How Bands Take Care of Their Own | Gordon Ramsey on Loyalist Bands, Community & CareMade to Parade – First Episode of 2026What if marching bands were more than music and parades?What if they were also mental-health support networks, food banks, fundraising engines, and the glue holding working-class communities together?We’re kicking off 2026 with one of the most important conversations we’ve ever recorded.In this episode, Glenn and Sarah sit down with researcher and author Gordon Ramsey, whose work explores loyalist marching bands through a completely different lens — not stereotypes or headlines, but solidarity, mutual aid, and social care.Together we unpack:How bands step in where the state steps back“Taking care of our own” and what that really looks likeMental health, masculinity and support inside band cultureCharity work, fundraising and community activismWhy bands function as communities of practice and belongingAnd how this connects directly with Glenn’s upcoming book How Bands Build PeopleThis isn’t about defending bands. It’s about understanding them properly.If you’ve ever played, marched, rehearsed, fundraised, or found yourself through a band — this episode will hit home.Because bands don’t just do parades. They build people.

In this special episode, Glenn sits down with Dennis - one of the near-founding members of the Pride of the Raven Flute Band - to look back at the band’s earliest days.
From the first practices and handmade uniforms to unforgettable parades, rivalries, and the deep sense of community that shaped their journey, Dennis shares stories and memories that bring the band’s origins to life.

Recorded alongside rare memorabilia and personal reflections, this conversation captures the spirit, pride, and people who built one of Belfast’s most recognisable flute bands.

Episode 104 | Made to Parade Podcast

This week marks a special moment for Made to Parade as we welcome our newest host, Sarah Carlisle, who takes the reins for the very first time.

Sarah sits down with Kenny Cromie from Star of Down Flute Band, Maghera, as the band proudly celebrates their 50th Anniversary.

Kenny takes us through the band’s journey: the early days, the highs and lows, the changes over the decades, and the sense of pride that has kept Star of Down at the heart of their community for half a century.

This is a story of tradition, dedication, identity, and the power of music to bring people together across generations

.Whether you’re part of the band scene yourself or just love hearing the stories behind it, this is one you’ll enjoy.

🎧 Listen now and help us welcome Sarah to the Made to Parade family!

Episode 103: Marc Emery – Castlederg Young Loyalists Old Boys Flute Band

The latest episode of Made to Parade is out now! In this week’s conversation, we’re joined by Marc Emery from Castlederg Young Loyalists Old Boys Flute Band — a group steeped in tradition and community pride.

Marc talks about the band’s journey, the importance of local heritage in Castlederg, and what it means to be part of a band that continues to uphold strong musical and cultural values. From the early days to the present, this is a story about loyalty, legacy, and the enduring power of banding life in Northern Ireland.

Tune in, share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date with future episodes.

Available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

#MadeToParade #FluteBand #Castlederg #MarchingBands #BandCulture #NorthernIreland #MarcEmery #LoyalistBands #CommunityMusic #BandHeritage

In this episode of Made to Parade, we’re excited to introduce our newest co-host, Sarah Carlisle!

🎙️Sarah brings with her a lifelong connection to the Northern Ireland band scene, with deep family roots in the Brunswick Accordion Band. Her passion for music, community, and the people who make the band world what it is shines through as she joins the team to help share stories, celebrate achievements, and promote the positive side of band life across the country.

Join us as Glenn and Sarah talk about:

🥁 Sarah’s background and connection to the bands scene🎶 What inspired her to get involved with Made to Parade

💬 The importance of representation, positivity, and storytelling within band culture

🚩 The future of the podcast and what’s coming nextMade to Parade continues to shine a light on the pride, purpose, and passion behind Northern Ireland’s bands — and with Sarah on board, there’s even more to look forward to!

💬 Join the conversation:Comment below with your messages of support for Sarah or share what band life means to you!

