always Bandscene will do its best to keep you up to date and share with you the reports and photos of events but if you have anything you would like included please email Bandscene at the above email addresses.
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Weather for Antrim
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
