On the subject of bands/concerts; I recall in the early 1960's the RUC Band would perform outside the City Hall and was a great attraction for the lunch time crowds.
Do they still perform?
Unfortunately the silver band of the PSNI was “disbanded” as part of budget cuts by the then Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde , a move which was very unpopular within the Force and outside of it . He couldn’t disband the Pipes and Drums however as they are volunteers and not funded directly by the PSNI but by monthly contributions by serving members and others.
It proved to be a bit of an embarrassment for Sir Hugh as at the first passing out parade of recruits after the silver band had been stood down and at which he was the inspecting officer the volunteer pipe band had to be asked to step in and fill the gap for musical accompaniment.
