The Regal Accordion and Saxophone Band

The Regal Accordion and Saxophone Band
The Regal Accordion & Saxophone Band, posing for picture
Information
Full name	The Regal Accordion and Saxophone Band
Short name(s)	Regal Band, The Regal
Origin	Belfast, Northern Ireland
Established	1949
Dissolved	2010s
Instruments	Saxophone, Accordion, Trumpet, Brass, Bass drum, Snare drum, Clash Cymbals
Uniform	Band Uniform
Colour	Blue, Red
Events	Community events, Charity events, Cultural, Historical, Remembrance

The Regal Band, full name; The Regal Accordion and Saxophone Band, or known simply as The Regal, were a marching band from East Belfast, Northern Ireland. Formed in 1949, The Regal were known for playing songs outside of loyalism and unionism, such as folk songs and pop songs. The band had a relaxed style of play.

The Regal Band marched on the twelfth of July parades, and various other unionist remembrance/ historical days and anniversaries. This includes the annual demonstration and service, Carrickfergus. They have also performed at indoor venues, such as performing at the Grand Opera House, citation example 1960. Other performances include ceremonies and other concerts, such as The Harmony Hill Arts Centre. The band consisted of members playing the accordion, saxophone, trumpet, snare drum, bass drum and clash cymbals.

History

The Regal Accordion & Saxophone band, formed on 10 June 1949 in East Belfast. The founding members included F Kelly Snr, T Martin, M McKeown, F Kelly Jnr, H McCrum, J Berry, J Walker, D Cook and W Cahoon. The first parade was the Battle of the Somme commemoration in Belfast on 1 July that year.

The Regal Band marching together in a parade

The Regal performed at an old-time waltzing competition in August 1956.

The Regal were apart of Lambeg Outdoor Service on Empire Day, May 1958.

In March 1960, The Regal supported ventriloquist Dennis Spicer and singers Donald Peers and Nancy Whiskey at the Grand Opera House. The following week, The Regal made their return to the Grand Opera House for a grand performance.

In September 1970, George Magill, conductor of The Regal Band arranged for their performance in regards to the Championship bands contest, at UEFA European Cup Winners' Cup tie between Linfield FC and Manchester City.

Being a staple on remembrance day events, The Regal Band led, alongside Donegall Pass Flute Band on Remembrance Day, 11th November 1972. Wreath laying ceremony and sounding of the last post.

In August 1985, The Regal Band gave their recitals at the Donaghadee Young Defenders band contest during the towns Festival Week, showing their "marvellous brand of music - marvellous sound from a multitude of different instruments". Following the contest, The Regal were presented with an award, amidst the applause the crowds and other bands taking part.

The band picked up songs outside of the staples of unionism, like pop songs, and folk tunes. Examples of songs performed by The Regal include Yellow Submarine, When the Saints go marching in, Hokey Cokey, and Lily of Laguna. These performances made them very popular in areas around Belfast, Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Derry. They performed as various community and charity events, in November 1987, they performed to support BBC Children in Need at the Lisburn Leisure Centre.

In December 1993, The Regal performed at a WWII memorabilia show at the Sandy Row Community Centre.

The band dissolved in the 2010s.

Past Members

• F Kelly Snr
• T Martin
• M McKeown
• F Kelly Jnr
• H McCrum
• J Berry
• J Walker
• D Cook
• W Cahoon
• George Cassidy
• Tommy Jeffers
• Denis L
• Robert Hoy
• Julia W
• David Bell

See also

• British Newspaper Archive
• Belfast Telegraph Advert posted by The Regal Band looking for Brass and Accordion band players, 03 October 1974.
• Video of Regal Band, Groomsport 1989
• Video of Regal Band, Black Saturday - Black Parade, 2006