Motorists are asked to seek an alternative route where possible and to allow additional time to complete their journey safely.


Article below contributed by Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster

THE best marching bands from all around the country are expected in Ballymena for the Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster annual event on Saturday, May 24, starting at 8.15pm.

In the region of 60–70 bands from across the province are expected, along with a crowd of spectators in the thousands who will flock to the town to see the colourful spectacle.

County Antrim as expected will have the largest representation with the biggest names in marching bands from this county getting in on the act, Drumaheagles from Ballymoney as ever; always impress the spectators along with their townsfolk Dunaghy, who have started to add some parts to their music recently which is very easy on the ear.

Near neighbours Ballymaconnelly from Rasharkin are going through a new lease of life in the past few years and are quickly gaining the respect of all the marching band scene who consider them one of the best outfits in Ulster at present.

Ballymena's own Pride of the Maine are hitting the right notes so far this year and can once again boast very large numbers on the road, with up to 12 drummers on show they are turning heads once again.

Famous names such as Ballycraigy, Steeple, Kells and Sir George White Memorial from Broughshane will all be trying to attract the public's attention on the night, while the newly formed Cullybackey Maine Defenders will make their debut on the Ballymena streets.

With the new band only getting onto the road this year they are gaining a large membership and a lot of credibility very quickly.

The accordion section will be the best seen in the town for many a year with the ever present Dunloy showing off their unbeatable marching talents, Edin, Vow, Staffordstown and Burnside are amongst a host of other squeeze box outfits to watch out for.

One of the parade organisers, Rodney Quigley, has encouraged Ballymena bands to come along and help promote themselves and the thriving bands scene in the local area.
"A lot of time, effort and expense has gone into our annual parade as it does every year from the members of Ballykeel and we aim to make this an evening to be enjoyed by all the family, both young and old alike.

"We cannot stress strongly enough that no one will be welcome on the town's streets if they are indulging themselves with alcohol in public.
The local police have worked very hard with us in previous years to stamp the public drinking out and it has been a big success, this year as with others there will be marshals and police only too willing to enforce the laws of the land.

"The Ballymena parades forum whose main aim is to safeguard and promote the marching band culture and ensure that everyone has a safe and entertaining evening will have up to 30 marshals helping with the smooth running of the event, we do not wish to ask them to remove drink from anyone but we are all trying to promote our culture and take it to where it belongs and for this reason public drinking will not be tolerated.

"This event is full of colour and razzamatazz and maby a few surprise cuddly creatures giving out sweets to the kids, and I hope all the families of the town come out to witness how far the marching band scene has moved on in a short space of time," added Rodney.

The parade starts at 8.15pm sharp and the route includes: Queen Street, Waveney Road, Pentagon, Wellington Street, Ballymoney Street, William Street, Broughshane/Church Street, Harryville Bridge and Larne Street.
There are plenty of good vantage points with easy access and exit points.