Sunday, December 22, 2024

The Twelfth 2024: Full details of parades across Northern Ireland

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Bands and marchers will take to the streets at 19 locations across all six of Northern Ireland’s counties to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.

The Belfast Telegraph has compiled the main details of all events below.

BELFAST

Belfast’s main Twelfth of July parade route will continue along its usual 10-mile walk this year, despite reports that the Orange Order was considering to shorten it by six miles.

This was reported last year to be one of a number of suggestions made in a review commissioned by the Belfast County Grand Lodge after they were left disappointed by their 2022 parade.

However, there was said to be “overwhelming” support in favour of retaining the longer route.

This year’s march will leave Belfast Orange Hall, at Carlisle Circus, at 10am.

A wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Cenotaph in the grounds of the City Hall shortly before 10.30am and the parade will then proceed via Donegall Square West, Bedford Street, Dublin Road, Shaftsbury Square, Bradbury Place, Lisburn Road, Balmoral Avenue and Malone Road to the field at Barnett’s Demesne.

This year some 73 bands shall participate in the parade, and they will stretch the length and breadth of Northern Ireland as well as award winning marching bands from Scotland. This year taking part (Since 1969) in the parade will be the Pride of the Raven Flute Band from East Belfast, who won the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Community awards 2024, for Best Band, for their outstanding charity fund raising efforts over the years. A sum totalling almost £200,000. Most of the donations going to cross community charities.

The route from Carlisle Circus to Barnetts Demense is approximately 6 miles and this route is walked in return making it the longest Orange twelfth on the Twelfth of July.

The platform proceedings at Barnett’s Demesne will begin at 2.30pm and the chairman for the afternoon will be the County Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. Spencer Beattie.

The Chaplain’s address will be given by Wor. Bro. Rev. Ron Johnstone and the guest speaker this year shall be Wor. Bro. William Mawhinney PDM the past county grand secretary of Belfast.

The return parade is due to leave the field and proceed towards the city centre at 3.30pm.

Belfast Orangefest is also being reintroduced, bringing music, colour and pageantry, and other street attractions and events.

The timings for the Orangefest events will be from 9am to 2pm for the parade and entertainment with the shops opening from 1pm to 5pm and the evening parade expected back in the City Centre from approximately 5pm.

KILLYLEA, COUNTY ARMAGH

Killylea has been established as the largest Orange gathering in the world.

Eleven District Lodges will be on parade, with a total of 150 Private Lodges and almost 5,000 Brethren; in addition, ladies from the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland will take part, along with a number of Junior Boys and Junior Girls Lodges.

This demonstration can attract upwards of 40,000 spectators.

Almost 70 bands will accompany the Lodges.

Prior to making their way to the Assembly Field, the District Officers and County Grand Lodge Officers will place wreathes at the Memorial Plaque in the Lodge Room in memory of the brethren from the district murdered during the Troubles.

The Lodges of the host District will gather at the Assembly Field on the Armagh side of the village and when the first visiting Districts have arrived, the main parade will commence at approximately 10.15am, led by Tannagh Hill LOL 6 and their Flute Band.

Killylea District will be followed by Richhill, Newtownhamilton, Portadown and Lurgan Districts. Then Markethill, Armagh, Loughgall, Keady, Bessbrook and Tandragee Districts will parade as they arrive, and by 12.30pm, all Districts should be in the Demonstration Field on the Caledon side of the village.

The parade route is as follows: Assembly Field – Armagh Road – Main Street – Killylea Road – to the Demonstration Field.

There is car parking provided at Elm Park Road, Fellows Hall Road, in the Demonstration Field and at Kennedies Road, with parking for persons with a disability available in the Demonstration Field. Toilet facilities will be available in the centre of the village and in the Demonstration Field. First aid facilities will be provided along the parade route and in the Field.

In the field, all the usual stalls and food venders will be set up. There will be a number of activities for children and as always impromptu band and Lambeg Drum rehearsals.

BALLYMENA, COUNTY ANTRIM

Twenty-seven lodges and 15 accompanying bands and lambeg drums will take part in the annual Twelfth celebrations in Ballymena.

