A Lambeg drum is a large drum that is hit with curved malacca canes. It is used mainly in Northern Ireland by Unionists and the Orange Order during summer street parades, especially around July 12th, known as "The Twelfth." Because the drum is heavy, smaller versions are used in most parades. However, the full-sized drum has been used again in recent years, often on parade floats. It is also used by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, which has historical importance for some members of the nationalist community.

Characteristics

The Lambeg drum is one of the loudest musical instruments in the world, often reaching over 120 decibels. It is about 3 feet 1/4 inch (92.1 cm) in diameter and 2 feet (61 cm) deep. The drum weighs between 35 and 40 pounds (16 to 18 kg). The drummer usually carries it while marching using a harness around the neck.

Origin

The origin of the Lambeg drum is not clearly known. Many people think it arrived in Ulster with English settlers during the early to mid-1600s. Other sources say it came to Ireland with soldiers from the army of William of Orange, led by the Duke of Schomberg, during the Williamite War. The drum has its roots in European military instruments from the 1600s and was originally smaller. Traditionally, it was played with a shrill fife, a small flute similar to a piccolo. Over time, the drum grew larger due to competition among players. Eventually, the drum became so large that the sound of the fife could no longer be heard. Today, the fife and Lambeg drum are rarely seen together in parades, except in County Antrim. Most of the original Ulster fifers were of Flemish heritage. Some French Huguenots joined William’s army in Ireland, and the Flemish, English, and Scottish Protestant groups later formed the Orange Order.

The name "Lambeg" comes from a village in County Antrim, located ten miles southwest of Belfast and two miles from Lisburn. It is said that the instrument was first played with canes in the Lambeg area. The drum is also sometimes called "tibbies," "slashers," or "killymans."

Construction

The Lambeg drum's shell is usually made of oak. The drum heads are made from goat skin. These skins are very thin but strong, and as even as possible in thickness and quality. Each maker applies a special treatment to the skin, which is kept secret. Because of their quality, these skins are sometimes used for smaller drums like bodhráns.

Lambeg drums are different from other large drums because of their tone quality. The thin drum heads are stretched tightly until the sound is bright and clear. There are no mechanical screws on the drums. Instead, the heads are held in place with a wooden rim and, traditionally, linen ropes.

In popular culture

The Lambeg drum's special sound interested Kate Bush, who bought a custom drum from maker William Hewitt in Sandy Row, Belfast, during the 1980s. The Lambeg's loud and mood-setting sound was used in her song "Running Up That Hill." The Lambeg was also used on the Hounds of Love album, especially in the track "Jig of Life," to create a strong and atmospheric style.

Competitions and events

In September 2021, the largest Lambeg drumming event took place at the Parliament Buildings in Stormont to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Northern Ireland. The "Drums for Ulster" event was organized by the South Ulster Drumming Association and the Ulster-Scots Agency. One hundred fifty Lambeg drums were played at the same time on Prince of Wales Avenue, which is one mile long. Thousands of Orangemen attended the centenary parade, and more than 100,000 people watched the event.

In March 2022, the first Sir Edward Carson Memorial drumming match was held in Dublin. This was the first time a traditional Lambeg drumming contest was held in the city. The South Ulster Drumming Association organized the event on Northumberland Road. Drummers from Dublin, Wicklow, and South Ulster participated. Organizers explained that while Lambeg drums had been shown in Dublin for short exhibitions before, this event used traditional competition rules. Judges evaluated the drums based on the specific notes and tones they produced, not on rhythm or decoration.