£2,734 raised at Ballykeel band parade

Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster flute band’s recent parade in the town was reduced in size somewhat from other years.

A clash with the North West 200 and European cup finals in rugby and football all played their parts in reducing the numbers in attendance.

Thirty four bands put on a great show for the crowds who came out from early evening and they witnessed Steeple Defenders flute proudly lead the parade.

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Children from all parts of the Ballymena area had a ball as they danced and jigged along with the fancy dressed characters that were handing out free sweats and presents whilst the parade passed by. Marching bands from every part of Ulster kept everyone well entertained and the kids gave the treats a big thumb up.

One of the organisers, Rodney Quigley said: “This size of an event takes so much planning and organising, we have been very lucky this year with the weather but very unlucky with the other events clashing on this date and we may look at a different option for next time. Almost thirty bands have been in contact to apologise for their absence, mainly due to the clash with the races in Portrush, they require a certain number to fill the bus transport and if this doesn’t happen they stand to lose a small fortune due to the prices for bus hire.

“The feedback that we have received since Saturday night has been staggering.So many people from all corners have got in touch with us to congratulate everyone on what they thought of as a great event. The punctual start time is always appreciated by people with young families, and the travelling bands always receive a warm welcome from the Ballymena spectators”

The local outfits that where able to put a band on the road showed up well and did themselves credit, with superb performances. Sir George White Memorial band always put on a fine display in their home area and this year was no exception. The Broughshane band have worked hard for the past few years and the fruits of their efforts are starting to pay off with a good increase in their membership.

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The Stephen Parkhill memorial trophy for best overall band on parade was won by Omagh Protestant Boys. They where the overall winner of this trophy three years ago. Last year’s winners Dunloy Accordion ran them very close but were just pipped by a point.

Lisnamurican Flute deserve praise, a band with a very long history, they have attended numerous events this year, always putting on a great show, due to this they are witnessing their membership starting to grow and even if they do not put big numbers on the road every night they get appreciated for their grit and determination.

The street collection raised a staggering £2734.00 which is purely down to the great generosity of the people that were on the route. Many businesses gave very kindly yet again and wished to support Ballykeel band and help them with the high costs of travelling around Ulster to support the bands that appeared in Ballymena.

Members from the host band wish to pass on their thanks to all the marshals on the night as without their help, this size of an event would not be possible to hold. The band also thank Ballymena Bands and Parades Forum, the local P.S.N.I. for keeping traffic in order throughout the evening, the local business community and all the Ballymena public for donating so generously. They also appreciate the work of everyone at the Coach Night Club who helped to finish the night off so well, the wives and girlfriends of the band who helped through out the year and on the night, Ballymena council and the parade judges.

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A special thanks to the monitors who kindly gave up a Saturday evening to come along and help the band put the honest account of an event across to those from the parades commission or the media or even those political parties who can not put across accurate accounts of proceedings without trying to score political points within their own community.

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