- James_doc
- Nov 23, 2024
In order to arrest falling numbers, and ensure marching season in 2025 doesn't look like a group of friends on a summer stroll, the Orange Order yesterday held open auditions to find the next group of people who'll don the famous bowler hats and ensure the future of blocking traffic across Northern Ireland.
Outside the event, Gavin Campbell paces the floor nervously. He knows once he's inside, he's got 60-seconds to impress the judges and show his skills. "It's always been a dream to wear the orange sash," he told us as he collected himself for the audition. "I'm hoping my ability to keep a stony expression and my perfect timing get me through to the next phase. That's when we know if we'll just be in the crowd of marchers, or given a front-line job like holding a sign, or beating a drum."
Greg Bradley, head of the judges, says it's really tough to cut people from the process. "Ultimately, it's awful," he tells us. "We don't want to do it, but it's important we find the right kind of person to wear the uniform and march like our fathers and grandfathers did. We advertised that it's suitable for everyone, but we were secretly glad to see that the only people who turned up were good honest white protestant Ulstermen."
Back outside and Gavin is overjoyed to get through the tough first round. "They loved my marching," he said, "and my head staying forward, even when they threw a rock at me. I'm already preparing for the next round where we've got five minutes to sell ourselves, I've already sketched up a mural that'll blow their socks off!"
image from pixabay