#MadeToParade #MarchingBands #NorthernIreland #AccordionBand #Podcast #BandCulture #SarahCarlisle #CommunityMusic

Episode 101 – Made to Parade PodcastIn this episode we sit down with Kirk Patton of NI Band Services to hear his incredible story. From his early days in the band scene, to launching a business dedicated to bands, Kirk has become a recognised names in the and sceneKirk talks openly about his band history, the journey that led him to set up NI Band Services, and how he’s now producing custom flutes for the marching band world. He’s also been a proud supporter of Made to Parade, sponsoring episodes and creating a truly special Blackwood 5-key flute engraved with the Made to Parade logo.🎶 This unique flute will be auctioned off to raise funds for the podcast – details coming soon!📌 Listen as we explore:Kirk’s background in the band sceneThe inspiration behind NI Band ServicesHow he started designing and making flutesHis sponsorship and support for Made to ParadeThe story behind the Blackwood 5-key Made to Parade flute👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from across the band world.🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major podcast platforms.#MadeToParade #NIBandServices #MarchingBands #FluteDesign #BandCulture #Podcast #Episode101

Made to Parade Podcast | Episode 100 | Featuring Jake McCleary – North Down Defenders

We’ve reached a huge milestone — the 100th official episode of Made to Parade! Alongside bonus episodes and special features over the years, this is a moment to celebrate the stories, music, and people that make our band scene so unique.

And what better way to mark it than with the incredible story of Jake McCleary, a young drummer from North Down Defenders Flute Band who proves that passion and resilience can overcome any barrier.

Born with one arm, Jake has developed his own powerful one-handed drumming style. In this special episode he shares:

• How he first got into the band scene and what drew him to the drum.

• The challenges he’s faced and the creative ways he’s adapted.

• The support and pride he’s found in North Down Defenders.

• What band life means to him and his hopes for the future.

To top it off, Jake gives us a live demonstration of his drumming skills — showing exactly why he’s a respected and valued part of the marching band community.

This 100th episode is a celebration of resilience, belonging, and the power of music to bring people together.

Thank you to everyone who’s listened, shared, and supported Made to Parade on the journey to 100 episodes and beyond. Make sure to subscribe for more stories from across the marching band world.

#MadeToParade #Episode100 #NorthDownDefenders #FluteBand #Drumming #BandLife

Is Northern Ireland really a financial burden on the UK? Should we believe the headlines claiming the Irish Republic is a thriving economic alternative? In this Made to Parade bonus episode, Prof Colin Coulter from Maynooth University challenges those assumptions.We explore the growing media narrative around a united Ireland referendum and break down the economic myths often used to promote Irish unification. Professor Coulter reveals how the Republic of Ireland may look wealthy on paper — but behind the GDP headlines lies a very different reality.🇬🇧 A powerful pro-union argument backed by evidence.📉 Why Ireland is a wealthy economy but not a wealthy country.📊 The truth about financial data, tax policy, and corporate loopholes.🗳️ A must-listen for anyone questioning the financial case for a united Ireland.

In this first episode of Made to Parade "Unfiltered", we’re joined by Rev. Mervyn Gibson, Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, to delve into one of the most visually recognisable – and often misunderstood – symbols of Ulster Protestant culture: the Orange arch.Erected in towns and villages across Northern Ireland in the lead-up to the Twelfth of July, these decorative arches are deeply rooted in local tradition, community pride, and historical commemoration. But in recent years, some critics have labelled them as public safety risks or divisive displays.Are these claims based on genuine concern – or are they being used to suppress cultural expression in contested spaces?We explore:The origins and evolution of the Orange arch traditionThe legal and safety processes involved in erecting themCommon myths and criticismsThe broader questions of identity, heritage, and visibility in a post-conflict societyRev. Gibson offers both historical insight and a firm defence of the role these structures play in community life today. Whether you’re from within the band scene or looking to understand more about Northern Ireland’s cultural landscape, this episode challenges assumptions and sparks important conversation.#MadeToParade #OrangeArches #MervynGibson #CulturalHeritage #NorthernIreland #TwelfthOfJuly #AskMervyn #ParadingTradition #SharedSpace #CommunityIdentity

Tunes That Changed the Scene | Black Skull Flute Band – St. Louis BluesIn this episode of Tunes That Changed the Scene, we take a look at one of the most iconic band recordings to come out of Glasgow—St. Louis Blues by Black Skull Flute Band.Originally featured on their second tape, this track marked a bold shift in the sound and style of the band scene, blending big band swing influences with the unmistakable energy of the melody flute tradition. We explore what made this tune such a standout moment, how it influenced other bands, and why it still holds legendary status today.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes exploring the tunes that helped shape the marching band world.#MadeToParade #TunesThatChangedTheScene #FluteBand #BlackSkullFB #StLouisBlues #BandCulture #MarchingBandHistory