Mourne Young Defenders

Friday 1st August saw the turn of our own band to host its annual parade. This was the 32nd year of our annual and hopefully with many more to come in future years.

The day started early for many. The erection of the tent, 60 flags and bunting had to be done early, to try and avoid the threat of rain but as soon as all was up the heavens opened.

Our own tent this year was used for the band to raise some much needed funds. On sale were MYD jackets, both light and heavy brands, beanie hats, DVDs and burgers and hot dogs from the BBQ aswell as soft drinks and water.

With the band travelling a lot last year a good turnout and variety was expected and we weren’t to be disappointed. 37 bands and ourselves made 38 turned out.

With the band taking the step of parading early the past few years, we set off from the Mourne Esplanade at around 7pm. As we made our way down Knockchree Avenue the rain at last stopped and it finally started to brighten, much to the relief of everyone.

A good turnout was on show, 8 girls in the Colour Party, Craig as Drum Major, Duff and Joel on the Bass Drum, Alan and Greasy as side walkers, Nigel on the cymbals and 35 fluters.

The band stopped for around 10 minutes on Main Street to play a wee crowd selection for the onlookers, with Yee Haa and the new Drum salute going well and getting a great reception from the crowd. As the band made its way around the town, the crowd behind started to build up and nothing beats walking through your home town with the towns people behind us.

After finishing up it was onto the main parade. With all collectors doing their job, it was now upto the judges to decide who would be worthy winners on the night.

With so many of the so called big guns on show, we knew it would be a tight night it all sections.

First away was Ballylone, current World Champions in their grade. First time I have seen this band in a long time, but their flute corps is second to none, not one fault from start to finish.

Other melody bands on the night were Fife and Drums, Ballylesson, Pride of Ballinran, Newtownards Melody and the Shankill Road Defenders. All bands were playing particularly well and were duely awarded their prizes.

In the Blood and Thunder section, al the big hitters were out in force. Pride of the Hill, Drumderg, Kilcluney, East Belfast Protestant Boys and Ballykeel and Pride of the Maine to name a few. The Blood and Thunder section was very tight for the judges on the night, with only a few points and even half points separating each of them.

The Accordion section had Brunswick and the top class Dunloy Accordion from Ballymoney on show. Dunloy were the pick of the bands for many people and sounded and looked well despite being down in numbers.

Of the smaller bands, Castlederg and Crumlin were good, as were East Bank Protestant Boys and Ballynahinch Protestant boys.

The end of the night was the big spectacle. The fireworks extravaganza that was put on by Big time fireworks was phenomenal. New fireworks were on show for the first time in the country and went well without a hitch. Not even the rain could dampen the spirits and a great night.

The band also handed out 3000 pieces of personal band printed rock to everyone, by our trusted costume handlers.

The band then continued with its work. All buntings and 60 flags were taken down, rubbish cleaned up from the streets and everything left the way it was, so a big thanks to all who helped out and made the night a huge success.

Results have been added on its own report, so check them out to see how your band done.

Many thanks again to the band members, spectators, and anyone else that helped make the night flow easily.

Mourne Young Defenders