Twelfth of July Parades Across Northern Ireland
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend parades throughout Northern Ireland as the annual Twelfth of July commemorations take place. The main parades will be held in 18 locations across all six counties, with villages, towns, and cities hosting their neighbouring lodge members in turn.
The event commemorates the Protestant King William III's victory over the Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in July 1690. This year, the Twelfth fell on a Sunday, which the Orange Order regards as a religious day of rest, so the principal parades are scheduled for Monday.
A parade was held in Lisburn in 2025
This day is the most significant in the Orange Order's marching calendar and marks the 336th anniversary of the battle. Crowds will gather along the streets of cities, towns, and villages across Northern Ireland to attend the Twelfth of July parades.
Members of local Orange lodges will be joined on parade by visiting lodges from Scotland and other regions. The main parade in Belfast is set to commence at 10:40 BST from Donegal Square West.
Parades will also take place in various locations including Maguiresbridge in County Fermanagh and Newtownhamilton in County Armagh.
The Augher, County Tyrone parade in 2025
Eleventh Night Bonfires
On the nights of Saturday and Sunday, hundreds of bonfires were lit to mark Eleventh Night, a tradition observed by many unionist communities on the eve of the Twelfth. These bonfires commemorate the actions of King William III's supporters in 1690, who lit fires across the countryside to welcome him and guide him to the battle site.
Most Eleventh Night bonfires occur without incident; however, some have generated controversy due to their height, location, or the inclusion of symbols considered offensive.
This year, the bonfire in Moygashel, County Tyrone, again caused controversy when an effigy of a mosque was burned on Thursday night.
A man died after falling from an unlit bonfire in east Belfast on Friday night. The bonfire organisers described the incident as a
"tragic accident".
Elsewhere, some bonfires have been contentious due to the display of provocative images and the burning of sensitive symbols such as national flags.
On Sunday, effigies of rap trio Kneecap were placed on a bonfire in Donegall Pass, south Belfast, alongside a Palestinian flag, a Celtic Football Club flag, and an Irish tri-colour.
Over the past four years, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has spent more than £1.4 million to protect and repair homes and property located near bonfire sites.
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