Ahoghill Sons of William ready for big Saturday of family fun and 45-band parade
Ahoghill is gearing up for a packed Saturday of family entertainment, music and marching bands, with a Family Community Fun Day from noon before around 45 bands are expected to take part in the village’s annual parade.
The Family Community Fun Day at Bar Indigo will run from 2pm until 6pm tomorrow, Saturday 12 September, before Ahoghill Loyal Sons of William FB Annual Band Parade gets underway from the Community Centre at 7.30pm.
Organisers say bands, friends, families and supporters are expected to travel from near and far for the event, including friends making the journey from Airdrie and Greengairs in Scotland.
Family fun from noon
Bar Indigo, described as a family-orientated bar in the centre of Ahoghill, will host an afternoon of entertainment ahead of the parade.
The Family Community Fun Day will include:
• A full range of bouncy castles
• Face painting and glitter tattoos
• Burger, hotdog and chip stall
• Morning Buzz coffee cart from Portadown
• Toy stand with a range of children’s items
• Music throughout the bar
• Two pool tables available to play
• Dart boards available to play
The afternoon event runs from 12 noon until 6pm, giving families plenty to do in the village before attention turns to the main parade.
Members of Ahoghill Loyal Sons of William will also be out on the streets from 12 noon collecting ahead of the evening event.
Three anniversary bands to lead parade
This year’s parade will have an extra element of celebration, with three local bands marking major anniversaries given the honour of leading the procession.
Milltown Accordion Band is celebrating 65 years, while Kells Sons of William and Giants Causeway Protestant Boys are both marking their 50th anniversaries.
Ahoghill Loyal Sons of William described the milestones as a “fantastic achievement for any band”, adding that it was only right to show appreciation and celebrate the occasions with them.
The three anniversary bands will lead the parade when it gets underway at 7.30pm.
According to information published by the Parades Commission, organisers are expecting around 45 bands to take part on Saturday.
Ahoghill Loyal Sons of William says several newcomers will be joining the parade this year, with further bands also expected to confirm their attendance in the final days before the event.
A spokesperson for Ahoghill Loyal Sons of William said:
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming top bands from all over the country!
“We’ve worked extremely hard throughout the year to put on a brilliant spectacle for the locals of the village, and we can’t wait to see everyone out supporting it.
“For any bands travelling by bus, a section of the car park will be shut off specifically for band buses. A marshal will be on hand to direct you into the designated car park and will then direct you towards the start of the parade.
“All bands are more than welcome, and we look forward to welcoming you all to Ahoghill for what promises to be a brilliant night!”
Full parade route
The parade will start from Ahoghill Community Centre before travelling through the village and returning to the Community Centre.
The route is:
Ahoghill Community Centre – Cullybackey Road – Cullybackey Road Link – Main Street – Diamond – Portglenone Road – Glebe Road – Church Street – Diamond – Cullybackey Road Link – Cullybackey Road – Ahoghill Community Centre.
At 5pm, ahead of the main parade, Ahoghill Loyal Sons of William members will walk a lap of the village from Bar Indigo to the parade starting point.
The band’s facilities will then open and remain available through to the end of the parade, when awards will be presented to the winners of the relevant categories.
Bus parking arrangements
Visiting bands travelling by bus are being advised that dedicated bus parking will be available in the main car park in Ahoghill.
Part of the car park will be closed off specifically for band buses, with the parade starting point only a short distance away.
Bands arriving by bus should make themselves known to one of the marshals, who will direct them to the designated parking area and then towards the parade starting point.
Marshals will also be on hand throughout the event to assist those attending.
Once the parade and awards have concluded, celebrations will return to Bar Indigo for an after-party to finish the night.
With family entertainment beginning at noon, three anniversary bands being given pride of place and around 45 bands expected for the evening parade, organisers are hoping for another memorable Saturday in Ahoghill and a strong turnout from the local community.
As the band puts it, the aim is to get the “wee village absolutely rocking” and show first-time visitors what Ahoghill is all about.
