07/04/2026
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On behalf of the Chairman and Officers of the Coleraine & District Amalgamated Committee - Apprentice Boys of Derry, we wish to place on record our sincere thanks and appreciation to all who contributed to the outstanding success of the Easter BallyMonday Crimson Festival, held from 28th March to 6th April, culminating in a record breaking and the largest ever Easter Monday Parade in Ballymoney.
This landmark celebration would not have been possible without the dedication, professionalism, and goodwill of so many.
We extend our gratitude to the Police Service of Northern Ireland for their exemplary traffic management, planning, and engagement throughout the build up and delivery of the festival. Their support ensured a safe and well organised event for all, over a very busy Easter period.
Our appreciation to the paramedics and ambulance team who were on standby across Ballymoney in the event of a medical emergency.
A special word of thanks is due to the Apprentice Boys Marshal Team from Londonderry and our local marshalls, whose professionalism and standard of excellence remain second to none.
We are deeply appreciative of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for their continued support and funding of the community festival, and to their staff at Ballymoney Depot who went above and beyond in preparations, clean up operations, and the provision of skips and bins along the parade route and in the Ballymoney Showgrounds.
Our thanks also go to The Siege Museum Outreach Vehicle team, all performers and acts who contributed to a vibrant and engaging programme throughout the weekend, and to Dunloy Accordion Band and Sollus Highland Dancers for officially launching the festival in such fine style.
We acknowledge Coleraine Fife and Drum for leading our Church Service, and extend sincere appreciation to St Patricks Church Of Ireland Ballymoney, and the Rev. Andrew Sweeney for hosting a meaningful and well attended service.
We are grateful to the councils volunteer βWomblingβ team who worked tirelessly to keep Ballymoney clean and presentable throughout the parade, and to the PCSP for their support in funding essential facilities.
A special mention to Mrs Brown who was at hand to host a collection for the Apprentice Boys Benevolent Fund during and before the parade.
Thanks are also due to John Whyte and his team for the provision of portaloos, urinals, and fencing. James Dobbin and Colin Dunlop for giving up their time to transport it.
We extend our appreciation to Zinc Restaurant and the staff at Superbites, Ballymoney, for accommodating early Easter Monday morning needs in the form of the toons best breakfast "the super fry", and to Translink for engagement and effectively relaying important information to their drivers prior to arrival in Ballymoney.
Our thanks go to Ballymoney Agricultural Association and the Showgrounds caretaker, Eamon, for their assistance on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and today, as well as to Cuil Rathain Historical & Cultural Society for the loan of the boat float. We also acknowledge Bro Allister Kyle for the loan of his vintage tractor, Mr Wesley Craig for driving it, and Tom and his crew who brought the ship to life at the head of the parade. Our thanks are also offered to Bannside Fife and Drumming Club for pre parade entertainment and leading the parade down main street.
We offer sincere thanks to all Brethren and Volunteers whose efforts behind the scenes ensured the smooth running of events throughout the week, and for the now famously dubbed Operation Crimson Banner, particular thanks to Bro John McAuley for organising lamppost banners.
To the visiting Amalgamated Committees, Parent Clubs, Branch Clubs, Bands, and the wider public who travelled in such numbers to Ballymoney, special mention to all our Scottish and English Brethren, your presence made this yearβs parade the largest Easter Monday gathering of its kind, and a truly historic occasion.
We pay tribute to Bushside Accordion Band for leading the parade with dignity and distinction, setting the tone for the dayβs proceedings.
A heartfelt thanks is extended to Sammy McClements and the Committee of Ballymoney Royal British Legion / Main Bar for their unwavering support, hospitality, and for serving as a central hub throughout the festival. We also thank Ballymoney Royal British Legion Chairman Hugh Elliott for ensuring the availability of wreaths for all Branch Clubs and visiting English and Scottish Amalgamated Committees, as well as leading our act of Remembrance at Ballymoney War Memorial. Thanks are extended to Piper Bro Robbie Bellingham and Buglar Bro Ian Kennedy for their parts in the service.
To all local businesses who offered financial support or practical assistance your contribution has not gone unnoticed, and we are sincerely grateful. To the vendors in the showgrounds for ensuring you kept us all fed and for your support thank you. To both we are really happy to hear the feedback and increased business you have received this Easter weekend/Monday.
Finally, we extend our thanks to our Governor William Walker, General Committee Officers, our own Amalgamated Committee Officers, and all Member Branch Clubs who worked tirelessly throughout the week from planning and preparation, to stewarding events, issuing press communications, and undertaking the inevitable clean up afterwards.
Our sincere apologies but also our thanks to our wives, girlfriends, and partners for tolerating the weeks of late nights, busy weekends and being away from the family home as we prepared for the last week of events. An evening meal, weekend away or two may be required across the Amalgamated Committee area.
This yearβs Easter BallyMonday Crimson Festival has set a new benchmark. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through unity, commitment, and community spirit.
We thank each and every one of you.
We wish Mid Ulster Amalgamated Committee every success as we pass them the torch to Dungannon on Easter Monday in 2027.
Vita Veritas Victoria
