Ulster Bands Forum

Churchill
2026-11-21 12:00 - 23:59 (Europe/London) | Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, 13 Society St, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, BT48 6PJ, United Kingdom

Pride of Govan
2026-11-28 12:00 - 23:59 | Govan Orange Halls, 20 Lorne Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G51 1DP, United Kingdom
Pride Of Govan Flute Band annual culture day

Saturday 25th November

Govan Orange Halls

First band will be 12 o’clock and we will have a loyalist DJ playing between bands

12:00
12:45 Cambuslang Britannia FB
13:30 Paisley Protestant Boys FB
14:15
15:00 Blackridge Thistle FB
15:45
16:30
17:30
18:00 Larkhall Purple Heroes FB
18:45

Shutting of the Gates
2026-12-05 10:00 - 17:15 | Londonderry, Londonderry, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Often referred to as “Lundy’s Day”, each year on the first Saturday in December, the Apprentice Boys of Derry celebrate the stand taken by the thirteen apprentices who shut the gates: the “Brave Thirteen”

Following the arrival of King William III in England, there had been widespread alarm among Protestants in Ireland that they would be subjected to a widespread massacre. While the citizens of Londonderry were agitated by these reports, news came that a regiment of Roman Catholics were on their way to to the city.
When the army arrived on the 7th December (old calendar), the city’s leaders were still debating what to do. Thirteen young apprentices took the initiative and shut the gates in the faces of the approaching army. Their actions were the spark which led to the 1689 Siege of Londonderry,
Today we remember their actions in our annual Shutting of the Gates commemorations on the first Saturday in December each year.
The Celebrations start with the symbolic firing of a cannon on the city’s historic walls at midnight. 13 members of a Parent Club will then make their way to each of the four original City gates, as the 13 apprentices did in 1688.
The main celebrations begin later on Saturday with the visiting Branch Clubs and bands parading from the Waterside to the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall. The main parade then makes its way from Society Street around the City Centre to a service of thanksgiving in St Columb’s Cathedral. Following the service, the parade makes its way back to Bishop Street for the traditional burning of Lundy the Traitor.

Commemorations

The Shutting of the Gates commemorations are a much smaller event than the Relief Celebrations, with most of the day’s activities taking place within the historic City Walls.

The events as always are centred around a service of thanksgiving in St Columb’s Cathedral with the traditional burning of Lundy the Traitor bringing the commemorations to a close.

Timetable of Events

Midnight: Cannon
The Celebrations will open with the symbolic firing of a cannon on the Walls. One and three times, signifying thirteen: the Brave Thirteen. This will be followed by the traditional “Touching of the Gates”.

10am: General Committee Opens
As with the Relief Celebrations in August, the day’s proceedings cannot begin untill General Committee officially open their meeting.

11.30am: Visiting Clubs Leave Waterside
The Celebrations will open with the symbolic firing of a cannon on the Walls. One and three times, signifying thirteen: the Brave Thirteen. This will be followed by the traditional “Touching of the Gates”.
Route:
Waterside Railway Station
Duke Street
Craigavon Bridge
Carlisle Road
Hawkin Street
London Street
Bishop Street
Palace Street
Society Street

1.15pm: Parade to the Cathedral
The main parade will leave Society Street headed by officers of General Committee.
Route:
Society Street / Bishop Street
Bishop Street
Diamond
Ferryquay Street
Carlisle Road
Carlisle Roundabout
Wapping Lane
Kennedy Street
Hawkin Street
London Street to
St. Columb’s Cathedral
Bands exit to Bishop Street / Society Street

2pm: Service of Thanksgiving
The Service of Thanksgiving in St. Columb’s Cathedral is the focal point of the day. At the conclusion of the service a wreath will be laid by the officers of the host Parent Club and at the Siege Heroes Mound in the cathedral grounds.

3pm: Parade leaves the Cathedral
The parade will re-form on Bishop Street and parade via the earlier route in reverse. The parade will conclude in Bishop Street at the effigy of Lundy the Traitor and which will then be set alight.
Route:
Bishop Street/Society Street
London Street
Hawkin Street
Kennedy Street
Wapping Lane
Carlisle Road
Ferryquay Street
Diamond
Bishop Street
Society Street
Palace Street
Bishop Street for lighting of effigy

4pm: Burning of Lundy
With all Brethren and bands gathered in Bishop Street, the Effigy of Lundy the Traitor will be lit by a selected member(s) of the host Apprentice Boys Club.

