The Whitewell Tartan Flute Band

04/10/2026

Proud to stand with the 35 brethren of Portadown District LOL No. 1 as they peacefully await the opportunity to complete their procession along the Garvaghy Road.

Here in Whitewell, we know only too well what it means to have our culture, our bands and our traditions challenged.

28 years on, their resolve remains unbroken.

Those who invoke the bloodshed of our troubled past as justification for opposition today should remember that history cannot be selectively applied. Unionists have been asked to forgive, reconcile and share government with those connected to that same violent past.

If we are genuinely building a shared future, tolerance, respect and reconciliation cannot be demanded from only one community.

Stand firm and keep the faith.

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not… for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

The Fairhill Flute Band & The Whitewell Tartan Flute Band standing side by side in support of the District Master of Portadown District LOL 1 🇬🇧

25/09/2026

After almost three decades of campaigning to complete their return journey from Drumcree, we wish the officers and brethren of Portadown District LOL No.1 well for Sunday.

Best wishes from the officers and members of Whitewell Tartan Flute Band. 🔴⚪🔵

06/09/2026

🇬🇧25 Years — Always Remembered🇬🇧

On Friday 4th September, we gathered for a special Memorial Evening, including the unveiling of a new piece of artwork dedicated to Thomas. On Saturday 5th September, our Remembrance Parade brought bands, residents, friends and supporters together once again to ensure Thomas' memory continues to live on.

We would like to sincerely thank every band that participated in Saturday's parade and showed their support:

Cloughfern Young Conquerors
Monkstown YCV
Highfield Loyalists (Bootle)
Pride of the Hill – Carnmoney
Upper Falls – Suffolk
Clyde Valley FB
Cairncastle FB
Tigers Bay Loyal FB
Ballyclare Memorial FB
Rathcoole Protestant Boys FB
Pride of Ballymacash FB
Sons of Ulster – Shankill
Ballycraigy LSOU FB
Sons of Kai FB

A special thank you to TRUTH Podcast , who joined us and documented both evenings, helping capture an important weekend of remembrance for our band and community.

We would also like to thank the Whitecity residents who worked behind the scenes to organise Saturday's community fun day, and everyone who helped make the weekend possible.

Finally, thank you to the spectators and supporters who joined us on both evenings. Seeing so many people come together to mark the 25th anniversary and pay their respects was greatly appreciated.

From everyone at Whitewell Tartan, thank you for your support.

Thomas McDonald
Never Forgotten. 💙

06/09/2026

Thank you to TRUTH Podcast for your support in highlighting the suffering experienced by the Whitecity Estate through the years as a result of sectarian violence.

While thankfully we now live in relatively peaceful times, attacks on Thomas’ memory and incidents directed towards our estate still occur on a regular basis, often passing largely under the radar.

Twenty-five years on, we make no apology for remembering Thomas and ensuring his memory lives on within our community.

We will continue to remember Thomas McDonald with dignity, pride and without hesitation.

Forever 16 💙

05/09/2026

Dont forget we will have a small fun day running today as we wait to welcome our visiting bands to the parade tonight.

Come along and join the atmosphere and who knows, you might even get a surprise appearance from The Tartan. 👀🇬🇧

04/09/2026

We look forward to welcoming bands to Whitewell tomorrow in remembrance of Thomas McDonald.

Please see details below.

Everyone Welcome.

04/09/2026

25 Years — Always Remembered 💙

Tonight we gathered as a band and community to remember Thomas McDonald on the 25th anniversary of his murder.

As part of this evening’s remembrance, we were proud to unveil a new piece of artwork dedicated to Thomas — a lasting tribute to ensure his memory continues to live on within our community.

We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to everyone who came out tonight to stand with us, show their support and remember Thomas. It was greatly appreciated by everyone at Whitewell Tartan.

We would also like to thank those who helped make tonight possible:

Phillip Brett MLA
Piper Graham Bell
TRUTH Podcast
Earl of Erne LOL 647
Belfast Walker Club ABOD
Gemma Roddy
Pastor Joe Stranaghan

Your time, help and support are sincerely appreciated.

25 years on, Thomas remains forever in our thoughts.

Always Remembered. Never Forgotten. 💙

04/09/2026

Tonight, Whitewell Tartan will come together with our community to mark the 25th anniversary of the murder of Thomas McDonald.

Twenty-five years may have passed, but Thomas has never been forgotten. Tonight is an opportunity to remember his life, reflect on his memory and ensure that his name continues to live on within the community that knew and loved him.

We invite everyone to join us this evening as we pay our respects and remember Thomas together.

Thomas McDonald
25 Years — Always Remembered 💙

03/09/2026

# # Please Share # #

There will be a small funday for the younger kids from 3pm - 5pm as we set up for the memorial parade.

All Welcome.

03/09/2026

# # Polite Notice # #

We would kindly ask that all residents along the parade route park their vehicles in driveways where possible from 5pm onwards to help ease congestion along the route.