Ballynahinch Protestant Boys hold annual parade

Ballynahinch Protestant Boys hold annual parade

6 July 2022

BALLYNAHINCH Protestant Boys held their annual parade and competition on June 24, with the host band parading the town, prior to the start of the main parade, to lay a wreath to the fallen of the First World War at the War Memorial at the top of Main Street.

The town centre was lined with spectators for the main parade, despite the weather taking a turn for the worse as the parade began. 

A total of 30 visiting bands paraded the route around the town from the Lisburn Street car park, finishing at Ballynahinch Orange Hall.

Accordion Bands were represented by Clough Orange & Blue, Spa, Aughlisnafin and the William Johnstone Memorial, with the latter taking first prize in this category.

Bands which took part in the melody section included, Skeogh, Portrush Sons of Ulster and Mourne Young Defenders, with the latter winning this section, with praise for both Skeogh and Mourne.

The Blood and Thunder section was as competitive as always, with some of the leading bands from across Northern Ireland on display including East Belfast, Pride of Lagan Valley, Clougher Protestant Boys and Robert Graham Memorial. 

East Belfast took the honours in the small Blood and Thunder category, with Robert Graham Memorial taking first prize in the large section. The best overall prize went to East Belfast Protestant Boys from Skeogh, with Clougher PB in third place.

Officers and Members of Ballynahinch Protestant Boys would like to thank all 30 bands for their support and those who came out to watch the parade, contributing so generously to the street collection. 

The band’s officers and members would also like to thank the PSNI for traffic control duty during the parade.