Flute bands hail Ulster Museum event as opportunity to ‘break down barriers’

A new collaboration between marching bands and the Ulster Museum has been hailed as a “significant opportunity to break down barriers”.

Three marching bands performed at the south Belfast attraction for the first time, while a new display about marching band culture has also been installed.

The Ballycoan Flute Band from Co Down, the Sons of Ulster Flute Band from Belfast, and the Boys Model School Flute Band performed at an event developed through creative collaboration between National Museums NI and the Belfast Bands Forum.

It comes after National Museums NI followed the Forum over the past 12 months, documenting its activities and conducting interviews with members to create a film about the music, tradition and the community behind the bands. Entitled Behind the Beat, it is available to watch on YouTube.

An estimated 20,000 people are involved with 600 marching bands across Northern Ireland. Many accompany Orange Order lodges in the annual July 12 parades, as well as other events across the year.

William Blair, director of collections at National Museums NI, said the collaboration aims to promote greater understanding of the role bands play.

“Stereotypes formed during or as a result of conflict inevitably continue beyond the formal peace agreement itself,” he said.

“They are grounded within deeply entrenched social and political division, transgenerational trauma, and negative preconceptions. Identity in Northern Ireland is complex and evolving, but this is a society where traditions still matter.

“Ulster Museum is a place that belongs to everyone and embraces identity in all its diversity.

“We are pleased to partner with the Belfast Bands Forum and grateful for the trust they have placed in us.

“This creative collaboration aims to promote greater understanding of the role bands play in preserving musical heritage, facilitating cultural expression, and providing people with a greater sense of belonging and identity.”

As part of the partnership, a new display has also been installed in the Troubles and Beyond Gallery at the Ulster Museum.

It showcases loans and donations from bands across Northern Ireland including South Belfast Young Conquerors Flute Band badges, jacket, band shirt and belt; Andante MB snare drumsticks; a Rea flute; a Sons of Ulster hat and a mini bass drum.

Darren Leighton, chairman of the Belfast Bands Forum, said that support from National Museums NI marked a “significant opportunity to break down barriers”.

“The positive work that occurs as a result of the bands is very often undervalued as preconceived ideas overshadow the more diverse reality,” he said.

“The Belfast Bands Forum is building a new narrative by showcasing the very best of our culture and highlighting the incredible musical heritage and talent that exists in Northern Ireland. By doing so, we can encourage enhanced understanding and bring about greater community cohesion.”

He added: “This partnership with National Museums NI has provided an additional platform for us to tell our story and connect with people in new ways.

“Everyone has the right to cultural expression, and in Northern Ireland this is especially true.

“We want everyone to have the opportunity to understand and engage with our traditions.”

The band performances were followed by a panel discussion involved author, community worker and band member Glenn Millar, DUP councillor Sarah Bunting, Orange Order Grand Secretary Rev Mervyn Gibson, Commissioner for the Ulster Scots and Ulster British tradition Lee Reynolds, as well as Mr Blair and Mr Leighton.

Mr Blair added: “In a place where identity is deeply personal yet politically significant, museums are places that can connect the past with the present, offering perspectives on contemporary issues and challenges.

“Our shared spaces and our diverse collections provide stimulus for reflection and dialogue – all of which is crucial in building a shared future based on respect and greater mutual understanding.

“As we host this event in partnership with the Belfast Bands Form, elsewhere in the museum we are simultaneously hosting Spórtlann na hÉireann’s GaelStair project, and an exhibition How Do You Create a Community?

“The Inspiring Story of Belfast’s First Urban Gaeltacht is currently on show. The exhibition traces the journey of a group of pioneering young couples in 1960s Belfast who took the decision to establish an Irish-speaking community at Shaws Road.

“Across the breadth and depth of our exhibitions and programmes at the Ulster Museum, we are committed to demonstrating our core principle that museums are for everyone and everyone is welcome.”