Ulster Bands Association


UBA - Who and what they are:

The Ulster Bands Association is a voluntary organisation consisting of marching bands, both flute and accordian, from throughout the entire province of Northern Ireland.
It was formed in March 1998 when a number of representatives from bands from throughout Ulster came together for a meeting on the future of marching bands.

All those present realised that for too long bands have remained autonomous and that a representative organisation was required to withstand the growing threat to that culture.

It was also agreed that the growing lack of public and political support for parades, along with internal disagreements needed to be addressed.

The Association is totally controlled, organised and run by the representatives from member - bands of the Association. It does not have direct links to any of the Loyal Orders or any political party or movement. Nor does it subscribe to any political party or policy.


UBA - What they are Dedicated to:

Promoting the unique cultural identity of the Loyalist Marching Bands.

Enhancing the public perception and image of the Bands.

Educating of membership and followers on aspects of our culture - heritage.

Promoting a greater sense of unity throughout the Loyalist Marching band Community.

Advise our members on issues unique to the bands themselves.

The association believes that the positive aspects of the Marching band culture should be promoted at all levels of influence throughout the community.

Features such as youth development and the Musical exellence that exists remain suppressed. It is our aim to highlight these factors.

The Central Committee, which is elected from all member bands at the Associations General Meeting in March, manages the day-to-day operations of the association.

In recent times especially, the Association has begun to gain support and respect for its objectives and acquired many ‘friends’ who were previously uneasy about Marching Bands. This has been done by networking with groups sympathetic to our cultural expression while not shying away from explainingourselves to anyone with genuine interest or concern.

The Association has been at the forefront of defending not only the interest of its member bands but the Marching Band community as a whole.

Membership of the Association is a mere £15 each year. While the voluntary group, all member bands are asked to play a full and active role and to adhere to the code of conduct and other guidlines and policies.

These include subscribing annually to our policy document and selling 30 copies of our magazine.


UBA - Code of Conduct:

All Association bands and there respective members shall not, even when provoked, engage in any action that shames or disgraces their band or the Association.

All Association bands and their respective members shall at all times promote a sense of unity and freindship towards fellow member bands.

No Association band shall have their colour party dressed in paramilitary garb (i.e combats and bomber jackets) while on parade.

On arrival for a parade no Association member of a band should leave their mode of transport carrying any alcoholic beverages.

No association member of a band shall be seen to be urinating in a public place.

All Association bands whose parades are due to start at a specific time should ensure that it is advertised as such. Likewise, if their parade is advertised to start at a specific time, Association bands should ensure that it does so.

Always treat the host with the respect that you would expect to receive yourself. If you would like to walk befor the main parade has started in order to fulfil another commitment elsewhere, ALWAYS seek permission to do so from your host. Never parade early without prior permission from the organising band. If it is not permissibles or practical to parade early then either wait for the appointed time or leave the parade and go to the subsequent parade. We suggest that if the latter applies then a suitable donation be given to the organising band.

Always complete the entire parade route. Take no ‘shortcuts’ without prior permission of the host.


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