The band made the journey to Newry to attend the the Anniversary parade, the host band being Loyal Sons of Benagh.

Loyal Sons of Benagh were the first blood and thunder band in the South Down Area , a big well done in your milestone. It was also great to see the Auld Boys on parade, many whom were only half my age.

By the time we arrived many bands had already finished the short route. 55 bands in attendence was a great tribute to the Loyal Sons of benagh. Also a great turnout so early in the season.

I seen Lower Woodstock Ulster Scots forming up just as we got there. Others included Pride of Knockmore, POTH Rathfriland, Drumderg Loyalists, Bessbrooke and Sons of Ulster Shankill. To many to mention on paper with a great lineup attending Newry. A fine night for parading and good crowds at the start and finish points on the route.

Tonight my own band paraded with 6 flags, 17 drums, 28 flautists and Marshalls. A good turnout after Easter Monday on this holiday period. In my opinion we played as well as ever, great to get a number of new tunes on our playlist and tried and tested yet again. I must mention our new young bass drummer again. Chris Morton Jnr has came on leaps and bounds under the watchful eye of his father Chris Snr and the big man himself Jim, whom made a very welcomed come back to the band tonight. Chris Jnr will surley become one of the best in the country before long. It was good to get back on parade and do what we do best, support where needed and play where welcomed. Just the usual bit of tension at the brass monkey but otherwise a good parade tonight.

Quit a few bands out in new uniforms tonight including the host band themselves (picture above) with about the same number of bands waiting on uniforms.

Below are a selection of photographs of the band in action.