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Made to ParadeAuthor: Glenn Millar
The Made to Parade podcast is an accompaniment to the book of the same name. Just like the book, the podcast promotes positive stories about the marching band scene in Northern Ireland and the rest of Great Britain. It provides a positive narrative and an inside look at what being a member of a marching band is all about and what it means personally to members. Language: en-us Genres: Arts, Performing Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Loyalist Bands Causing a Cultural Shift in Belfast: Episode 109
Episode 109
Sunday, 5 April, 2026
So it’s culture now?For years, loyalist marching bands have faced the same criticism — “what culture?” or “that’s not culture.”But this year in Belfast, something shifted.A Protestant marching band took part in the city’s St Patrick’s Day parade, a moment that, for some, signalled progress, and for others, raised serious questions.Now, that conversation has moved even further, with the Belfast Bands Forum involvement in one of the biggest festivals of traditional music coming to Belfast for the next 2 years.So where does that leave us?In this episode, we’re joined by: Representatives from the band who took part in the St Patrick’s Day parade, Members of the Belfast Bands Forum, and a sitting City Councillor.This isn’t a conversation about theory, it’s about real decisions, real leadership, and a changing cultural landscape in Belfast.We explore:Why bands were included in St Patrick’s DayThe thinking behind potential involvement in the Fleadh.Why this is seen as progress by some and controversial by othersAnd the bigger question: who gets to define culture in Northern Ireland?Because if this isn’t culture… what is?Join the conversationThis is a topic that challenges long-held views, so we want to hear from you.Do you see this as progress?Should bands be part of events like the Fleadh?What does shared culture in Belfast look like to you?Drop your thoughts in the comments.Subscribe for more conversations on band culture, identity, and communityFollow Made to Parade for podcasts, documentaries, and discussion from within the scene.
