A Busy Few Weeks

The last few weeks and months have been a very busy time for the band, preparing for and taking part in the Shankill Road Defenders contest, NIBA contest, UDR Remembrance Parade, and the British Legion Festival of Remembrance Parade.




Firstly, a quick mention of some video clips available on YouTube of the band from the Maiden City Festival celebrations. There are a few links below which will take you to the site and the clips.



August 2007 - Our Director



August 2007 - Shanghai



August 2007 - Irish Jigs



August 2007 - Aces High



August 2007 - The Thunderer



Shankill Road Defenders Contest

The band took part in the contest held by the Shankill Road Defenders, and think anyone who took part and attended would agree that it was a brilliant day all round. From the number of top quality bands who attended, to the superb atmosphere generated by the audience and members of the Shankill Road Defenders, the contest was a great success and also an excellent display of the high standard of bands there are now. The band therefore did very well to win Best Overall Band, Most Entertaining Band.


Northern Ireland Band Association Contest

The test pieces for this years NIBA contest were, in the Melody Section - The Massed Parade, and in the Grade Four - Tico Tico and Sweet Hour of Prayer. The band were delighted to win both sections. We feel the learning, practicing and playing of these tunes can only improve the overall quality of the band, and were delighted that the hard work and effort paid off, not only in this contest, but also the week before where we played these tunes as part of our programme in the Shankill contest.


UDR Remembrance and Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance Parades

The band had the honour of marching in these two parades of remembrance, one for the members of the UDR, and the other for The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. These are hugely significant parades in the year for the band, and take great pride in being asked to march in them, as well as appreciating the kind comments of those who watched and marched behind the band. We sincerely hope this tradition continues for many years to come.