The modest role of the community band continued until 1931 when a few of the younger members, keen to engage in competitve playing, decided that the band should join the North of Ireland Bands Association. (It should be noted that the band's continued membership of the NIBA makes it one of the most senior and respected flute bands within the association

The band was readily accepted into the N.I.B.A. and at the same time a new conductor, Robert Meharg, was appointed. Under his tutelage Ballyclare Victoria scored minor successes in the Junior Second Grade and First Grade Flute Sections at the N.I.B.A. contests. Throughout the next few years the band's ambition continued to grow and eventually they progressed into the higher grades of competition within the N.I.B.A. and the F.B.L. (Flute Band League).

After three relatively unsuccessful years in the Intermediate Section under the baton of Harry Gillespie, Ballyclare Victoria finally progressed to the Senior Flute or Championship Section in 1950. Perhaps it should also be noted that during their time spent in the Intermediate Section a fierce rivalry existed with the neighbouring band from the village of Ballyeaston. Indeed in those days it was the village band that reigned supreme, winning the Intermediate Championship consecutively from 1947-1949. Many of the current senior members would agree that the fierce rivalry experienced at that time helped establish the competitive spirit that still exists in the band today.

Throughout the 1950's and 60's Ravenhill, Ulster Amateurs, Argyle and 39th Old Boys, all Belfast bands, scored various successes. Ravenhill won the Championship Section, by now recognised as World Championship status, no fewer than nine consecutive times, from 1949 to 1957. This was a record that in most people’s minds no band would or could ever equal, never mind break.

The 1960’s was a period that was not dominated by any band in particular, except it was then that Ballyclare's growing presence began to be noticed. In 1960 the band won their first World Championship, under the guidance of Billy Harris, a feat again repeated in 1964. Apart from Billy Harris, the men who probably were most instrumental in helping the band achieve these notable successes were James Beggs and their charismatic Solo G Treble player Arthur Fleming.

James Beggs affectionately known as Beggs, although not a founding member of the band, had joined in the early years. The band was his abiding passion and he was a model bandsman throughout his 60 plus years of devoted membership. He taught most of the younger members and instilled into each learner an enthusiasm and competitive spirit, which still exists today.

In 1967 Arthur Fleming replaced Billy Harris as conductor and this marked the beginning of the band’s most successful period. From 1971 to 1990, a period of 20 years Ballyclare's record is 16 outright World Championship victories, as well as being runners up on the other four occasions. This includes 10 consecutive successes from 1975 to 1984. Ravenhill's record was no more. During this period the band also scored many other successes in the Flute Band League Own Choice Contest and the Scottish Amateur Flute Band Association Scottish Open Contest.

In 1989 after a long and distinguished career conducting the band Arthur Fleming retired and was replaced by the band’s very talented Solo C player Colin Irvine. Colin took up the challenge and after a period of reconstruction, in 1995 he became the youngest conductor ever to win the coveted World Championship title. Unfortunately, due to work commitments Colin was compelled to step down shortly after this success. He is now a professional musician and both tutors and performs to great acclaim. He has remained a member of the band and continues to play as often as his work commitments permit.

In 1997 David Heaney, another former member, succeeded Colin as conductor of the band and continued to lead the band through the next 4 years. It should also be noted that David has another very important talent, that of musical arranger, which he has actively been doing as past 30 years. Throughout this time David's arrangements have been performed by the band in many of their competition victories and his arrangements have often been selected by the N.I.B.A. as test pieces for the prestigious World Championship. His ability to cover the entire spectrum of music such as sacred, gospel, classical, contemporary and of course pop has added quite a dimension to the bands overall performance and has shaped their unmistakable identity as musical ambassadors for the town.

In 2001 the band appointed a new conductor, Colin Fleming son of our legendary conductor Arthur Fleming. Colin, currently principal flautist with the well-known Ulster Orchestra began playing the flute as a learner with James Beggs and went on to play Solo G Treble in the band, before continuing with his musical education in England and Germany. Colin’s experience and knowledge was to take effect immediately and in 2001 the band once again won the prestigious World Championship. This was followed by victory in the 2002 Flute Band League Own Choice Contest.

At the beginning of 2003 the band was to take the historic step of appointing it’s first female conductor, Carolyn Watson. Carolyn’s enthusiasm and commitment has ensured the band’s successful start to the new millennium has continued. During 2003 the band again won the World Championship (for the 21st time), the Scottish Open and Portrush Masters Contests as well as finishing runners up in the Flute Band League Own Choice Contest. Throughout 2004, the band has maintained it’s position as the worlds premier flute band once again winning the Portrush Masters contest as well as retaining the World Championship at the recent N.I.B.A. Contest.

With its humble beginnings as a community band, Ballyclare Victoria still retains this role within the town. Throughout its existence the band has drawn its membership from all walks of life within the local community. The band has always given priority to providing a musical education to the young people of the area and it is gratifying to note that young people currently make up the largest single group of members.

Without the tangible support of the people of Ballyclare and surrounding district the band could not exist. It has always been with great pride that Ballyclare Victoria has acted as cultural ambassadors for the town and the Borough of Newtownabbey. Now as we look to the future, the challenges facing the band are both demanding and exciting as Ballyclare Victoria continue to make their distinctive form of music. However the memories and achievements of the past must never be forgotten, but cherished and fondly remembered with distinction and pride.

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