There will also be two Ladies Lodges and two Junior lodges on parade.

The town is the only location in Northern Ireland which has a Twelfth demonstration every year. Belfast City also hosts an annual Twelfth parade.

The parade will assemble at Meeting House Lane Car Park. At 12.30pm it will proceed to the demonstration field at community centre/playing fields Tullygarley via Meeting House Lane, Castle Street, Church Street, Wellington Street, Lower Mill Street, Galgorm Road, Waveney Road, Harryville Bridge, Queen Street, Toome Road, Tullygarley Road and Riverdale. Return Via Riverdale, Tullygarley Road, Toome Road and Queen Street. The parade should finish around 2.30pm.

In the field, the platform proceedings will begin at 3pm, with Guest Speakers Wor. Bro. Henry Dunbar (Scotland) and Wor. Bro. Herbie Mailey (New South Wales Australia). The Religious Service will be led by Wor. Bro. Rev. Ian McClean, Grand Chaplain.

Presentation of awards will be made for best band on parade, best turned-out lodge and best Lambeg drums.

The return parade will leave the field at 4.30pm.

CARRICKFERGUS, COUNTY ANTRIM

The Orange Standard has reported that the “iconic Co Antrim coastal town of Carrickfergus, with its castle and historic links to William III is among the venues for this year’s Twelfth of July celebrations”.

The parade will include 60 Lodges and around 40 bands with numerous Lambeg drummers, who will accompany up to 2,000 members in the lodges as they make their way around the town to the main Demonstration field at Woodburn Playing Fields.

Also taking part with be ladies and junior lodges from the East Antrim Combine area.

Ahead of the main parade, the host district and bands will leave the King William III Memorial Orange Hall at 10am, to make their way to the assembly point.

The parade will move off at 11am and follow a route which takes in Northland, North Road, St Bride’s Street, Albert Road, Lancasterian Street, Antrim Street, Joymount, Scotch Quarter, Taylor’s Avenue, Marine Highway, Belfast Road, Davy’s Street, Minorca Place, Ellis Street and Woodburn Road.

The main parade, which will be led by Whitehead Temperance LOL 968, will take about 1¼ hours to make its way to the field.

The Platform Proceedings will commence shortly after the last lodge arrives in the field and the Guest Speaker will be Mr Drew Hamill, of Victoria Evangelical Church. The band for the religious service will be CWA Silver Band.

The parade will leave the field at 4pm, making its way out of Woodburn Playing Fields, and going through Woodburn Road, Ellis Street, Minorca Place, Davys Street, Belfast Road, Marine Highway, Joymount Link, Joymount, Antrim Street, Lancastarian Street, Carrickfergus District [stop at Orange Hall], Albert Road, St Brides Street, and North Road to Prince Andrew Way.

This year, the Carrickfergus District Lodge will be erecting a new arch on Joymount Link Road.

Historical re-enactors are expected taking part and with children’s entertainment available in the Marine Gardens.

CLOUGHMILLS, COUNTY ANTRIM

The annual North Antrim Demonstration this year will be hosted by Cloughmills District LOL No.14 in the village of Cloughmills.

The other North Antrim Districts of Ballymoney, Bushmills, Ballycastle and Rasharkin will join with their Cloughmills Brethren to commemorate the 334th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.

The 43 lodges on parade will be accompanied by 29 bands. Lambegs are also a feature at this demonstration.

The main parade will get underway at 1pm taking a route from the assembly field at Drumadoon Road, along Main Street to the demonstration field on Ballycreagh Road.

The parade will be led by Duneaney LOL1025 accompanied by Duneaney Accordion Band.

In the field, the platform proceedings will begin at 2.30pm. The Religious service conducted by Bro. Robert Edwards with music provided by Duneaney Accordian Band. The Guest speaker will Wor. Bro. Maurice Kirkwood, County Antrim Grand Master.

The return parade will get underway at 4pm following the same route back to Drumadoon Road.

