A TOTAL of 38 bands were on parade for Ardess Accordion Band's 60th anniversary, which was held in memory of long-time member, Viola Loane. 

Bands assembled in Kesh on Friday night for the much-anticipated event, with fundraising split between band funds and Cancer Connect NI. 

Following the parade, Ardess Accordion Band have extended their thoughts to Oisin Gregg, his family and North Fermanagh Young Defenders, after he was involved in a serious accident on the evening of the parade. 

The band also paid tribute to everyone who helped make the event a success. 

"We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the support shown to us on Friday night at our 60th anniversary parade, held in memory of Viola," a spokesperson said. 

"To have 38 bands on parade on the night was amazing, and we are grateful to the 37 bands who joined us.

"In particular, to those bands who joined us in the Fermanagh Massed Accordion Band - namely Lisbellaw, Roslea, Ballindarragh, and Wattlebridge Accordion Bands - for giving up your time in the months and weeks before the parade to practice.

"To those who collected on the night, acted as marshals and those who assisted with parking cars, thank you for your help and support.

"We are grateful to Timothy Aiken for the use of his field to park cars, and to the management of Glendurragh Valley Park, for its use as an assembly point, and also to Kesh Primary School for the use of their grounds as a halfway point."

The spokesperson added: "We also appreciate the support of the PSNI in controlling traffic.

 "To those who spectated and donated to the collection on the night, thank you for the support and reception we received while on parade. It made a difficult  evening a little easier."