Ballymacarrett FLute Band. Parading, a way of life.

A splendid display of Musical ability,decorum and marching by one of the finest Orange cultural bands in Belfast. Many bands parade throughout the year from March to September either with the loyal orders or competing in street competitions organised by individual bands. These competitions are taken very seriously with band members walking maybe 3 different parades in various towns and villages throughout the country at weekends, this combined with practice once or twice a week takes a lot of dedication by the 30,000 members of the 650 marching bands in the province. The band becomes away of life for many men,ladies and children of ever age and ability with blind,disabled and special needs people known to be part of the band movement.With an estimated 150,000 people in Northern Ireland(10per cent of the population) having been part of the band scene at some stage in their lives, the band scene has become a culture on it's own. Northern Ireland must have the most musicians per capital in the world. During the winter months bands take part in indoor competitions and many charity events to improve their playing ability before the marching season starts again. The band scene in Northern Ireland is currently undergoing a renaissance with up to 15 new bands starting per year with it being the fastest growing youth movement in Europe. Kids as young as five are learning new instruments just as 70 year olds retire from the scene. As strange as it seems to people outside of Orange culture parading is a massive and sacred part of many peoples lives having been handed down from generation to generation for the last 250 years and is a precious part of who of who they are and where they have came from. Band culture is not without it's difficulties our problems,some self induced some inflicted upon upon it out of ignorance or political and religious intolerance,but at it's best the culture is up there with some of the most beautiful cultures in the world and should be seen and heard to be believed.