Kellswater Flute Band honoured to perform at landmark Somme and Ypres commemorations

Kellswater Flute Band at the Ulster Memorial Tower, Thiepval, France

Kellswater Flute Band has returned from what members described as one of the most significant engagements in the band’s history after taking part in the 110th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of the Somme in France and Belgium.

The band participated in a series of remembrance events marking the anniversary of the opening day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, performing at some of the most important First World War memorial sites, including the Thiepval Memorial, the Menin Gate in Ypres and the Ulster Tower.

Their participation saw them join hundreds of visitors, veterans, dignitaries and members of the Orange Institution in paying tribute to those who lost their lives during one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War.

Retracing the footsteps of the 36th (Ulster) Division

Kellswater Flute Band performing in the historic town centre of Ypres, Belgium

The commemorations began with a parade from the Thiepval Memorial, the largest Commonwealth war memorial in the world.

Accompanied by Orange Lodge of Ireland Grand Master Harold Henning, members of Thiepval Memorial LOL 1916, Kellswater LOL 453 and Ferniskey Rising Sons JLOL Lodge 265, the procession travelled through the Somme countryside to the Ulster Tower.

The route symbolically retraced the path taken by soldiers of the 36th (Ulster) Division as they advanced across the battlefield 110 years ago.

On arrival at the Ulster Memorial Tower, a Service of Remembrance was held at the Orange Memorial within the grounds, where wreaths were laid in memory of Orange Brethren from the 36th (Ulster) Division who lost their lives during the conflict.

Performing during the Last Post Ceremony in Ypres

Soloist, Peter Lamont, leads Kellswater Flute Band in ‘I Vow to Thee’ at Menin Gate

The band’s programme then took them across the border into Belgium, where they performed at the Menin Gate in Ypres as part of the internationally renowned Last Post Ceremony.

The Menin Gate is regarded as one of the world’s most significant First World War memorials, with the nightly ceremony honouring those who died in the Ypres Salient.

Kellswater Flute Band paraded to the memorial alongside Orange Brethren, Sisters and Juniors before providing the musical accompaniment during the wreath-laying ceremony, attended by visitors from around the world.

Gregory Lutton laying a wreath at the Menin Gate on behalf of Kellswater Flute Band as the band play ‘Abide With Me’

Following the ceremony, the band and accompanying Orange representatives paraded back through the historic city centre to the square in front of the Cloth Hall.

Part of official Ulster Memorial Tower ceremony

Kellswater Flute Band at Thiepval Memorial

The commemorations concluded at the Ulster Tower, Northern Ireland’s National Memorial on the Somme, where the band joined hundreds of visitors, veterans’ groups and dignitaries, including The Princess Royal and The Duke of Gloucester.

As part of the official July 1 remembrance ceremony organised by the Somme Association, Kellswater Flute Band performed alongside the Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment.

Music accompanied the main remembrance service and wreath-laying ceremony, honouring the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division who fought and died during the opening day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

Band members described the experience as deeply moving, reflecting on the significance of performing on the very ground where so many men from Ulster made the ultimate sacrifice.

‘A true privilege’

Kellswater Flute Band at The Square, in the town centre of Ypres, Belgium.

Bandmaster David McDonald said the visit would remain one of the defining moments in the band’s history.

“I am incredibly proud and humbled to take part in the ceremonies at the Thiepval Memorial, the Menin Gate and the Ulster Tower.

“It was a true privilege to stand in places of such significance, remembering the brave men from home who gave their lives for our freedom.”

Kellswater Flute Band leaving the Thiepval Memorial

The band’s participation formed part of wider commemorations marking 110 years since the Battle of the Somme, ensuring the sacrifice of those who served continues to be remembered by new generations at the places where history was made.