Friday 24th March - Castlederg Young Loyalists - Bentley Niteclub, Knockloughrim
The much supported Castlederg Young Loyalists were holding an indoor concert in the Bentley Niteclub, Knockloughrim - in which
the band gladly supported. We were one of 4 guest bands playing. The other guest bands were Sinclair Pipe, Newtownstewart,
Randalstown Sons of Ulster and Maghera Sons of William. A lot of our own members were excited about making
the journey north to the Bentley Niteclub.
We had arrived shortly after 9.30pm, with a light crowd already prepared for the night ahead. It wasn't until around 10.30pm
where the first band took to the floor - Sinclair Pipe Band. It is a rare sight seeing a pipe band playing among flute bands
in an indoor concert. The band played several foot-tapping hits including Scotland The Brave which got most people humming and cheering.
Their energetic bass drummer seemed to be enjoying himself on the night.
The next band onto the floor was Randalstown Sons of Ulster, who played with a modest 4 drums and 8 flutes. The band had played
several loyalists tunes which had gained vocal support from the crowd.
Maghera Sons of William followed suit and marched onto the floor in style, with 4 drums and 10 flutes. This band produced
a good performance, especially with their 2 talented bass drummers. They had also marked time whilst playing, which looked
very stylish.
After a long wait, it was time for ourselves to perform to the crowd. We had played with 5 drums and 14 flutes, which is
satisfactory for an indoor concert. Our first tune on the night was Young Soldier which was above average. We had
played for around 20 minutes, where we were applauded off the floor.
The last and final band of the night was the host band, Castlederg Young Loyalists. They had marched onto the floor with a full colour party and wearing
full uniform, which must have been 'hot under the collar'. They played a selection of hits in their own unique style, which
got everyone tapping and clapping. Several of their tunes started with a flute solo, accompanied by a single drum beat -
with the rest of the band joining in mid-way. This was well devised and their hard work had paid off.