Pride of the Maine Flute Band to mark 50th Anniversary with spectacular Ballymena parade

Pride of the Maine Flute Band

Ballymena is set to come alive with music and colour on Saturday, 7th June 2025, as the Pride of the Maine Flute Band celebrates its 50th anniversary with a spectacular parade through the town centre.

This golden milestone for one of Northern Ireland’s most cherished marching bands will see approximately 60 bands from across the region join the procession, with thousands of spectators expected to line the streets for what promises to be a vibrant celebration of music, community, and heritage.

A humble beginning in Galgorm

Through the years: Pride of the Maine

The story of Pride of the Maine began in 1975 in the Galgorm area of Ballymena, where a group of enthusiastic local youths, guided by founder Jimmy McCarroll, set out to form a flute band.

Financial hurdles loomed large, but the community’s resourcefulness shone through.

In July 1975, door-to-door collections on the 18th and 26th raised vital funds, while a creative fundraising initiative—a jar of sweets purchased for 90p—captured imaginations.

“A jar of sweets was purchased at the huge outlay of ninety pence. This was taken door to door and funds were raised by people paying to guess the number of sweets in the jar, the results of these efforts was a grand total of forty three pounds and ninety two pence,” the band recalls.

This ingenuity laid the foundation for their instrument and uniform fund.

By September 1975, the band had raised enough to purchase their first instruments: four side drums, a bass drum, and 30 flutes, costing £335.15. Their initial uniform—black trousers worn just below the knee, white shirts, red ties, blue jumpers, and Dr. Martens boots—reflected the era’s style.

In April 1976, 36 Balmoral hats were added, and by June, the band held its dedication parade, marking the birth of what would become a cultural institution.

“Little did these founder members realise that they had just started what would become one of the best known bands in N.Ireland and Scotland, ‘Pride of the Maine Flute Band’,” the band reflects.

A distinctive identity takes shape

In 1977, Pride of the Maine embraced a bold transformation, adopting a bespoke uniform that set them apart.

“The basic black trousers and blue jumpers were discarded to take on a more individual look. Blue trousers were made to order in colour shade picked by the members themselves. Sky blue shirts and ties were acquired to match the trousers,” the band notes.

The following year, a custom crest was added to the shirts, cementing an iconic style that remains a hallmark of their identity. This distinctive sky-blue ensemble has become synonymous with the band, earning admiration at parades across Northern Ireland and Scotland.

A storied legacy of parades and achievements

Over the past five decades, Pride of the Maine has performed at thousands of parades, becoming a fixture at Northern Ireland’s most significant cultural events.

From Derry Day and Black Saturday to the Scarva Sham Fight, the Mini Twelfth, and the Twelfth of July celebrations, the band has brought their rousing melodies to countless spectators. They have also marked historic milestones, including the Tercentenary of the Orange Order in 1995 and Northern Ireland’s Centenary Celebrations in 2021.

A standout moment came in 2011 when the band marched through central London, passing the Houses of Parliament and proceeding to the Mall. There, they laid a wreath at the Cenotaph, honouring those who fell in two World Wars and other conflicts.

“A great experience and honour for the Band,” they recall, a memory that underscores their role in representing Northern Ireland’s cultural traditions on a national stage.

Closer to home, Pride of the Maine has forged deep ties with local institutions. For over 40 years, they have led parades for Galgorm and Galgorm Parks Telford Memorial 1109 Black Preceptory, particularly the Last Saturday in August Parade.

Their long association with Beersbridge Road Bible and Crown LOL 891 in Belfast’s “Battle of the Boyne” celebrations yielded a major accolade in 1989, when they were named “Best Overall Band” on parade.

In recent years, the band has marched alongside Slaght and Ballylurgan Orange Lodges in Ballymena, reinforcing their deep roots in the local community.

Honouring the past, celebrating the present

The band’s 50-year journey has been one of joy, but also of reflection.

“Longevity however also brings its sad times as over the years it has suffered the passing of members and friends of the band,” they note. To honour those no longer with them, “A dedicated memorial flag to those no longer with them is carried in front of the Band at every parade in their honour.”

Through the years: Pride of the Maine

This poignant tribute underscores the band’s commitment to its community and its history.

The 50th anniversary parade will be a fitting celebration of this legacy. Pride of the Maine will don replicas of their original 1975 uniforms, joined by a large contingent of former members, adding a nostalgic touch to the event.

The band has invited local and regional bands to participate, creating a procession that showcases the vibrancy of Northern Ireland’s marching band tradition.

Parade route and schedule

The festivities will begin at 6:30pm on Saturday, 7th June 2025, when Pride of the Maine sets off from Galgorm Road. Their route will take them through George Street, Linenhall Street, Bridge Street, and Castle Street, offering spectators a chance to see the band in their historic uniforms.

The main parade, led by Mourne Young Defenders, will commence at 8:00pm from Castle Street, following an extensive route through Ballymena’s heart:

Bridge Street, Harryville Bridge, Henry Street, Larne Street, Douglas Terrace/Paradise Avenue, Queen Street/Sloan’s Court, back over Harryville Bridge, Bridge Street/North Road, Pentagon/Lower Mill Street, Wellington Street, Ballymoney Street/William Street, Broughshane Street/Church Street, and returning to Castle Street.

Pride of the Maine will conclude their march via Mill Street to Pat’s Brae, ensuring a grand finale.

With around 60 bands participating, the parade will feature a rich tapestry of flutes, drums, and banners, creating a “wonderful spectacle for all who attend,” as the band promises.

Thousands are expected to line the route, from families to visitors, all drawn by the music and pageantry that define Ballymena’s cultural calendar.

A cultural cornerstone of Ballymena

Pride of the Maine’s enduring appeal lies not only in their music but in their role as a community touchstone.

For 50 years, they have brought people together, fostering pride and connection through their performances. The band’s story—from a group of determined youths raising funds with a jar of sweets to a celebrated institution—reflects the resilience and spirit of Ballymena. Their participation in local and international events has also elevated the town’s profile, showcasing Northern Ireland’s rich marching band tradition.

As Ballymena prepares for this historic event, the 50th anniversary parade will be a moment to celebrate not just Pride of the Maine, but the shared heritage and community spirit they embody. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, the streets of Ballymena will offer an unforgettable experience this weekend, on Saturday 7th June.