Garvaghy Road in Portadown has returned to the centre of Northern Ireland’s political landscape in 2026, as a dispute over an Orange Order parade has reignited one of the most recognisable flashpoints of the Troubles.
The current Drumcree standoff began after the Parades Commission permitted a restricted Orange Order parade along the Garvaghy Road. Residents have opposed the proposed march, and thousands gathered on the road when the parade was due to take place. The standoff remains unresolved, at the time of publishing.
The Mary Wallopers performed for the community on the road, while members of Beoga also joined musicians there during the standoff. That detail became the starting point for this episode of The Last Mixed Tape.
In this video essay, I explore the history of Garvaghy Road and Drumcree through the lens of music and cultural memory from traditional Irish music to the contemporary work of artists such as The Mary Wallopers, Beoga, Lankum and Kneecap.
The Last Mixed Tape is hosted by Stephen White, and is also available on Spotifyand Apple Podcasts.
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