AHOGHILL, COUNTY ANTRIM

Sixteen lodges will take part in the ‘Triangle’ Twelfth of July parade which will be held this year in Ahoghill

A total of 16 lodges will come from the Districts of Portglenone, Ahoghill and Cullybackey to take part, with nine bands and seven sets of Lambeg Drums with fifes adding to the spectacle.

The main parade will move off at 12.30pm from Killane Road following a route via Galgorm Road, Ballymena Road, Main Street, The Diamond, Church Street, (Return down Church Street), The Diamond, Cullybackey Road, Cullybackey Road Link, to the demonstration field at the Ahoghill Community Centre.

The Platform will commence as soon as the last lodge has entered the field. Up first will be a variety of music, incorporating the Ulster Scots tradition. This will be followed by the traditional religious service where the main speaker will be Bro. Joseph Kennoway from the Belfast City Mission based at Ballybeen.

The Lambeg Drumming Tattoo will follow the platform and involve all the Lambeg Drums and fifes that were on Parade.

The return parade will get underway at 3.50pm.

BROUGHSHANE, COUNTY ANTRIM

The Braid Twelfth of July will be held in Broughshane for the second year in a row. This time it is the turn of Buckna LOL 489 to host the celebrations.

The parade, which will feature two sets of Lambeg Drums and nine bands, will start at Beechvale, Broughshane at noon.

It will make its way down Raceview Road and Main Street to the Carnlough Road, where it will turn back and return along Main Street before turning onto Knockan Road to the Community Centre, which provides the demonstration field.

The formal platform proceedings will start at around 2.30pm.

The speakers on the day will be Bro. Tom Elliott UUP MLA and the religious service will be led by Bro. Rev. David Bissett, Deputy County Grand Chaplain.

There will be food, refreshments and entertainment for children in the field.

Following the platform proceedings, the parade will reform at 4pm to return to Beechvale.

GILFORD, COUNTY DOWN

The village of Gilford will play host to one of the larger gatherings on the Twelfth of July.

It is anticipated that there will be around 10,000 attendees on the day to watch over 60 Lodges and bands from South West Down. The districts on parade with be Gilford, Banbridge, Bann Valley, Lower Iveagh, Rathfriland, Lower Iveagh West, Loughbrickland and Newry.

Taking pride of place at the head of the parade is Gilford District LOL No. 13, accompanied by Blackskull Orange and Blue Flute band.

The parade will gather in the assembly field at the junction of Plantation Road/Moyallan Road and at noon will follow a route along High Street, Dunbarton Street, The Square, Mill Street, Bridge Street, Wall Road to the demonstration field on the Scarva Road.

Platform proceedings will take place in the demonstration field where the main speaker will be Wor. Bro. I Ward, County Down Grand Secretary.

The praise will be accompanied by Commons Silver Band.

The proceedings will conclude at approximately 3.30pm when the South West Down Area Conference Standard will be passed to the Standard Bearer of Lower Iveagh, who will host the Twelfth celebrations in 2025.

A representative of the Conference will present prizes for ‘Best Turned-Out Combination of Lodge and Band’, ‘Best Turned Out Combination of Lodge and Lambeg Drum’ and ‘Best Turned Out Junior Lodge’.

The return parade will start at 4pm.

Gilford District is proposing to hold a number of events in the build-up to the Twelfth. These events include a Lecture on Lambeg Drums, a Table Quiz and a Concert with Blackskull Flute Band.

NEWTOWNARDS, COUNTY DOWN

The market town of Newtownards will be the venue for the Twelfth celebrations in North Down.

The Brethren from Newtownards District LOL No. 4 will welcome the Districts from Bangor, Upper Ards and Holywood.

More than 40 lodges and 30 bands will be on parade, with a selection of flute, accordion and pipe bands taking part.

They will be joined by lodges from the Ladies Association and Juniors.

Brethren from Newtownards district, comprising of 12 lodges along with two ladies lodges, a junior girls lodge and nine bands, will leave Mary Street Orange Hall at 11am to parade to the assembly field at Londonderry park where visiting brethren from Bangor, Holywood and Upper Ards districts will be assembled.

