Dunloy band prepare for their Ulster Scots Festival 2011 in Ballymoney

The concert will take place at Castlecroft and will start at 1pm. Compered this year by Fermanagh man, Gary Wilson the band are really concentrating on the music side of our culture. To that end they have brought together musicians from the traditions of folk, flute and accordion band music and this year for a first, the concert will also feature brass band music.

Performers:

Newtownards Melody Flute Band - This band take part in the parade each year but now you have an opportunity to hear them in concert. As one of Northern Irelands top melody bands they will perform everything from marches to traditional music. The band has an enviable reputation & you can be sure that they will represent our melody bands to the highest standard.

Skullduggery - A local folk group, Skullduggery have appeared before at the festival & have proved so popular that we have invited them again this year. With a range of repertoire from folk through to traditional music they guarantee a highly entertaining set.

Dunloy Accordion Band Concert Group - It is a few years since the Concert Group took part in the festival. Having recently launched the bands new CD the band’s concert group will play pieces from it. The group have been doing concerts to promote the CD &, after the marching season, have bookings all over Northern Ireland to continue with this.

Newtown Folk - This is a relatively new folk group made up of members from the Newtownards Melody Band. Members are drawn from Ards & the North Down area & they take the folk/traditional side of our culture & explore it from a flute band perspective. We can expect a lively, toe tapping performance from this group.

Commons Silver Band - This band led the parade last year & we are looking forward to now have the chance to hear them in concert. They cover the whole spectrum of brass band music, from rousing marches, to sacred & classical pieces.

Entertainment in the evening will begin at 7pm with performances at High Street & at Castlecroft.

Castlecroft - Balliesmills Accordion Band will once again entertain with their selection of sacred & secular pieces. This band are always popular in Ballymoney & attract a big crowd .

High Street - Dungannon Silver take part in many prestigious parades & this year will perform at High St before the parade begins. Being one of our top marching silver bands we can expect many quality brass band marches.

Cookstown Sons of William FB - Yet another top melody flute band. Cookstown are renound for their marching & the standard of music they deliver. This will be a treat for any fan of our melody bands.

The main parade will start at 8pm sharp from the Showgrounds led by Dungannon Silver Band.

As you can see there is something in this years’ festival to suit all musical tastes. Come along during the day, have a seat & relax, & be entertained. There will be face painters, balloons etc for children and at all events & there is no admission charge. The annual parade will showcase the cream of Northern Irelands marching bands & along with the crowds it all adds up to a unique atmosphere on the streets of Ballymoney.

Dunloy Accordion Band would like to thank the sponsors for the Festival - The Ulster Scots Agency and Ballymoney Borough Council.

Their new CD ‘The Sound of Dunloy Accordion Band’ will be on sale throughout the festival or can be purchased from Gaults Church St Ballymoney or Arbuckle & Calderwood Queen St Ballymena. To purchase a CD at any time just speak to any band member. If you want a CD posted to you ring William on 07786063756.