The Covenant Centenary celebration was a wonderful day for many people within the British Irish community in Northern Ireland. The Orange Order, bands and spectators should be proud of the part they played in a peaceful and spectacular event, which showcased their culture in a way which was, for the most part, respectful of others.
Unfortunately a very few incidents, involving supporters, bandsmen or bands, caused concern or offence to some communities along the route of the parade. It was good to see the Orange Order show leadership, by reacting quickly to these misdemeanours, condemning the perpetrators and visiting those who were affected by obnoxious or anti-social behaviour.
The Order’s promise to review the conduct of bands is sensible and welcome. Perhaps a review process should become a regular part of parading culture, aimed at identifying and eliminating problems before they become contentious and damage relationships within our communities.
The explosion in participation in marching bands is a phenomenon unique to Northern Irish youth culture. At its best it can have a constructive influence on young people’s lives.
Bands provide direction for many bandsmen and women, which is often lacking in wider modern society. They can encourage a sense of pride, community and discipline, as well as developing impressive musical skills.
Unfortunately, at the edge of the band scene, there are also issues with alcohol, aggression, paramilitary trappings and sectarian attitudes to those who do not share a loyalist or Protestant background. We want to see young people embracing the future in a positive way, which is also the priority of many within loyalist communities.
NI Conservatives would like to see the establishment of a group of ‘critical friends’, in conjunction with the Orange Order and the marching band community, which could provide feedback on the behaviour of marchers and spectators and make suggestions on how to eliminate some of the problems which can accompany parades.
This would be a great way to promote the positive impact of band culture in many working class communities, highlight the benefits it can have for wider society and reach out to parts of the community in Northern Ireland who perceive parades as disrespectful or threatening. It can also reassure members of the Orange Order who feel that, at times, the behaviour of bands brings their organisation into disrepute.
By some calculations, Northern Ireland’s marching bands are the largest musical youth movement in the British Isles. They form an important part of many young people’s lives and cannot simply be ignored or reviled.
Bands will be with us for a long time and they can make a useful contribution to our society. Let’s encourage that constructive role and deal with the aspects which can damage community relations, to build better, respectful relationships in Northern Ireland and to improve the future for our young people.