Mourne Young Defenders
Friday 5th August saw the Mourne Young Defenders turn to host their 29th Annual Band Parade. With the Weather changing all day a few worried faces were around but when 7pm came the sun came out and we were lucky to have such a good night with the local people coming out to support the band and give generously to the band who they've supported since our formation.
Over recent years the band has took the decision to parade early at half seven which this year proved to work well with a good crowd turning out. The band paraded tonight wit 34 fluters, 11 drummers (hack it or pack it JT) a full Colour party of 11 which looks excellent and draws good comments from spectators and bandsmen 1 Bass Drummer, 2 Cymbal Players 2 Side Walkers and Craig McAllister leading the band in the continued absence of Darren, so nearly a full MYD on parade except for a few on holidays. The band sounded and looked well parading through the town with a growing number of followers singing behind the band throughout the town.
After the band had completed the route, it was now on for a nights work. Many of the younger band members, with some of the older numbers collected off the local people, with the remaining members directing the bands and cars. The parade was led by Derryouge Part Flute band from Kilkeel at half eight followed closely by six local bands. By this time many of the big bands had arrived including the UVF Regimental Band, Skeogh and Pride Of The Raven in the Melody section, Brunswick in the accordion section with all the Big Hitters in B&T including, Drumderg, Downshire, Pride Of The Hill, Kilcluney, South Belfast Young Conquerors and East Belfast Protestant Boys.
Some new bands to attend our parade this year were Queensway, Ulster First Flute Sandy Row, Tamnamore and Castlederg Young Loyalists the last two are from the other side of the country so we will endeavor to support these bands. All sections were tight this year especially the Blood And Thunder Section with East Belfast Protestant Boys and Kilcluney sharing the B&T awards UVF Regimental Band winning all the Melody Section.
Small Blood and Thunder was contested between Red Hand Defenders Downpatrick, Charles Watson Memorial, Kinallen and was awarded to Ulster First Flute who have impressed at every parade this year.
Some of the bands arrived to late to do the full route and only got to do half the route so we would ask in future that all those attending to try their best to arrive as early as possible.
Overall it was a good night with 31 bands attending, with quite a few bands unable to attend members not attending and problems with buses. The night also passed off peacefully without trouble which is an added bonus. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who made the night a success.
Results are as below:
Colour Party:
1st Regimental Band Of the UVF
2nd East Belfast Protestant Boys
3rd Kilcluney Volunteers
Senior Drum Major:
1st Brunswick
2nd Derryouge
3rd Regimental Band Of the UVF
Junior Drum Major:
1st East Belfast Protestant Boys
2nd Goldsprings
3rd Kilcluney Volunteers
Blood and Thunder Drum Major:
1st Pride of the Raven
Part Flute Band:
1st Derryouge
Accordian Band:
1st Brunswick
Melody Drum Corps:
1st Regimental Band Of the UVF
2nd Pride of the Raven
3rd Skeogh
Blood and Thunder Drum Corps:
1st East Belfast Protestant Boys
2nd Drumderg
3rd Kilcluney Volunteers
Melody Bass Drum:
1st Regimental Band Of the UVF
2nd Pride of the Raven
3rd Brunswick
Blood and Thunder Bass Drum:
1st East Belfast Protestant Boys
2nd Goldsprings
3rd DUP
Style and Appearance:
1st Regimental Band Of the UVF
2nd Kilcluney Volunteers
3rd East Belfast Protestant Boys
Melody Flute:
1st Regimental Band Of the UVF
2nd Pride of the Raven
3rd Skeogh
Blood and Thunder:
1st Kilcluney Volunteers
2nd East Belfast Protestant Boys
3rd Goldsprings
BEST OVERALL:
1st Regimental Band Of the UVF
2nd East Belfast Protestant Boys
3rd Kilcluney Volunteers