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Our Musicians
-Our very welcome guests

The Luton University Pipe Band
For the third year in succession we welcome our friends in the Luton University Pipe Band.
No need for any introduction – their music does the talking.
All England Champions in several grades and recognised as one of the best, we look forward once again to another stirring contribution to our parade.
 

The Dookinella Memorial Pipe Band
Off the west coast of County Mayo is the Island of Achill and today we are delighted to welcome to Luton, a Pipe band from that community to lead the Parade. Instrumental in making to-days visit to Luton possible is Farrell Gallagher known locally as “The man from Dookinella”. Their visit is particularly significant for him as he was a founder member of the band way back in 1948. Farrell is a tireless worker for the Mayo Association as well as the Luton Irish Forum. He also made sure that recent holiday visits to Achill y groups from Luton, were greeted in the Minaun and the Sound by the Memorial Pipe Band. This was indeed a marvellous gesture from the band and was greatly appreciated by all the holiday makers. Indeed Achill welcomed us all with open arms.
The Band’s first performance was in Dookinella in 1948, but the forties, fifties, and sixties saw the Island ravaged by emigration and a consequent drop in and membership. It reached its lowest in 1967 when only three pipers marched out on St Patrick’s Day. All three had travelled from the UK the day before. They practices until 3am that day. The fundraising activities of those who emigrated however ensured the band’s development.
In recent years the band has made frequent visits to Preston, home of many Achill exiles, but one of the highpoints in its history was its appearance on the Gay Byrne Tv Show to pipe in the new year 2003. We have no doubt that thousands will flock to Luton for the Festival to see the Dookinella men and ladies lead the parade….
Abbeykncomoy Set Dancers.
All the way from the County Galway we welcome this magnificent group of dancers who have won several All-Ireland titles, appeared on RTE, and won mayor awards all over Ireland. We know Luton will enjoy your strenuous contribution to the Festival.

Challney Boys & South Luton High Schools
We are proud to welcome to the Parade a steel band composed of 12-16 year olds from those schools. We hope their visit will be the first of many, for this will give a new dimension to the Parade.

Other Artists
We welcome also a great array of musical, singing and dancing talent to the town from all over the eastern region. Don’t forget the festival lasts for seven days. Have a look at the programme for the many other attractions.

Frank Horan.