Blog

What an amazing event to be part of. Thanks as always goes to David and Heather for their trust in me to return for the 4th year and deliver several performances with our fellow acts to work alongside. What a wonderful opportunity to meet and work alongside the Kilted Dance Company for this event, they were a superb bunch and we look forward to more collaborations to come. Also Jasmyn Smyth the incredibly talented Irish Dancer who returned to this event with us, what an artist. 👌

Last but not least The Force Elite team with Elite Tenor Hannah and The Force dancer, Thea.. these addition’s just add to our dynamic performances and The Force Minis were fantastic as always. What a team.

We delivered our Calum Brown Set, a synchronised display team of 6, a new rendition of The Force Anthem with our Minis included, our Trio of Thea, Hannah and Elite Drum Major Lydia as our signature Skerryvore Number… finishing off with Country Roads with our Minis, The Kilted Dance Group, Thea and Jasmyn. 🎶👌⭐️🎶
Paula assisted Alan again in the fun with ‘Clash of the Drum Majors’ where the current and future Drum Majors were showcased. This raised the roof, such fun!
#LouisVuittonEatYourHeartOut 😂😂

Weekends spent together isn’t just about performing as a team, it’s friendship and bonds that remain long after. Here’s to new friends, Elite Team fun and raising the bar together professionally and making every event more special! 🤗

Well done Team! 👌👏
#TheForce #TheForceMinis #BurnsNight
#KiltedDanceCompany #IrishDancer #Team

Our exciting collaboration is on show this weekend at the Ballymoney Annual Burns Night Dinner and evening of entertainment. 🎶💕

We are thrilled to bring Kilted Dance Company to this stage, and look forward to our future performances together!

#InPlanning #SpiritOfScotlandTartan #Meets #PinkTartan #HighlandDanceTeam

The Force are pleased to announce a new member of our elite team, Ben Dickson!!

Ben has performed with The Force at several events over the past year, most notably the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo (RNSIT), and has been a wonderful representative of the group, showing great team ethic and now our very own model of the merchandise! We are delighted that he has accepted our invitation to become part of our elite team of Champion Drum Majors.

Ben started out as a Drum Major at the age of 4 years old, however he did not start competing until the age of 10 years old. Ben has been in the prize list many times over, however, it is only in August 2025 that Ben competed in his first World Championships and was crowned World Juvenile Champion 2025. What a year of travel and accomplishment it has been for Ben, doing what he loves.

When asked how he felt when being offered a place in the elite team, Ben said “I’m incredibly grateful and honoured to be part of such an amazing team of Drum Majors. The team made me feel very welcome when I had the opportunity to perform with them at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in June 2025.  It was such a great experience and one that I will never forget, and I am looking forward to all the exciting opportunities ahead and more amazing moments to come under the inspiring leadership of Paula”.

The Force founder, Senior Drum Major Paula Braiden said “Its great to have Ben part of our elite team, from the very first moment his name was picked from our database for the RNSIT event, he came with excitement and enthusiasm, albeit shy on the first rehearsal. Ben oozed a willingness to showcase his best self and grew in confidence within our team. Our entire events team got to see the wonderful young man he is and so does the World now, with the wonderful opportunities that he will avail from. As a collective, we the team, welcome Ben, his drive, determination, humour and his inspiring talent to our ranks for 2026 and onwards.

Team work is everything within The Force, and as it continues to grow, we are delighted to see Ben form great friendships and share in the excitement of our 2026 calendar of events, which includes both local and international.

Visit our website to see our full list of Elite Team members.

www.theforce.events/meet-the-team

Such a privilege as always to participate and share in our community and culture!
Some great photos of our team in action! 👏🎶🤩

The whole team cannot thank you all enough for your unwavering and continued support!! #Grateful #Followers #Support #TheForce

From New York, and Edinburgh to Belfast – we love to be able to celebrate our passion and skill through our own little country. Thanks to the Ulster-Scots Agency for another terrific day!

Thanks as always for the invite for our lead, Paula to act as Senior Drum Major and give the commands to the salute to the chieftain Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly at the end of the parade! It’s such a lovely day to celebrate our culture, heritage and musical community.

Whist we had a few of our Elite team away getting spoilt to recognise their World Champion title wins – we were joined with some of The Force Minis and other Drum Majors who joined the parade from various bands/classes and were just a pleasure to parade alongside! 🤩

The last one did so well, we are now the Hosts of our very own!!

🎅Ho ho ho, craft enthusiasts and holiday helpers! After the smashing success of our craft stall last week, The Force, Display Team of Champion Drum Majors are back with this jolly Christmas Craft Fair – all as a heartfelt fundraiser to keep the rhythm marching strong! Join us for handmade treasures, yummy bakes & cakes, steaming tea/coffee, and music that’ll have you jingling all the way. 🎁🍪🎶🥁🧸

📅 Date: Saturday, 20th December
🕒 Time: 10am – 2pm
📍 Location: McKinney Hall, Tobermore
💰 Entry: Just £2

Expect 20-25 stalls packed with unique handmade crafts, perfect for snagging those one-of-a-kind gifts while soaking up the Christmas magic. Every penny raised helps fuel our passion for performance! ❄️❤️. There might even be a few guest surprises!!!! 🎶

#ChristmasCraftFair #TheForceFundraiser #HandmadeCrafts #Tobermore #ShopLocal #SupportYourCommunity #FestiveFundraising #ChristmasMarket

Bothy Tent Workshop

Paula hosted a Drum Major ‘Come and Try’ at Piping Live! and welcomed a great mixture of ages who wanted to learn more about the art. What a great initiative by Piping Live festival. Until the next one!

#DrumMajorWorkshop #PipingLive #TheForceAcademy

Over last week, Paula and Kathy attended the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as special guests of the Cast and Production Director on what was their special 75th celebratory year! What an evening, with a tour of the castle, meet and greet of performers and VIP’s, drinks reception and we enjoyed the Big Blow of the Massed Pipes and Drums….

#REMT #TheForce