On 25 May 2025, the verdant expanse of Lister Park, Bradford buzzed with excitement as longtime members of NJr Drum & Lyre Corps reunited with seven enthusiastic new teens from the Yorkshire Filipino Group (YFG), hailing from Leeds. It was a beautiful merging of experience and youth—all convened in open-air rehearsal to prepare for their upcoming 2025 summer tour.
A Warm Welcome & Creative Collaboration
At the heart of the day stood Ms Nina Ricci Frontera Butor, one of NJr’s founding members, who graciously welcomed the newest recruits. These promising young musicians were facilitated by Creative Hearts United, a partnership established through Nina’s outreach to the organisation. This collaboration echoes last year’s similar rehearsal at the same venue, affirming the spirit of cultural unity and camaraderie.
Rehearsing in Harmony
Drum and lyre corps blend the rhythmical power of percussion (snare, bass, and sometimes cymbals) with the melodic charm of bell lyres, as well as vibrant colour guard or majorette displays. On this afternoon, that rich tradition came alive at Lister Park: the long-standing veterans expertly led rhythmic cadences, while the new-recruit teens practiced melodic sequences, creating a harmonious balance of beat and tune.
Youth, Heritage & Cultural Significant
Founded in 2010, in collaboration with the defunct British Filipino Association of Bradford, NJr aims to encourage Filipino youths in the community to connect with their Philippine heritage and culture which aligns with Creative Hearts United’s charitable objectives. Through drum and lyre music—a key element in Filipino festivals—we foster pride, identity, and community spirit among the youth.
Drum and lyre corps originated in the Philippines as a cost-effective alternative to brass bands or drum and bugle corps. These ensembles feature:
- Percussion instruments: snares, tenor & bass drums, cymbals—forming the rhythmic backbone.
- Bell lyre/glockenspiel section: tuned bells played in marching style for melody.
- Color guard and majorettes: visual performers who add movement, color, and flair. This style became widespread due to the affordability and availability of percussion instruments, and now serves as a cultural icon in Philippine festivals
Off to a Summer of Culture & Community
This rehearsal marked the first in a sequence gearing up to their summer performances:
- 7 June 2025 – Opening Rock on Yorkshire cultural parade at Ripon Racecourse, North Yorkshire, hosted by the Yorkshire Maharlika Filipino Club.
- 5 July 2025 – Showcasing at London Barrio Fiesta sa Hounslow West, held at Cranford Community College.
- 26 July 2025 – Making an appearance at Barrio Fiesta sa Cheshire East in Queen’s Park, Crewe, alongside the Cheshire East Filipino Community.
Their next prep session is scheduled for 1 June—only days before the tour begins.
A Partnership that Grows
NJr and YFG have built a strong, cooperative relationship since 2023, supporting each other across various cultural events. From summer rehearsals in public parks to dynamic festival performances, both groups have strengthened their mission to preserve and promote Filipino heritage across Yorkshire and beyond.
