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There can be no
doubt that outward expression of our culture is a major motivation behind
the formation of most bands over the years whether through the Orange
Order or local communities.
The main activity
for today's Marching Bands is the participation at 'band parades'. Only a
small minority of the parades in any one marching season are organised by
the Loyal Orders, the vast majority are organised by the bands themselves.
These are
essentially an outward expression of our culture and provide a certain
pride and security. They are particularly important to the confidence and
self-esteem of the community and are the main way for a band to thank
their community for their continuing support and financial aid.
Unlike other
countries throughout the world, our community parades are basically a
cultural celebration rather than a protest. This in itself is a positive
factor. Our parades are very much akin to festivals and carnivals. A
parade alone is a spectacular event with the range of colourful uniforms
and musical diversity but recent developments by introducing attractions
like bouncy castles, fancy dress etc has added a more carnival dimension
to the events.
Band parades can
range in size from the small to the large that have attracted over 10,000
people and in excess of 60 bands. In a report published in 1996 (Parades
and Protests; Jarman and Bryan) it was recognised that band parades were
secondary only to the Twelfth celebrations in terms of size. We feel that
this is an understatement because in some areas a major band parade can be
larger in terms of the number of bands attending and general public
spectating. The fact is that 75% of all parades are organised by the
Protestant/Unionist/Loyalist community and are essential to that
communities cultural esteem therefore any attempt to oppress or suppress
them is seen as an attack on our right of existence.
Band parades are
also important to the financial situation of the band. It is not cheap to
fully kit out a band or sustain its existence, so fundraising is vital. A
parade is the most popular method of fundraising for most bands and can
determine the future of the band.
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