|
 We
hear much about bands and the alleged trouble caused by a small minority
of them, in fact we have to accept that some people would prefer it if
bands finished for good and no longer walked in this country.
However do these same people ever stop to think just
how much bands contribute to the Northern Ireland economy?
There is a strong business case for supporting bands in
Northern Ireland that is continually overlooked, even by our own
community. Many nationalists will argue that band parades disrupt business
trade in evenings (when they don't want a parade in the area), however the
very obvious counter to this argument is that by bringing strangers to the
area you have an amazing potential to gain more customers. Chip shops,
confectioners and pubs always do good trade during band parades, as do the
various burger stalls, ice cream vans etc... which accompany most band
parades.
But this is only the tip of the iceberg when examining
out movements contributions to the Northern Ireland economy.
Most bands use buses to travel to our parades so we are
all supporting the public and private bus companies in this country.
Ulsterbus is one of the few public company's to make a profit in this
country - ever wondered how much bands give them over a one year period?
If you estimate 25 parades per season at £100 per parade that's £2500
times the number of bands, say 200 that's £50,000 pumped into the economy,
and that's just a rough estimate! Many bands do more parades and longer
and more expensive journeys mean a lot more money for these companies.
Next, lets examine the costs of branding for bands.
Most try to have a unique style and image and this involves band uniforms
usually being changed and updated every couple of years, t-shirts,
fleeces, ties, badges not only for band members but also for supporters,
in fact, almost anything which can have a band logo on it has been
marketed. This branding is costly. We are directly financing many small
company's who rely on such business for survival.
No band could perform without instruments, be it
flutes, drums, accordions, bagpipes lam begs bass drums etc. all cost
money and all are sold by someone in Northern Ireland. Then you also have
the maintenance and accessories of your instruments, which are all
necessary if a band is to perform to its best. Every year money is pumped
into this sector of business, which is so uniquely strong in this country.
Other areas were bands add to our economy are by hiring
halls, organising fundraising events, bouncy castle hire, insurance
payments, hall rates printing costs, DJ hire, CD Recordings etc. the list
is almost endless, all within Northern Ireland.
So the next time you see a band marching the Streets of
Northern Ireland, just remember the amount of money, which is spent,
directly or indirectly on keeping them on the road and the number of
people who's jobs rely them for survival. |
