Belfast, Armagh and Newry will each host large Twelfth of July demonstrations as the Orange Institution returns to its traditional celebrations this year.
After two years of alternative celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 18 venues in Northern Ireland will be playing host to processions to mark the 332nd anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.
Thousands of Orangemen, women and juniors – accompanied by in the region of 600 marching bands – will step out at the various locations with much pageantry, colour and heritage on display.
Read more: GB News to broadcast Twelfth parades after BBC Northern Ireland axes live coverage
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland says preparations are at an advanced stage for the biggest day in the parading calendar, with upwards of an estimated half-a-million people expected to participate or spectate in what is widely regarded as one of the largest annual festivals in Europe.
Earlier this month GB News announced it will broadcast live coverage of the Twelfth of July parades in Northern Ireland.
The move by the television station came after BBC Northern Ireland faced a unionist backlash over axing its live coverage.
Former DUP leader Dame Arlene Foster is to lead commentary for the GB News broadcast of the events next month.
The traditional sight and sound of Lambeg drums will add to the festivities in Armagh, which will be featuring in the live television broadcast by GB News.
A large Scottish contingent is expected in Belfast, as the city hosts the longest Twelfth parade on the day, with participants walking over six miles to the field. The capital city and Ballymena are the only venues where Twelfth demonstrations occur annually.
Other sizeable parades will take place in Enniskillen (Fermanagh), Castlecaulfield (Tyrone), Limavady (Londonderry) and Newry (Down).
GOLI Grand Master, Edward Stevenson, has welcomed the return of the traditional parades.
“In 2020 and 2021 we found alternative ways to mark the Twelfth, firstly with a ‘Twelfth at Home’ and then a ‘Twelfth near Home’, which featured smaller, localised parades. While I commend everyone for participating in these initiatives, which were designed to combat the spread of Covid-19, I’m sure we will all be delighted to return to our traditional parades,” he said.
The Grand Master highlighted that the significance of Orange traditions will be underlined by the scale of the parades.
He said: “I do not believe there is any other event on these islands that can bring such vast numbers of people onto the streets to enjoy our processions, either by taking part or simply to watch them go by. It is a custom which has been maintained for over 200 years, passed through generations, and will continue to be upheld for many years to come.”
Mr Stevenson, who will be in attendance at the Bushmills demonstration, added: “We continue to welcome an increasing number of international visitors to our celebrations who are keen to experience first-hand the spectacle of the biggest day in the parading calendar.
“High calibre music provided by some of the finest marching bands will only add to the festival atmosphere. We look forward to another glorious Twelfth.”
The 18 demonstrations on Tuesday, 12th July will be held at: Glenarm, Ballymena, Bushmills, Antrim, Cullybackey, Magheragall, Armagh City, Belfast, Ballygowan, Greyabbey, Newry, Ballymartin, Enniskillen, Limavady, Tobermore, Castlecaulfield, Omagh and Aughnacloy.
The Twelfth demonstrations will follow the traditional Rossnowlagh parade held in the Republic of Ireland on the preceding weekend. This year the annual Donegal procession takes place on Saturday, 9th July.
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