For the first time in their history, the National Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will hold their annual Celebration Parade for the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption in Newcastle, Co. Down, on Sunday, August 17.
The Glasdrumman Div 473 are the host band who have organised the parade in association with the national board.
Visitors from across Ireland and beyond will enjoy the sight and sound of dozens of top-class bands parading through the scenic seaside town, before music sessions and refreshments at Bryansford GAA.
In total, twenty three bands are expected to take part in this historic event — making it not only one of the largest AOH parades in recent memory, but also one of the biggest marching band parades anywhere in Ireland this year.
The parade will be led by AOH National Board President Liam McCarthy from Cork. “Bringing the event to Newcastle for the first time is a proud moment for the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and a testament to the town’s rich cultural spirit,” he said. “With bands travelling from all over Ireland to take part, this promises to be a vibrant celebration of music, tradition, and community. We’re delighted to showcase the depth of talent our country has to offer and to share this special occasion with the people of Newcastle and further afield.”
Set to start at 3:00pm from Donard Park, the route will take in Bryansford Road, Central Promenade, Main Street, Railway Street, Dundrum Road and Castlewellan Road, before finishing at St Patrick’s Park GAA grounds around 4:30pm. The town is expected to be lined with spectators, with local GAA children also joining the parade.
Bands taking part include:
- St. Josephs AOH Pipe Band Glasdrumman
- Sarsfields Accordion Band
- St. Patrick’s Accordion Band Fallaghloon
- St. Patrick’s Accordion Band Randalstown
- St. Patrick’s Accordion Band Corran
- St. Patrick’s Flute Band Loup
- St. Colmcilles Accordion Band
- Sons Of Ireland Flute Band
- Cloney Flute Band
- Brantry Pipe Band
- Kinturk Accordion Band
- Pride of Erin Accordion Band Rasharkin
- St. Josephs Pipe Band Longstone
- Ballymartin Flute Band
- Holy Cross Accordion Band Atticall
- Banna Fliuit Naoimh Phadraig
- Glen Accordion Band
- Ballinderry Flute Band
- St. Trea’s Accordion Band
- Carlingford Pipe Band
- St. Nauls Pipe Band
- South Derry Accordion Band
Everyone is invited to join what promises to be a colourful and memorable day of music, heritage, and community spirit in the heart of Newcastle.