East Belfast Protestant Boys

Saturday 10th May 2008 saw the band make the journey to the capital again to attend the annual band parade of East Belfast Protestant Boys. The host band are regarded as one of the best Blood and Thunder bands in the country, and any time we have saw them this year, they have certainly kept up this opinion of many bandsmen and women.

This year saw the parade fall the week before the annual Northwest200, which meant a good turnout could be expected as many of our members are keen followers of the event. Tonight we paraded with 7 flags, 1 drum major, 7 drummers, 1 bass drummer, 1 cymbal player and 31 fluters, an excellent turnout, for in my opinion the best parade of the marching season.

The streets of East Belfast are lined as soon as you approach the Newtownards Road and outside various social clubs. The reception that the band received was second to none, and was much appreciated within the ranks of the band, crowd entertainment and applause means a lot more than trophies.

Again the band was young tonight and they are certainly coming to the fore with their playing, and hopefully this will continue throughout the season.

Highlight of the night for one of our drummers was another bandsman asking him how on earth did he get to do lead tip in the band, which then our drummer asked ‘what do you mean’ with the bandsman replying, ‘ sure your only 12, how on earth did you get that good to do that in your band’. (By the way he’s 24, near 25) But a great night was had by all afterwards with the band being awarded:

1st Drum Major

1st Drum Corps

2nd Bass Drum

2nd Style and Appearance

2nd Melody Flute

2nd Colour Party

Saw a few bands on the night, Bessbrook, Purple Guards, Kilcluney, Ballykeel, Clogher all going well. Would have liked to have seen more but unfortunately we arrived latish yet again, but well done to the Prod Boys on a very successful night.