Ballycoan Flute Band was formed by a number of local lads who had previously been members of various bands in areas some distance away from Ballycoan. On the evening of the last Saturday in August 1950 as these locals returned home from the Belfast county demonstration they had to walk about 2 miles from the nearest bus stop to Ballycoan village. On the way they started to play their flutes and drums etc. This prompted the observation from one of their number that if a band were formed in Ballycoan, a great deal of time and effort expended in travelling to practices would be saved.
His suggestion was taken up, beginning a process that eventually led to the formation of the band in 1951. The first engagement undertaken was with the hope of Ulster junior LOL 33 sandy row on Easter Tuesday 1952.
Over the years the band has fulfilled engagements throughout Northern Ireland, as well as England and Scotland. Besides the traditional parades of the loyal orders, we also take part in many parades for church youth groups i.e. Scouts, BB, GB, Guides etc. We also play at concerts run by churches and other groups and take part in mayors parades in various towns.
Some years ago the band took the decision to join the North of Ireland Bands Association and the Flute Band League of Northern Ireland in order to involve itself at the highest standard of musical competition. This has proved very rewarding and in 1989 we were honoured when Brian Houston consented to become conductor and under his tuition we have won both the N.I.B.A and F.B.L championships.
In 1987 the band purchased the grounds on which to build its own hall and one of the best highlights in the bands 58 year history was moving into our new hall in 1990.
The band members and their friends and also a number of the past members had a marvellous evening on the occasion of the bands 50th anniversary dinner in 2001.