The platform service will begin at noon with a short religious service and speech from guest speaker Wor. Bro. Jim Shannon MP, who is the Worshipful Master of the House of Commons Orange Lodge.

The main parade will commence at 1pm and will consist of over 30 bands and 1,000 Orangemen and women.

The parade will follow the one-way system round the town centre and back to Londonderry Park where there will be entertainment on the stage with both Irish and Scottish dancers. A re-enactment group will also entertain crowds in the field during the day.

The return parade will then commence at 4.30pm.

BALLYNAHINCH, COUNTY DOWN

Ballynahinch is the venue for this year’s Mid-Down Twelfth.

The Brethren of Ballynahinch District LOL No. 17 will welcome their peers from Saintfield, Lecale, Comber and Castlewellan districts. It is anticipated more than 1,000 Brethren from 60 lodges will take part, accompanied by around 40 bands.

The main parade will leave from the Belfast Road, outside The High School Ballynahinch, at noon, with the hosts leading the way.

The parade route is Belfast Road, Main Street, High Street, Church Street, Church Road, Spa Road to the Demonstration field Woodlodge Park. The parade will pause briefly at the Arch and cover road with water from the Boyne River.

Platform proceedings will commence at 2.15pm with guest speakers and a religious service being conducted by Wor. Bro. Victor Neill.

There will be a range of entertainment including Highland dancers, and Lambeg drummers as parade enters demonstration field. The usual catering village with various stalls and children’s entertainment, such as rides, inflatables, face painting and more, will cater for everyone’s needs.

The return parade will start leaving Demonstration field from 4pm.

In the lead up to this year’s Twelfth, it is hoped to have local businesses get involved by way of having a competition for best dressed window display. The hosts are also having an exhibition and talk to be held in Ballynahinch Orange Hall with a historic talk being presented on Wednesday 10th July and exhibition of regalia and historic events on both 10th and 11th July.

ANNALONG, COUNTY DOWN

More than 1,100 Orangemen from Mourne District will partake in one of the most scenic Twelfth parades in Northern Ireland.

The Co Down seaside village of Annalong, with its backdrop of the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea, will host the Twelfth demonstration for the first time since 2017.

The Mourne Twelfth Demonstration is a family event with the Lodges spanning the entire Kingdom of Mourne from the Silent Valley at foot of the Mournes to Cranfield overlooking the mouth of Carlingford Lough to Annalong.

It is anticipated that more than 1,700 Orangemen, juniors and bandsmen and women will take part in this year’s parade, cheered on by a crowd of more than 3,000 people.

14 of the 15 lodges will be accompanied by their own bands, adding to the special family atmosphere on the day. Among them will be some of the largest individual private lodges, with Ballyvea LOL 343a boasting 163 members and Kilkeel True Blues LOL 1034 with 108 members.

This year Glenloughan Loyal Sons of Ulster LOL 1914 will be parading with their new banner.

As is tradition, Kilkeel lodges will leave Kilkeel Orange Hall at 10.45am and walk the five-mile route to Annalong. They will meet their fellow brethren at the Grove Road, before the entire District parades through Annalong to the demonstration field. In the village, the procession will walk along the Shore Road, only a few yards from the sea.

Following lodge picnics, the religious service is due to commence at 2.15pm. The guest speaker will be Rev Campbell Mulvenny minister of Dervock Presbyterian Church.

The district will start their homeward parade at 3.30pm.

The Kilkeel and country Lodges return to Kilkeel where they will parade through the town before finishing at Kilkeel Orange Hall.

IRVINESTOWN, COUNTY FERMANAGH

The County Fermanagh Twelfth of July demonstration will take place in Irvinestown this year.

The Fermanagh parade traditionally encompasses the entire county with Brethren taking part from Newtownbutler, Lisbellaw, Brookeborough, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen, Ballinamallard, Kinawley, Glenawley, Lisnarick, Pettigo, Magheraboy, Church Hill, Maguiresbridge, Garrison and Tempo districts.

