Three marching bands have performed at the Ulster Museum in south Belfast for the first time, alongside the installation of a new display exploring marching band culture. The event was organised by National Museums NI and the Belfast Bands Forum.

The performing groups were Ballycoan Flute Band from County Down, the Sons of Ulster Flute Band from Belfast, and the Boys Model School Flute Band. The collaboration grew from a year-long project in which the museums body followed the forum, documenting activities and conducting interviews to produce a film titled Behind the Beat, now available on YouTube.

William Blair, director of collections at National Museums NI, said the initiative sought to promote greater understanding of the role bands play. He noted that stereotypes originating in conflict often persist beyond peace agreements, shaped by deep social division and trauma. He stressed that the museum welcomes all identities and is committed to displaying diversity.

Darren Leighton, chairman of the Belfast Bands Forum, said the partnership provided a significant platform to counter preconceived ideas about band culture. He argued that the positive contributions of bands are frequently overlooked and that the forum is building a new narrative to highlight musical heritage and talent, aiming to strengthen community cohesion.

The new display, housed in the museum’s Troubles and Beyond gallery, includes loans and donations from several bands: items such as badges, a jacket, band shirt, and belt from South Belfast Young Conquerors Flute Band, Andante MB snare drumsticks, a Rea flute, a Sons of Ulster hat, and a miniature bass drum.

Following the performances, a panel discussion featured author and community worker Glenn Millar, DUP councillor Sarah Bunting, the Orange Order’s Grand Secretary Rev Mervyn Gibson, Commissioner for the Ulster Scots and Ulster British tradition Lee Reynolds, and Messrs Blair and Leighton.

Separately, Mr Blair noted that while the band event took place, the museum was also hosting Spórtlann na hÉireann’s GaelStair project and an exhibition on Belfast’s first urban Gaeltacht at Shaws Road. He said such programming demonstrates that museums are shared spaces for reflection on identity and contemporary issues.

An estimated 20,000 people participate in around 600 marching bands across Northern Ireland. Many bands accompany Orange Order lodges during annual Twelfth of July parades and other events throughout the year.