One of the biggest parades locally is set to take place on Saturday evening (3 June) in Ballymena, and local councillor Rodney Quigley has got a few smiles this morning with a 'cheeky' joke ahead of the event.
Pride of the Maine's annual parade is always sure to draw a decent crowd and the recent spell of great weather will make for a perfect evening for band parade followers.
Councillor Quigley, a bandsman himself with Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster who held their own parade two weeks ago, couldn't help but enjoy a bit of "friendly banter" after a spokesperson for Pride of the Maine, Jonathan Clarke commented this week:
"Now's the time for THE BIG ONE in Ballymena! First Saturday in June is always Pride of the Maine Flute Band day!
"Everyone come along and enjoy a great evening of Ulster's marching bands! This year the parade will be led by the one and only UVF Regimental Band East Belfast! What a great sight that will be parading through the streets of Ballymena."
Hitting back this morning Rodney posted:
"What a great day for a parade!
The first Saturday in June renowned for this parade. One of the best parades on the calendar in my opinion. It'll be great to see the streets filled with people who will come from near and far to watch some of the province's finest bands.
"I've been looking forward to taking part in this parade for some time now and the day has finally arrived. What a spectacular parade it'll be.
"Yes Folks... today Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster are honoured to join The Duke of Edinburgh Memorial Junior LOL 621 at the annual Junior parade in Portrush.
"We hope everyone involved with the lodge has a very enjoyable day.
"Later this evening we will travel back to Ballymena to take part in the Pride of the Maine annual parade."
Rodney along with fellow band member Anna Henry
Host band Pride of the Maine will set off on a small feeder parade at 6:30pm this evening from the Protestant Hall on Galgorm Road, proceeding onto George Street, Linenhall Street, Bridge Street and Castle Street.
The main parade will begin tonight at 8pm leaving Castle Street, proceeding along Bridge Street, Harryville Bridge, Henry Street, Larne Street, Douglas Terrace, Paradise Avenue, Queen Street, Sloan's Court, Harryville Bridge, Bridge Street, North Road, Pentagon, Lower Mill Street, Wellington Street, Ballymoney Street, William Street, Broughshane Street, Church Street.
The parade is expected to finish around 11pm. Pride of the Maine will then march from Castle Street, along Mill Street, to Pat's Brae.
The band will host a disco and prize giving afterwards at the Coach Niteclub in Ballymena.