The Friendship Band

The Friendship Band was formed at the height of the "troubles" in Northern Ireland in the mid-seventies to provide a group of musicians who could perform for both sides of the community, and  both North and South of the border, thus the title of Friendship Band.

The band is made up of players from various brass bands throughout Northern Ireland who came together on a regular basis to play at major community festivals the length and breadth of Ireland, with the emphasis being on 'Carnival' style entertainment, which the band creates through the type of music it plays and the carnival style uniforms that the band members wear.

While the members all enjoy playing at these community festivals, the competitive spirit of brass bands is not completely abandoned as the band takes part every year in the Limerick International Band Competition.  The band have on numerous occasions won the brass band section at this competition and frequently the prize of overall winner.

The Friendship Band hope to continue entertaining audiences for many years to come and are always on the lookout for new events and festivals in which the band can take part.

Last Updated: October  2000.