After the parade in South Belfast we done earlier we headed back to the East to support the mighty Raven in our own back yard.

Today was a new starting point for the parade as for many a year this parade starting at the Cresta Club on the Castlereagh Road, but there was a great buzz around the Orange Hall with lots of stalls, burger vans to entertain the crowd that gathered.

I managed to see the Gertrude Star as they started off playing very well as where the North Down Defenders from Bangor and lastly I seen the Tullycarnet band marching away into the distance.

I was told that the Raven got around 25 bands and to be honest I was disappointed with that as the Raven get themselves all around the country but with lots of parades on this weekend it must be hard to get to them all, but I’m sure a bigger turn out next year will be on the cards.

Our own band picked up a few more members from the earlier parade and in my view played better it took us a while to get going again.

This weekend was good for the band and many thanks to all our members and supporters for making it so, great commitment by the members.

Thanks to the Raven for a well run parade and we where awarded with most of the Blood & Thunder prizes for our solid performance.

Well done once again and its only a few weeks till the season is over for the Prod Boys.

John Keenan
East Belfast Protestant Boys Flute Band Chairman

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