05/09/2026
DOWNSHIRE GUIDING STAR PARADE AND COMPETITION 2026🇬🇧⭐️
SPECTATORS AND VISITING BAND INFORMATION
As we approach the big night on Friday 11th September we have some information about our parade below:
⭐️The Parade
Downshire Guiding Star Flute Band will begin the parade, moving off from Banbridge Orange Hall and parading the town. There will be a short wreath laying ceremony at Banbridge War Memorial for L/Cpl Stephen McKee before the band finishes
The main parade will move off from 7:45pm approx. and proceed through the town. Legananny Accordion will be leading the parade on their 70th anniversary.
⛔️NO BANDS TO FORM UP IN THE CAR PARK
Bands are to be formed up on the commercial road in a single file. No bands will be allowed to form up in the car park. We appreciate that there may be a bit of a queue to get out but we would ask for patience.
There is two finishing points at the end of the parade to try ease congestion. All bands are welcome.
⭐️Marshalls
Marshalls will be organising the parade so please show respect and listen to them as they are trying the best to avoid congestion in the parade especially at the cut (under the bridge)
⭐️Parking and Traffic
Banbridge has number of large car parks in the town centre marked on map below (Townsend street, Solitude car park, Coach Car park and Downshire place Car park etc.) as well as a number of other smaller car parks and spaces around the town which are suitable but will fill up quickly. Please be aware of parking charges and car parks which close early in the area (LIDL Car park etc.)
Police have advised for Band Buses to use Banbridge Leisure Centre for parking (a 1 minute walk from the town centre).
Banbridge town centre will be packed on Friday night and there will be a lot of hold up while trying to get through the town. We would encourage those who are not going to the parade to avoid the town centre while driving and to use Kenlis street, Scarva street, Rathfriland street and the Castlewellan road to get round the town without entering the centre to avoid hold ups.
⭐️Orange Hall Disco
The Sash Bash will take place in Banbridge Orange Hall on Victoria street (marked on map) approx a 5 minute walk from the centre of the town.
⭐️Heath and safety
Drinking on the street in Banbridge is prohibited
Please refrain from sitting down along the side of the bridge for safety reasons.
⭐️ Drum majors
Can drum majors refrain from trying to throw band poles over the cut (bridge). Issues the past number of years has caused issues for the band
If there is any other information needed please don't hesitate to contact us.
