It has been a few years since we’ve done a parade for the host band or in Lisburn so we where looking forward to the night.

As usual this summer it rained although it wasn’t too bad when we started to parade. Great turnout of bands with over 50 on the parade route through the city streets.

Bands made a steady flow on the route and I got to see Pride of Knockmore heading off as did Finaghy True Blues and the Gertrude Star as our band buss pulled up to the start point.

Sandy Row UFF where in front of us and the Mourne Young Defenders, the crowds tonight where a bit thin on the ground at the main viewing points for the spectators.

The blow out section on the Chapel Hill did surprise me as there was no one about to watch the passing point, maybe the weather had a big factor on this but it was a very strange site to see as many people love these blow outs!

As we done this section we passed the Goldspring True Defenders; and I can report it was a great blow out between both bands and there was no messing about!

At the finish of the parade I stood and watched Castlederg Young Defenders walking in with 4 side drummers and a flute corps of 4! Yes I did say only 4! Unreal lads hats off to them; any bands that complain about size needs a reality check as these boys are 110% committed to the marching season and would never turn down a parade to attend and support anywhere in Northern Ireland, well done again to the CYL!

Also got to see the Pride of the Hill from Rathisland, they where going very well, smaller in numbers that we are used to seeing but in my opinion it suits them better as they play as solid unit, well done guys.

South Down Defenders from Newry where also going very well, their colour party looked the part. South Belfast Young Conquers where good in numbers and playing well as where the might Bessbrook, so overall a good parade on a damp night in Lisburn.

My own band tonight walked with 16 side drummers, 24 flute corps, we haven’t been out in nearly 3 calendar weeks and in my opinion we where a bit rusty at times tonight, we played okay with numbers, marching and discipline was first class. Thanks to my members for attending tonight.

The judges tonight awarded us 1st Blood & Thunder and 1st Bass Drummer, so we must have impressed a few people on this rust performance.

Well done to Lambeg for a good parade and it was good to get back parading in Lisburn.

John Keenan
East Belfast Protestant Boys Flute Band Chairman

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