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Sun Shines on Twelfth of July Parades Across Northern Ireland

Bright sunshine accompanied the Twelfth of July parades across six counties in Northern Ireland, with thousands celebrating Protestant traditions and the Battle of the Boyne anniversary.

·3 min read
Two women smiling, in red dresses. They are holding red, white and blue Union Jacks and wearing union jack hats

Twelfth of July Celebrations Across Northern Ireland

The sun shone brightly as parades took place across six counties in Northern Ireland, drawing thousands of people who gathered to watch and participate in the annual Twelfth of July celebrations.

Crowds lined the routes at 18 different venues where parades were held throughout all six counties.

This year, the main parades are scheduled for 13 July since the Twelfth fell on a Sunday, a day regarded as a religious day of rest by the Orange Order.

Members of the Orange Order and marching bands commemorated the 336th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, which occurred in 1690.

The event also serves as a celebration of Protestant traditions and Ulster-Scots heritage.

Twelfth of July parades are being held across Northern Ireland, including in Belfast

A number of men are walking and holding flags. It is a sunny day and they are wearing white shirts and hats which have a white top and a black peak. There are crowds in the background.
Image caption, Twelfth of July parades are being held across Northern Ireland, including in Belfast

Background and Significance

The annual parades are organised by the Orange Order and commemorate the Battle of the Boyne, when Protestant King William III defeated Catholic King James II in 1690.

Members of the Orange Order marching. They are each dressed in grey trousers, black coats, white gloves and orange sashes. The have black top hats on. The sky is cloudless and blue.
Image caption, The annual parades are organised by the Orange Order. They celebrate the Battle of the Boyne, when Protestant King William III defeated Catholic King James II in 1690

Preparations and Participation

Bandsmen prepared for the Belfast parade at Clifton Street Orange Hall, ready to take part in the commemorations.

Bandsmen dressed in black with yellow and orange sashes inside Clifton Street Orange hall. On the right of the image one man can be seen holding a brown baton. Several of the men are wearing peaked caps.
Image caption, Bandsmen prepared for the Belfast parade at Clifton Street Orange Hall

Spectators gathered along the streets of Belfast to watch the procession.

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Two women with blond hair are holding up a pink fan that says Ulster girl. One is holding a baby. A crowd is behind them.
Image caption, Spectators lined the streets of Belfast

Thousands marched in cities, towns, and villages, including Limavady, showcasing widespread participation.

Members of a parade marching in Limavady. Rows of men and women dressed in blue and grey uniform, playing flutes whilst a banner of William III is on display.
Image caption, Thousands are marching in cities, towns and villages, including Limavady

As temperatures across Northern Ireland remained high, band members took measures to stay hydrated during the demanding marches.

A man in a white shirt drinking from a water bottle. He is wearing a black hat and white gloves and there is a crest featuring a red hand of Ulster symbol on the left breast of his shirt.
Image caption, Thirsty work: A band member hydrating as temperatures across Northern Ireland remain high

Supporters of all ages were present for the parade in Belfast, reflecting the event's broad community appeal.

A baby is wearing a hairband that says
Image caption, Supporters of all ages were out for the parade in Belfast

Nicole, Kelsey, and Ruth Bratten enjoyed the parade in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh, highlighting family involvement in the celebrations.

A woman is standing with two girls. One woman is wearing a pink dress, one child has an orange sash that says Ulster on it. Another girl is wearing a bands uniform with sunglasses on her head
Image caption, Nicole, Kelsey and Ruth Bratten enjoying the parade in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh

Newtonhamilton, County Armagh, was among the 18 venues hosting parades this year.

Group of men walking down the high street. They are in orange kilts, blue shirts and black vests. They are playing bagpipes and a banner is flying behind them.
Image caption, Newtonhamilton, County Armagh, was one of 18 venues for this year's parades

Gillian Brady and her children, Logan and Zara Bella, spent the day enjoying the festivities in Cookstown.

A woman with two children. Woman is wearing sunglasses, and smiling. The little boy has a white shirt and spider-man hat. The girl has a pink sundress and a cream sun hat.
Image caption, Gillian Brady and her children Logan and Zara Bella enjoying their day in Cookstown

Royal Hillsborough in County Down once again hosted Twelfth of July parades, continuing its tradition as a key location for the event.

A group of drummers walking on a road. They have a maroon top, navy trousers and a black hat with a black peak. They are playing the drums, with white gloves on and white sticks in their hands.
Image caption, Royal Hillsborough in County Down once again hosted Twelfth parades

Lambeg drums were prominently displayed during the parade in Larne, adding to the cultural atmosphere.

Men holding brown lambeg drums while walking in the parade. Wearing black trousers with light blue shirts, and a blue sash. One man is holding a Larne district orange flag.
Image caption, Lambeg drums were on display in Larne

Young people actively participated as the parade moved through Ballymena, demonstrating the event's engagement with younger generations.

Children and adults walking on a road. Two girls are wearing a red, blue and white dress. Another in an orange dress, and two children in white and pink floral dresses. Behind them there are children in blue shirts and black trouser uniforms.
Image caption, Young people took part as the parade moved through Ballymena

This article was sourced from bbc

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