The Sisters of Women’s Districts 1, 2 and 3, Junior Lodges from South Fermanagh, Brookeborough, Maguiresbridge, Ballinamallard and South Fermanagh Junior Girls Lodge will also be on parade.

New junior lodges from Derrygonnelly and Tempo and the girls junior lodge will be on parade for the first time.

Irvinestown also plays host to visiting lodges from the Republic of Ireland, representing Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan and their bands.

Southern Brethren – who traditionally take pride of place at the front of the main parade – will join with 90 private lodges, members of the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland and approximately 60 bands in one of the larger demonstrations across the province.

The parade will assemble in the walled garden at Castle Irvine estate and then proceed from Necarne Castle through the Necarne estate, Castle Street, Irvinestown main street, A35 Kesh Road to the demonstration field at Moneykee. The parade will return via the same route.

Leading the way this year will be Tempo District LOL No. 16 accompanied by Tempo Silver Band as the parade gets underway at noon and will arrive at the demonstration field at 1.30pm.

The main proceedings will commence at 2.30pm, where the Guest Speaker will be Wor. Bro. Norman Henry, District Master of Ballinra District LOL No. 1 from County Donegal.

Music for the platform proceedings will be provided by Tempo Silver Band.

Attending the event will be many members of the Imperial Grand Orange Lodge which is meeting in County Fermanagh this year.

There will also be entertainment for children on the day, with musical entertainment on the Main Street.

Return parade will get underway at 3pm, finishing at approximately 4.30pm.

Ahead of the Twelfth there will be a number of events taking place.

A Mini twelfth will be on 3rd July in Brookeborough, an Arch dedication and band parade will be held in Kesh on 5th July and an 11th night parade will be held in Enniskillen.

There are a number of lodges and bands celebrating significant milestone events this year.

Drumharvey Pipe Band is celebrating its 90-year anniversary, Ardess Accordian Band is marking its 60-year anniversary, while Tedd LOL 355 and Glasmullagh LOL 446 will both proudly be parading behind new banners.

LONDONDERRY

The City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge will welcome eight Districts made up of 57 Private Lodges, accompanied by 36 bands to the city for the Twelfth Celebrations.

The Route to the field will be Glendermott Road, Clooney Terrace, Spencer Road, Craigavon Bridge, Carlisle Road, Ferryquay Street, The Diamond (Anti-Clockwise), Bishop Street, London Street, Hawkin Street, Kennedy Place, Kennedy Street, Wapping Lane, Craigavon Bridge, Spencer Road, Clooney Terrace, Glendermott Road, May Street, Limavady Road to the field at Wilton Park (next to Brigade Cricket Club).

The main parade will depart from Glendermott Road (end of Bonds Street) at 11.30am. It is expected the entire parade will have arrived in Wilton Park for 2pm.

It is expected there will be representatives from the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, the Ladies Association of Scotland (Most Wor. Grand Mistress), the Grand Orange Lodge of Canada and the Grand Orange Lodge of Australia parading at the head of the parade alongside the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge and County Officers.

The Ladies Association will be well represented in Londonderry with Ladies Lodges based in Londonderry, St Johnston, Limavady and Coleraine all taking part.

The Junior Associations will also be represented at the parade, with Lodges based in Claudy and Manorcunningham all taking part in the parade.

The Platform Proceedings, which will be relatively short compared to previous years, will commence in the field at Wilton Park at 2.15pm.

Whilst the visiting Districts of Coleraine, Limavady and Macosquin will take part in the platform proceedings, there will be no guest speakers or political speeches from the platform.

The City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge will have a local farm “Kidz Farm” in the field with a selection of animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, chickens, snake, bearded dragon, hedgehog, rats, tortoise, tarantula, lamb, goat and an alpaca.

In addition, there will be a selection of inflatables, inflatable obstacle course and putt and play golf all in the field. All this entertainment will be fully supervised and be fully funded by the City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge and will be available free of charge to all children in the field.

The return parade will depart from Wilton Park at 3.45pm.

The parade route will initially be Limavady Road, May Street and Bonds Street. Visiting Districts will then make their way to their buses on the Glendermott Road for onwards travel to their respective areas.

