Organisers of big Lurgan band parade make 'no play' decision following local bereavement

Upper Bann Fusiliers Flute Band members expect to be joined by around 40 other outfits coming from far and wide for their annual parade.

This morning the band posted an urgent message on social media asking visiting bands for their cooperation due to a bereavement in the area.

"There has been a family bereavement at the end of the small estate that our parade starts on just before the bands come out onto the main road at Queen Street,” said a band spokesperson.

"As a mark of respect to the family we will be introducing a no play zone tonight past the house, this will be controlled by marshals on the ground so we ask you to please follow the instructions of the marshals at the start point and toward the end of this street. You can play one tune after forming up in Shaerf Drive but if it hasn't finished before leaving the next street (Logan Drive) your band will be held marking time until the tune finishes then you can proceed with a single drum beat.

"Once bands turn the corner onto the main road and after passing Carla Lockhart’s DUP office we ask that you resume playing for the rest of the route.

"Thank you in advance for your cooperation and respect at this difficult time for the family.

"The officers and members of the band would like to pass on our sincerest sympathies to the family. If we can be of any further assistance tonight please let us know.

Tonight’s parade will see Upper Bann Fusiliers Flute Band members will be stepping out in new tunics, the final piece of their new unform.

A spokesperson said the parade would feature “a vast array of some of the best bands in the country on show, and some new visiting bands”.

"It's shaping up to be a great night and we hope, like last year, to see the town filled with spectators lining the route.

"As host band we will start off from Lurgan Legion in Union Street at approximately 7 – 7.15pm and lay two wreaths at the war memorial before finishing in Shaerf Drive where the main parade will start from."

Which route will the parade take?

The parade will begin at Shaerf Drive and take the following route:

• Queens Walk
• Logan Drive
• Foster Place
• Queen Street
• High Street
• Market Street turning at War Memorial
• Market Street
• Union Street

Which bands are expected to take part?

According to the Parades Commission, the following bands are due to join the parade:

• Craigavon Protestant Boys
• Dollingstown Star of the North Flute Band
• Clogher Protestant Boys Flute Band
• Portadown Defenders Flute Band
• Portadown True Blues Flute Band
• Hillhaven Flute Band
• Downshire Guiding Star Flute Band
• Corbett Accordion Band
• Skeogh Flute Band
• Kinallen Flute Band
• Dromore Sons of Ulster Flute Band
• Lambeg Orange And Blue Flute Band
• Pride of Ballymacash Flute Band
• Pride of Knockmore Flute Band
• Kilcluney Volunteers Flute Band
• Markethill Protestant Boys Flute Band
• Mullabrack Accordion Band
• Blackskull Orange & Blue Flute Band
• Armagh True Blues Flute Band
• Cormeen Rising Sons of William Flute Band
• Drumderg Loyalists Flute Band
• Dunmurry Protestant Boys Flute Band
• Upper Falls Protestant Boys Flute Band
• Moneyslane Flute Band
• Loyal Sons Benagh Flute Band
• East Belfast Protestant Boys Flute Band
• Crimson Star Flute Band
• Goldsprings True Defenders Flute Band
• Bessbrook True Blues Flute Band
• Ballymacall True Blues Flute Band
• South Fermanagh Loyalists Flute Band
• Defenders of the Rock Flute Band
• Ardarragh Accordion Band
• Gertrude Star Flute Band
• Donaghadee Flutes & Drums
• Kilmore Flute Band
• Ballyclare Protestant Boys Flute Band
• Ballycraigy Sons of Ulster Flute Band
• South Belfast Protestant Boys Flute Band
• Ulster First Flute Flute Band
• Crossgar Young Defenders Flute Band
• Sir George White Memorial Flute Band
• Inch Flute Band,Pride of Lagan Valley
• North Fermanagh Young Defenders Flute
• Omagh Protestant Boys