Ballymena gears up for Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster annual parade this evening

Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster Flute Band on parade

Ballymena is preparing to welcome an estimated 50 bands this evening as the Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster Flute Band (BLSOU) hosts its highly anticipated Annual Parade and Competition.

The popular event is expected to draw significant crowds from across from near and far, offering a colourful and musical spectacle through the heart of the town.

The host band, BLSOU, will commence the evening with a solo parade at 7:00pm, before the full procession sets off an hour later at 8:00pm from the car park near the recycling centre, off Waveney Road.

The full parade will follow a circular route through the town, ending back at its starting point.

Full Parade Route

The procession will march through the following streets:

Waveney Road, Galgorm Road, Pentagon, Lower Mill Street, Wellington Street, Ballymoney Street, William Street, Broughshane Street, Broadway, Church Street, Bridge Street, Harryville Bridge, Salisbury Square, Henry Street, Larne Street, Douglas Terrace, Paradise Avenue, Queen Street, Salisbury Square, Harryville Bridge, and Waveney Road.

A Showcase of Musical Talent

With favourable weather forecasted, organisers are encouraging residents to line the streets in support.

“The weather is looking like it will continue to be good so let’s see the locals out in numbers and give the travelling bands a big Ballymena welcome. It again looks like the spectators will be in for a treat with some of the finest bands taking to our streets,” said a spokesperson for BLSOU.

Following the solo march, the main parade will be led by three prominent local bands celebrating significant anniversaries this year:

• Pride of the Maine – 50th Anniversary

• Ahoghill Loyal Sons of William Flute Band – 40th Anniversary

• North Ballymena Protestant Boys – 10th Anniversary

“As our way to congratulate three local bands who are celebrating anniversaries this year, we have asked Pride of the Maine (50th), Ahoghill Loyal Sons of William Flute Band (40th) and North Ballymena Protestant Boys (10th) to lead things off for us with the rest of the parade to follow in behind,” organisers confirmed.

Evening Festivities to Continue at Local Club

After the final band completes the route, the evening will conclude with a results ceremony and afterparty at the North Ballymena Rangers Club, located at the start and end point of the parade on Waveney Road.

“We will be walking the route at approx 7pm before the main parade takes off from the car park at the recycling centre just off the Waveney Road at 8pm. The parade will start and finish here with the results and after party in the North Ballymena Rangers Club which is at the start/finish point also,” the statement read.

With its combination of local heritage, musical tradition and community spirit, the BLSOU Annual Parade continues to be a highlight of the cultural calendar in Ballymena.