4.30pm: Visiting Clubs return to the Waterside

Visiting clubs will return to Waterside via
Route:
Bishop Street,
Hawkin Street,
Carlisle Road,
Craigavon Bridge,
Duke Street,
finishing at the Waterside Railway Station.

SAC Shutting of the Gates
2026-12-12 10:30 - 12:30 | Glasgow, Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Scottish Amalgamated Committee (ABOD) Main parade
Route:
Haugh Road,
Radnor Street,
Sauchiehall Street,
Blythswood Street,
Blythwood Square,
West George Street,
Nelson Mandela Place,
West George Street,
George Square,
George Street,
High Street,
Castle Street,
Cathedral Square,
John Knox Street,
Wishart Street.

ABOD Limavady
2026-12-16 19:15 - 22:00 | Limavady, Limavady, Limavady, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Route
Lower Main Street (onto Tesco roundabout)
Connell Street
Irish Green Street
Catherine Street
Linenhall Street
Main Street
Ballyclose Street
Alexander Road
Burning of Lundy
Alexander Road
Main Street (to Alexander Road roundabout)
Lower Main Street (at Rangers bar/Limavady Hardware Co)

ABOD Newtownards
2026-12-16 19:30 - 20:30 | Newtownards, Newtownards, N/ards, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Parade and burning of the effigy of Lundy to commemorate the shutting of the gates.
Starting at 7:30pm
Route
Mary Street
Mark Street
Marquess Street
Talbot Street
Upper North Street
North Street
Frances Street
Castle Place
High Street
Conway Square

ABOD Limavady
2026-12-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Limavady, Limavady, Limavady, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Provanhall True Blues
2026-12-31 21:00 - 23:59 | Govan Orange Halls, 20 Lorne Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G51 1DP, United Kingdom
Once again the band will be hosting our annual hogmanay dance

Parkhead Orange Halls, 9pm till late, Dj, raffles, a live set from the band before the bells and a small finger buffet

tickets are £10 and can be purchased by contacting the page or via a band member

We hope to see you all there for what is always a great night!

Mon the Hall!

LOL 1056 Dundonald Purple Vine
2027-01-02 13:45 - 17:00 | Dundonald Orange Hall, Comber Road, Dundonald, Northern Ireland, BT16 25AX, United Kingdom

LOL 1544 Kilroot True Blues
2027-01-02 14:00 - 15:30 | Carrickfergus, Carrickfergus, Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Route:
Kilroot Orange Hall
Larne Road
Trailcock Road
Edenvale Avenue
Dromore Road
Copeland Road
Larne Road
Kilroot Orange Hall

LOL 710 Ulster Defenders of the Realm
2027-02-27 10:15 - 12:45 | Tech Together: Community-Led Technology Workshop, East Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
UDR 2 Memorial parade & Service
Our annual UDR2 parade in memory of Pte James Cummings and Pte Fredrick Starrett 7/10 UDR, murdered by cowards 24/2/1988.
Route:
Pottinger Street
Beersbridge Road
Templemore Avenue
Epworth Street
Lord Street
Thorndyke street
5 minute wreath laying service
Templemore Avenue
Newtownards Road
Bridge end
Ann Street
Victoria Street
High Street
Castle Place
Royal Avenue
Parade UTurn at Junction with North Street
Royal Avenue
Castle Place
HIgh Street
Queens Square
Donegal Quay
Bridge End
Middlepath Street
Newtownards Road
Templemore Avenue
disperse at junction with Albertbridge road

ABOD City of Glasgow
2027-03-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Glasgow, Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
City of Glasgow Campsie Club
Annual Remembrance parade
Assemble at Glasgow Evangelical Church for move-off at 10am
Route:
Cathedral Square
Castle Street
Cathedral Street
Bath Street
Blythswood Street
Blythswood Square
West George Street
Nelson Mandela Place
West George Street
George Square
George Street
High Street
Castle Street
Cathedral Square

LOL District No.18 Braid
2027-03-17 07:30 - 17:30 | Broughshane, Broughshane, Broughshane, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
*St Patricks Day Information Update*
A reminder that all bands, brethren and sisters are warmly invited to join with us.

