BURNSIDE Hall was packed last Friday night, the occasion being a fundraiser for Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster Flute Ballymena.
It was the first event in this hall by the band and it was very well received.
There was a selection of differing styles of music from across the diverse Ulster band musical culture.
Crumlin Young Loyalists had the hard task of opening proceedings, their young lead tip impressing many. Cloughmills Crown Defenders were next with a great tune selection, the drum section were well-drilled and showed great control within the smallish hall.
The set of Sir George White Memorial Flute included several very impressive technical pieces, with Ballymaconnolly Sons of Conquerors Flute bringing a different approach from the blood and thunder genre.
Ballyquin Loyal Sons of Ulster brought a truly traditional brand of blood and thunder to the night, the energy and volume however not overshadowing their flute corps.
Another busy weekend for the band community sees an event on Friday night for Staffordstown Accordion in Randalstown Memorial Hall featuring Kenny Archer and friends. Tickets are priced £8 and available on the door.
Another heat of the Crumlin Young Loyalists Flute 2012 Battle of the Bands will also take place on the evening, as will a night of entertainment in Loughgall Football Club featuring Markethill Protestant Boys Flute, Ballyrea Boyne Defenders Flute and Synotts True Blues Flute.
On Saturday night Cookstown Sons of William Flute are holding an Evening of Culture in Tobermore United Football Club, starting at 8pm. Attractions include Ballycraigy Auld Boys Flute and Omagh Protestant Boys Flute. A bus to the venue will be leaving Oldtown Street in Cookstown at 8pm.
Also in the south Londonderry area, Ballybriest Flowers of the Heather Flute are the hosts of a concert in 2nd Moneymore Presbyterian Church Hall.
Performers will include Tullylagan Pipe, Staffordstown Accordion and popular band Session Beat. Admission is £8 for adults and £5 for under 16s.
Further north, the Pride of the Orange and Blue Flute Newbuildings have a cultural day and evening in the local community centre, with over eight bands scheduled to play along with other musical entertainment. Other events will be taking place for Ballycraigy Sons of Ulster, Lower Woodstock Ulster Scots Flute, Dunamoney and Shankill Star.
A special mention goes to a one-off charity fundraiser in Portadown on February 24. Featuring Kilcluney Volunteers and Gertrude Star Flute, the proceeds of the evening will be going towards Marie Curie.
Drum Beat will be continuing throughout the winter, however the focus will change to the ever- growing schedule of indoor band events, the formation of new bands and the ongoing work and practice of our existing bands. If you would like to publicise fundraising, competition, cultural or indeed any events related to the large Ulster marching band community you can contact Drum Beat by ringing or texting Quincey on 07835624221 or emailing quincey@ulsterbandsforum.net, with all contributions, opinions and news from the country’s thriving band movement very welcome.