“The calendar which is within the Drumbeat Section of the Newsletter will be published on the 19th of April.

“AS the main band season approaches, outfits across Northern Ireland are practising hard, tweaking and fixing uniforms, and in general preparing themselves for the busy six months ahead.

“THE evening of St Patrick’s Day has now become accepted as the start of the Northern Ireland band season, with the first two band processions of the year taking place on the date.

“AN excellent turnout of 20 bands was on show last Wednesday evening in Antrim town in an event organised by the Antrim Bands Forum to show support for the troops involved in ongoing campaigns.