7.30-11am – Big Breakfast hosted by LOL 503 in Broughshane Orange Hall.
(TBC)
11.30am – Parade Forms up at Beechvale.
12 Noon – Parade leaves Beechvale.
2.00pm – Parade arrives at Community Centre.
2-3.00pm – Service and Entertainment.
3.00pm – Parade leaves Community Centre.
5.00pm – Parade returns to Beechvale.
Fifes and Lambeg Drums will then return to Broughshane OH.

At the community centre there will kids entertainment provided alongside ice-cream and much more.We look forward to seeing you on the day
Route:
Beechvale
Raceview Road
Main Street
Carnlough Road
Tullymore Road
Carnlough Road
Main Street
Raceview Road
2nd Broughshane Church Hall Car Park
Return:
Knockan Road
Main Street
Carnlough Road
Tullymore Road
Carnlough Road
Main Street
Raceview Road
Beechvale
Raceview Road
Main Street
Broughshane Orange Hall

LOL 1925 Batesons True Blues
2027-03-17 18:45 - 19:30 | Lisburn, Lisburn, Lisburn, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Route:
Longstone Street
Chapel Street
Bow Street
Antrim Street
Railway Street
Orange Hall
Railway Street
Market Square
Smithfield
Hillsborough Road
Bow Street
Antrim Street
Bachelors Walk
Railway Street
Lisburn Orange Hall

Rising Sons of East Belfast
2027-03-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Tech Together: Community-Led Technology Workshop, East Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
St Patricks parade
Route
The Mount
Castlereagh Street
Castlereagh Place
Woodstock Road
My Ladys Road
Cherryville Street
Woodstock Road
Beersbridge Road
Templemore Avenue
Castlereagh Street
The Mount

Shankill Old Boys
2027-03-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Woodvale Park, Woodvale Avenue, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Shankill Road is gearing up to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a fantastic parade.
The festivities will kick off at 1pm from Woodvale Park, and the parade will wind its way through the Shankill, culminating in a stop at the memorial garden in facing the Berlin Bar.
At the garden, a wreath will be laid to honour those who served and died in Irish regiments.
The parade will then march back to Woodvale Park.
You won’t want to miss the many bands, including Orange Orders, ABOD, Ex-Service men and women, Somme Association, and other groups.
Let’s come together to celebrate this joyous occasion!
This parade will be hosted by the Shankill Old Boy’s Flute Band.Please register your interest in participating by contacting us on Facebook or speaking to a member of the band, wishing you all the best for the marching season ahead!

Denver Smith Memorial
2027-03-20 13:30 - 15:00 | Antrim, Antrim, Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Annual Vol Denver Smith Memorial parade
Steeple Estate in Antrim
Start Time: 1:30pm
Route
Parkhall Road
Bush Park
Oaktree Drive
Birchill Park
Parkhall Road

LOL 1123 St Patricks Church Temperance
2027-03-20 13:30 - 16:00 | Ballymena, Castle Street, Ballymena, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
St Patricks Day parade
Route:
Lower Princess St
Galgorm Road
Pentagon
Lower Mill St
Wellington St
Ballymoney St
William St
Broughshane St
Church St
Castle St
St Patricks Church
Return Route
St Patricks Church
Castle St
Mill St
Wellington St
Church St
Bridge St
Waveney Road
Galgorm Rd
Protestant Hall

Greengairs Thistle
2027-03-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Airdrie, Airdrie, Airdrie, Scotland, United Kingdom
Please note that although our name is on the permit , the parade itself is for the Light of Foot organisation, who do sterling work behind the scenes to help those struggling within our marching band scene with mental health issues.

We will once again commemorate those who have passed from within our community on the day .

