Pride of the Bann Flute Band Annual Parade, Coleraine 2026

The Pride of the Bann Flute Band held their Annual Parade in Coleraine. I was in two minds about attending this parade, given the distance from home and the huge number of bands expected, around sixty in total. After a week of record‑breaking temperatures, heavy rain was forecast, but the heatwave held on a little longer. By the time the parade got underway, the sun was shining, and it was around 20 °C, perfect weather to film and enjoy the music. We arrived at 7.30pm after taking a trip to Portstewart Strand so Luna could burn off some energy. As we turned the corner at the train station, the place was already buzzing. Band members were everywhere, more arriving by the minute, and the noise from the big Lambeg drums was pounding through the streets. The crowds around the station made filming tricky, but a few streets away, there was more space, and that’s where I even met a Canadian visitor who told me he watches our videos back home in Canada. Even as the parade was ending, there was still plenty of excitement. The level‑crossing barrier tried to come down for an incoming train, but people standing in the way stopped it. A few officials rushed in, and eventually the train was able to pull into the station. Moments later, blue lights and sirens came tearing across the railway line: a police car, then several officers in black riot gear, then another police car, all heading towards a chip shop that quickly pulled its shutters down. We didn’t get too close and decided to head to a nearby park, for Luna to free range for a while, before the long drive home. As we made our way back to the car, there were bottles and litter on the ground, drunks singing at the station doors surrounded by police, and even some sick on the pavement. Exciting, or what. This video was recorded on the 29th May 2026 #PrideOfTheBann #ColeraineParade #FluteBand #AnnualParade #NorthernIrelandParades #UlsterBands #BandParade2026 #ParadeSeason #Austell #Coleraine#CausewayCoast #LambegDrum