Band history
The Imperial Guards Flute Band Belfast was formed on 3rd April 2023. It is a relatively young band within the Belfast band scene, but it is comprised of members with well over 200 years of combined flute band experience.
At its formation, the band set out to be inspired by the traditional Corps of Drums and melody flute band style. Today, we play a variety of well-known marches, traditional loyal tunes, a selection of Scottish and Irish jigs, and some well-known hymns and sacred marches. The band is composed of Bb flutes, F flute, and Eb piccolo, accompanied by side drums, bass drum, cymbals, and triangle, and is led on parade under the command of a highly skilled Drum Major.
The band’s name was selected by the founding members, who each came to the inaugural meeting with name suggestions. After a selection process and a final vote, the Imperial Guards were formed.
Charity and community activities
On an annual basis, the Imperial Guards endeavour to support charity work. So far, the band has been able to donate £1,000 to: Cancer Research (2023), Autism NI (2024), and Light of Foot (2026). The band has currently selected Cancer Fund for Children as its chosen charity for 2026 and aims to donate as positively to this cause as it has to the others.
Charity fundraising events have included sponsored walks, ballots, A Night at the Races, and a very successful Ulster Cultural Day in September 2025. In December 2024, the band also travelled to the Somme Nursing Home to provide much-appreciated musical entertainment to the residents.
Parades and partnerships
The band’s annual calendar is largely made up of events supporting the Loyal Orders. With strong partnerships with Cregagh Defender LOL 1588, St Simon’s LOL 821, Dundonald Browning Club ABOD, and Lily of the Valley RBP 325, the band is engaged in some of the largest events in the marching band calendar, including the Easter Monday Demonstration, the Twelfth of July, the Relief of Derry, and Black Saturday.
One of our proudest achievements from these partnerships has been being awarded ‘Best Melody Band on Parade’ for Belfast’s Twelfth of July parade in 2024. We collected this award with immense pride, particularly as it was the band’s first ever Twelfth parade.
The band also thoroughly enjoys supporting various bands at their own parades and indoor events throughout each year.