Well having been in the Mem since mid afternoon most of the organising had been done and finishing touches were all put in place. Everything was looking like it would be a good night and I was confident of a good local crowd. What could possibly go wrong?

One thing that Janice thought would be nice would be candles on the tables. Well at around 16:40 disaster struck, and Janice got her way! The whole City of Londonderry was in darkness. Power cut!! We were contemplating calling the whole thing off but also had no way to contact anyone coming along since all mobiles were down.

Luckily at around 18:30 power was restored. PHEW! Ballymacarrett had already arrived and Newtownards were just entering the city when all the lights suddenly came on. It meant everything running a good couple of hours late. The night itself. Well I have to say I was extremely pleased with the quality of bands we had down. The variety of music was very impressive too through all the bands.

Maiden City Beat opened with a couple of tunes just to get underway. Following that were Newtownards Melody. It was an absolute pleasure having them down with us. Their range of music was brilliant adding a lot of varied percussion throughout. They have to be one of the smartest turned out bands we have, be it on the street or last night in an indoor event. Also nice to get speaking with Gordy and Tim.

Next on the floor was Ballymacarrett Defenders. This is a band ourselves in the Churchill have built up a good relationship with over quite a few years. Was good to see them down in the Hall. Playing a really good set of marches, from corps of drums style military marches to good old traditional tunes!

On the night Newtownards Melody and Ballymacarrett decided to form a massed band for three marches and it was brilliant. I even barged in to drum too!! Sorry fellas!! Think Janice also managed to flute one tune with them! Completely unexpected, but very welcome! Added something to the night.

Castlederg Young Loyalists were the last of the flute bands to play. Again a very varied programme. Some Blood and Thunder, a wee bit of melody, and even the inclusion of bagpipes for Killaloe and Highland Cathedral.

All three bands gave top class performances and i'm not just saying that! I really couldnt have asked for any better. In between each band we also had a wee comedy song from Valerie Moore and Billy Stewart - Orange Lil, and a drum solo from Richard Campbell who plays with internationally reknowned group Different Drums Of Ireland.

Was quite amazed to see people from as far as Belfast just there to watch. A few from Dunloy arrived during the 'blackout' and simply due to the fact that we didnt even know if we could go on with the night, decided to wait for a bit and then headed back up the road. Sorry to them for the way things worked out, but good to see you down anyway. Also got talking to some of the lads from Dungiven Crown Defenders, who unfortunately couldn't get a band together for the night. You were most welcome anyway. Lastly thanks to Omagh Protestant Boys, who couldn't make it on the night due to another function in their home town, but sent a donation, much appreciated!

I think some of the band were a bit disappointed with the turnout from our own city though. I would safely say that the power cut may have had a lot to do with that. I did see most of the city's bands represented some how.

The night was finished with Maiden City Beat providing the dance (joined by some of Ballymacarrett for a song too!) All in all not a bad end to what nearly wasnt! A huge Thank You once again to every one that was there especially the three bands and other performers.