city of belfast fifes & drums

Formed in may 2003 City of Belfast Fifes & Drums have sucessfully made our first steps into the marching band scene within the United Kingdom. At the very outset it was made clear that their was a need for a melody/corp of drums style band within the north belfast area & to this end the 4 founding members excelled themselves by ensuring that the foundation stones that were layed would stand the band in good stead in the months & years ahead. Fundraising was the main priority in the early days & the people from the shore road & further afield donated genoursly to the bands cause. With the funds in place to purchase instruments the band set out a few tunes that would get us started as a playing unit, We started off with a few simple traditional airs & the march "KILALOE" which we enjoy playing to this day, with the band now practicising on a weekly basis thoughts turned to the look the band wanted on the road & designs & ideas for our uniform started coming in, The band decided to break with the traditional tunic style jacket that is adorned by the majority of bands & opted instead for a 3/4 length frock style coat in the colurs of navy blue & burgundy. With the band playing away each week at practice & awaiting delivery of our new suits all that remained was to turn our attentions to our first parade "on the road" We were delighted to receive our suits in time for the annual parade of our friends & neighbours Mt Vernon Volunteers f.b & parade through our own area. With our 1st parade over us we were full of pride that the inital idea of forming a marching band less than a year previous had been achieved & going by the comments received it was done in style although the wee china mans nickname stuck for a while( the showaddywaddy band). The band are now into their 3rd year & we thank all members who have played a role in the devolpment of the band,people who have now sadly moved on will always be remembered with pride & affection.We have achieved & done a great deal in our first 2 years as a marching band & we have high hopes & expectations for the coming years ahead. This year (2006) we aim to have a new uniform & new flutes in place & will be releasing a cd recording of the band to help finance this. The question is often asked is it all worth it & the answer each & everytime will remain the same "Of course it is" We see ourselves firmly as helping to maintain & keep alive something we as a people hold dear, It would be too easy to stand & watch the 12th processions etc from the sidelines cheering on the bands as they march by then not giving them a thought for months on end.By giving up a considerable part of our spare time, we like many thousands throughout the united kingdom are "A LIVING TRADITION"