1. Craigneuk True Defenders FB
2. Dykehead Sow FB
3. Greengairs Thistle FB
4. Larkhall Purple Heroes FB
5. Redding and Westquarter PBFB
6. Netherton Road FB
7. Bellshill Defenders FB

Ballyduff Somme Committee
2027-03-26 19:30 - 21:00 | Ballyduff, Ballyduff, Carnmoney, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
In Memory of Volunteer Earnest “Ernie” Dougan
Route:
Fairview Road
Forthill Park
Forthill Drive
Fairview Road

Grand Orange Lodge of England
2027-03-27 12:00 - 22:00 | Scarborough, Marine Drive, Scarborough, England, United Kingdom
Hundreds of Brothers and Sisters will parade through the Streets of Scarborough
Please show your support by attending the parade and showing Scarborough that we are a strong organisation.
Scarborough is the first parade of the calendar so lets support in numbers.
11:45 – all Brethren wishing to parade to be at usual start point through the arch at the South Pier
12:00 – Parade steps off
14:00 – Turks Head Bar

Sandwiches and snacks will be served
Loyalist Music
Karaoke
Raffle
Football Cards

Prince of Orange
2027-03-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Coatbridge, Coatbridge, Coatbridge, Scotland, United Kingdom

Whitburn
2027-04-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Whitburn, Whitburn, Whitburn, Scotland, United Kingdom
Whitburn FB annual parade

Our annual band parade will be held on Saturday 6th April 2024, starting at 1pm.

Any bands who would like an invite, please get in touch. This includes any Ulster/English bands who fancy a trip to Scotland – you would be made more than welcome! Feel free to drop us a message and we will assist where possible.

Please note: We are aware that the Rangers vs celtic game is scheduled to be played that weekend, almost certainly on the Sunday. However, in the unlikely event the game is played on the Saturday, we will liaise with Police/Council to put a contingency in place and hold the parade on the Friday night (as we previously looked at in 2022

Highfield Loyalists
2027-04-03 17:30 - 23:59 | The Queens Hotel, 114 Knowsley Rd, Bootle, England, L20 4NH, United Kingdom
Annual Parade
The parade will move off from the Queens Pub at 5:30pm with a walk around the local area lasting roughly 40 mins. Function to follow in the Beaky (Strand Road, Bootle, L20 3HL). There will be music provided by a Loyalist DJ and Singer, as well as a number of bands playing at the function.

UVF Regimental
2027-04-10 14:00 - 23:59 | Albertbridge Orange Hall, 178a Albertbridge Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT5 4GS, United Kingdom
Annual Culture Day hosted by UVF Regimental
Albertbridge Orange Hall @ 2pm
More Details to follow

Pride of the Village, Thornliebank
2027-04-10 16:00 - 23:59 | Thornliebank, Thornliebank, Thornliebank, Scotland, United Kingdom
Host Band will parade 15-00
Boydstone rd,
Thornliebank rd,
to Cenotaph where we will lay a wreath,
Main st,
Spiersbridge Rd,
Nitshill Rd
to main marshalling area.

Main parade 16-00
Nitshill rd,
Spiersbridge rd,
Main St,
Thornliebank rd,
Auldhouse rd,
Nether Auldhouse rd,
Shawbridge st,
dispersing at Pollokshaws Orange Hall.

Function afterwards
Any band which still wants an invite please get in touch.

ride

Pride of Ballymacash
2027-04-10 20:00 - 22:00 | Lisburn, Lisburn, Lisburn, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Annual Band Parade
Rathvarna Drive (host band only)
Ballymacash Road
Prince William Road
Ballymacash Road
Antrim Road
Antrim Street
Bow Street
Market Square (to lay wreath at UDR memorial)
Railway Street / Wallace Avenue
Market Square
Market Street
Smithfield Street
Market Place
Chapel Hill
Longstone Roundabout
Chapel Hill
Bow Street
Market Square North
Railway Street
Wallace Avenue

LOL District No.63 City of London
2027-04-17 15:00 - 17:00 | London, London, London, England, United Kingdom
More details to follow
Time TBC

Randalstown Sons Of Ulster
2027-04-17 20:00 - 22:30 | Randalstown, Randalstown, Randalstown, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Route
Host band moving off 7:00pm from Randalstown Memorial Orange Hall
Main Parade begins 8:00pm
Starting point Shane’s Street
Disco to follow afterwards
All Support Returned

Upper Bann Fusiliers
2027-04-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Lurgan, Lurgan, Lurgan, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Annual Band Parade
The Host Band (Upper Bann Fusiliers Flute Band) Will Walk The Route In Reverse (From Outside The Royal British Legion In Union Street to Shaerf Drive) at 19.00
With The Main Parade Starting at Shaerf Drive at 19.30
Shaerf Drive
Queens Walk
Logan Drive
Foster Place
Queen Street
High Street
Market Street
turning round back of War Memorial
Market Street
Union Street
