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We will long remember the Concert by the the Band of the Royal Marines, Scotland on 15th May 2017. It was amazing to see the church full (almost to overflowing), the queue going from the church gates, around the corner, right up Castleton Avenue and disappearing into the distance!

We were honoured that evening to be joined by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Fionnuala Jay O’Boyle; Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Brian Kingston and Senior Naval Officer NI, Commander John Gray. Thank you so much to everyone who helped in any way to make the concert such a success. A special thanks of course goes to the excellent Band of the Royal Marines, Scotland who gave us a memorable concert. The last piece they played was ‘We’re no Awa tae Bide Awa’ to which there can only be one reply – ‘Haste ye Back’!

The Seafaring Charities chosen to be supported that evening were the Sea Cadets and the Mission to Seafarers, the total raised being £2,400. We were delighted to be able to present cheques for £1,200 to the charities representatives, Lieutenant Commander Cliff Burns and Rev Colin Hall Thompson.

On Monday 15th May 2017, we were delighted to be able to host the only full concert in Northern Ireland this year by the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland.

The church was full, almost to overflowing, as around 550 people packed the pews in anticipation of hearing one of the best Military Bands in the world and they weren’t disappointed. The evening was amazing, the musicians were brilliant and the music was inspiring.

Thank you to the Sea Cadets and everyone who helped in any way, we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you especially to The Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland who gave us an unforgettable evening. They chose to end their concert with the old Scottish tune of ‘We’re No Awa Tae Bide Awa’ to which we can have but one answer – ‘Haste Ye Back!’