MONEYMORE, COUNTY LONDONDERRY

The South Londonderry Twelfth of July demonstration will be held in Moneymore.

Taking in seven surrounding Districts – Ballyronan, Castledawson, Garvagh, Kilrea, Maghrafelt, Tamlaght O’Crilly, Tobermore and the host District Moneymore.

Almost 50 bands and lodges are due to take part in the parade.

One Ladies’ lodge and a number of Junior lodges will also be participating.

All District Lodges will assemble on the Desertmartin Road from 10.30am in a field opposite the junction with the Tulnagee Road and will move off in district order to the Demonstration Field on the Moneyhaw Road.

Moneymore District Lodge will lead the parade with the route being Desertmartin Road, station Road, Lawford Street, High Street, Stonard Street, Bridger Street, Moneyhaw Road.

All lodges are to be in the Demonstration Field by 1pm as the Religious Service will commence at 2pm Sharp.

The procession will depart the Demonstration Field at 3.30pm via Moneyhaw Road, Bridger Street, Stonard Street, High Street, Smith Street and Magherafelt Road to the buses parked on the hard shoulders.

The procession will be led by Kilrea District LOL No. 5 then Tamlaght O’Crilly District LOL No. 9, Garvagh District LOL No. 4, Tobermore District LOL No. 11, Castledawson District LOL No. 1, Magherafelt District LOL No. 3, Ballyronan District LOL No. 7 and Moneymore District LOL No. 10.

Moneymore District Lodge will parade Northland Drive, Northland Road, Lawford Street, High Street, Stonard Street or Conyngham Street to disperse.

A tattoo has been organised for Tuesday 9th July at 7.30pm in the grounds of Moneymore Recreation Centre involving all the bands in the district, highland dancers and the Force (drum-major team).

BENBURB, COUNTY TYRONE

The village of Benburb will play host to the Twelfth of July celebrations this year.

In total, seven Districts from the Mid Ulster/South Tyrone area will parade with 65 lodges and approximately 45 bands.

The districts on parade are Killyman, Stewartstown, Cookstown, Coagh, Pomeroy, Castlecaulfield and the hosts, Benburb.

They will be joined by the Ladies District which has five lodges. Five Junior lodges will also take part including one of the newest district lodges – Coagh.

The main parade will get underway at 12.30pm, leaving the assembly field at Drumgoose Road onto the Derryfubble Road and following a route along Main Street out of the village, through the Moyard Crossroads to the field.

The Platform proceedings will get underway at 2.30pm, with Deputy Grand Master Bro. Harold Henning, Grand Master Royal Arch Purple Chapter or Ireland; Bro. Robin Kyle, Grand Chaplin Rev. David Reid and Grand Mistress Sister Joan Beggs taking part.

Greystone Silver Band will provide music of the hymns during the service.

The return parade will begin at approximately 3.35pm.

NEWTOWNSTEWART, COUNTY TYRONE

The West Tyrone demonstration will take place in Newtownstewart, hosted by Newtownstewart District No. 9.

The demonstration takes in the six Districts that cover North and West Tyrone – Strabane, Killen, Newtownstewart, Omagh, Fintona and Sixmilecross – a total of 58 lodges and around forty accompanying bands.

The main parade will start at 12.30pm and cover a route from Baronscourt Road (Assembly field), Strabane Road, Millbrook Lane, Mourne Park, Millbrook Lane, Oldcastle Road, Dublin Street, Main Street, Castle Brae, Old Douglas Road, to Castle Brae and the Demonstration field.

The platform proceedings will start at 3pm.

The return leg of the parade will commence at 4pm.

Some milestones being marked on the day will be LOL 850 from Omagh District will be 200 years old, while both the Omagh District Junior Boys Lodge and the Castlederg “Sisters of Elizabeth” Junior Girls Lodge will be out on parade for their very first Twelfth.

In the fortnight leading up to the Twelfth the District will be hosting events in some of the rural Lodges around the District.

