25th anniversary of the Somme Memorial Flute Band

That this House celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Somme Memorial Flute Band, formed in September 1998 in Bangor, County Down, with a mission to promote traditional Corps of Drums-style flute band music, provide a social outlet for its members and their families and honour those who fell at the Battle of the Somme during the Great War; notes that the band built a distinguished legacy as a melody flute band, performing not only across Northern Ireland but also in Scotland, France, Belgium, and the Republic of Ireland, including a St. Patrick’s Day event in Mullingar in 2008; further notes that the band marked the Centenary of the Ulster Tower in November 2021, receiving a civic reception in Armentières and commemorating the late David Wilsdon with a bench in Mesnil-Martinsart, France, in his memory; highlights the fact that during their 25th anniversary year, the band attended 26 public performances, from loyal order parades to Remembrance events with organisations like the Royal British Legion; recognises that the anniversary year was launched with a memorable event at Parliament Buildings, Stormont Estate, featuring presentations, speeches by founder members, and letters from supporters in Scotland, England, and France; and also highlights the fact that the band has grown from a membership of 20 to over 40 active members, continuing to flourish and strengthen its role in preserving heritage, fostering community engagement, and advancing flute band music.