Lambeg Drums in Airdrie

These Lambeg drums and fifes were recorded in Rawyards Park, Airdrie during the County Grand Orange Lodge of Central Scotland's annual Boyne celebrations on Saturday 11 July 2009.

The drums take their name from the village of Lambeg in County Antrim. They are large and heavy, and players support them using a neck harness. Playing them for extended periods takes some stamina. Contrary to what you might expect the tone is bright and hard. The drums are played by beating them on each side with curved malacca sticks - you can see these very clearly at the end of this clip.

These magnificent drums are loud - very loud. The chances are that you will hear them long before seeing them. The wave file I got from this looks like the seismograph of a major earthquake - thank goodness for automatic gain control. The fifes, here played by three players, have no chance.

Lambeg drums are rare in Scotland, and not that common in Northern Ireland unless you know where to go.

I haven't heard Lambegs live since childhood holidays in Northern Ireland. It was a privilege to record this - and it made my day.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• lambeg
• drum
• fifes
• Airdrie
• Scotland
• Boyne
• celebrations
• 2009
• Orange
• Lodge

[hildibildibaldi]

You were lucky with this video. I've never heard these "live" but the quality of your recording is the next best thing, mate. They will not play these in anything other that dry weather so you've been a lucky lad and thanks for sharing it with uz Yoo Choobers!

Have a look at "Massed Lambeg Drums" posted by gloonan504. It is a feast.

[roughgrange]

Thanks a lot. I was lucky - this was my second attempt. I just concentrated on trying to hold the camera steady and hoping that nobody would walk in front of me. It would have been good to have more of the fife players but I didn't want to push my luck.

Thanks for the recommendation re. massed lambegs. You're right, it is spectacular.

Keep having even more fun!

[hazel7966]

Great drumming boys!

[flute4hire]

I still remember the lambegs coming to Manchester City Centre some years ago. Very very rare to see them in England but what a reaction they got going through the city center,

[hallbooth]

The massed drums also involved these men in 2007, great time, great drummers.