BALLYGAWLEY, COUNTY TYRONE

The Clogher Valley Demonstration will be hosted this year by Annahoe District LOL No. 6.

The venue is Ballygawley with the parade, which includes 22 Lodges and bands from Fivemiletown and Annahoe Districts, set to move off at 12.30pm.

Joining the brethren on parade will be the County Grand Master of Tyrone, Wor. Bro. Robert Abernethy.

There will be a representation of Brethren from County Monaghan, particularly from Truagh District, with a number of ladies from the WLOL will be on parade.

A good selection of top-quality bands, such as Murley Silver, who are former grade 1 champions, Roughan silver, who have won grade 2 on multiple occasions, along with a range of pipe, flute and accordion bands will also be on parade.

The Demonstration will be in the district’s newly acquired field close to Ballygawley Roundabout.

Fivemiletown District headed by Murley Silver Band will lead off at 12.30pm.

The assembly point will be at Church Street, (close to the local Presbyterian church) and the parade will proceed through the village of Ballygawley, Old Dungannon Road and to the Demonstration field on Omagh Road, close to Ballygawley Roundabout.

Platform proceedings are scheduled to commence at 2pm when Wor. District Master Bro. Jim Patton will welcome everyone to the Clogher Valley Twelfth of July celebrations in Ballygawley.

Guest speaker on the platform will be Wor. Bro. Rev. Canon Robert Boyd.

In the run up to the Twelfth there will be a number of events including the popular 11th night celebrations held at the 3G pitch at Roughan Orange Hall. This includes a packed programme of music, sporting activities, a BBQ and bonfire.

There are a number of street music festivals and most lodges in Annahoe have an Orange service and parade

Many of the brethren will travel to the Republic of Ireland celebrations in Rossnowlagh on Saturday 6th July.

Annahoe District Orange Service will be held on Sunday 7th July 7.30pm to Aughnacloy Free Presbyterian Church.

DERRIAGHY, COUNTY ANTRIM

South Antrim Combine Twelfth celebrations will be hosted by Derriaghy District LOL No. 11 in Derriaghy and Dunmurry.

Upwards of 2,000 Orangemen and Women, accompanied by around 20 bands will take part. Districts on parade are Derriaghy, Lisburn, Royal Hillsborough, Aghalee, Glenavy, Magheragall, and Ballinderry.

The main parade will get underway at 11.30am and is expected to be completed by 12:30pm. The lodge’s leading the parade will be Dunmurry True Blues LOL 1046 and Wilson Memorial LOL 14 from Ardrossan, Scotland accompanied by Dunmurry Protestant Boys Flute band.

The parade will begin from the assembly field which is Killeaton Open Space (facing Derriaghy Cricket club) and proceed along Queensway and onto Kingsway leading into Dunmurry. Upon reaching the crossroads the parade will turn right onto Dunmurry Lane before turning right again onto the Glenburn Road for a short distance where we will arrive at Jubilee/Fullerton Park which is the main demonstration field.

Many brethren visiting from Scotland will attend but most prominent are Wilson Memorial LOL 14 from Ardrossan, Ayrshire, accompanied by the Worthy District Master of Stevenson Orange and Purple District No. 9 Worthy Bro. Andy Kirk, who will be taking part in the platform proceedings.

At the field there will be family entertainment with a religious service and speeches taking place at the platform.

The “Cairns Culbert Memorial Cup” will be awarded, during the platform proceedings, to the best presented lodge in the South Antrim Combine parade.

Platform proceedings will begin at 2pm lead by Wor. Bro Rev. David McCarthy, District Chaplain of Derriaghy District No.11, with guest speaker Wor. Bro. Rev. Mervyn Gibson Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

Senior representatives from County Antrim Grand Orange Lodge, Scotland and local districts will be reading the resolutions.

Food vendors will be available in the assembly field and the demonstration field. Stalls will be limited to the main field.

The return parade will get underway at 4pm.

Dunmurry True Blues LOL 1046 unfurling of new bannerette on 20th June 2024 depicting the lodge’s Roll of Honour.

News Catch Up: Tuesday 25th June 2024

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