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BBC News NI reporter Rebekah Wilson covers the festive atmosphere in Northern Ireland as crowds gather in cities, towns, and villages to attend the Twelfth of July parades. These yearly marches by thousands of Orange Order members commemorate the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 and honor Protestant traditions and Ulster-Scots heritage. Local Orange lodges are joined by visiting lodges from Scotland and beyond, adding to the vibrant display.
One of the main parades kicked off from the Orange hall at Clifton Street in north Belfast, with similar events also taking place in Kesh, Coleraine, Dromara, Augher, and Keady. Ministers Fleur Anderson and Deputy First Minister Emma-Little Pengelly are participating in the celebrations in Keady, adding to the diverse attendance at various parades across the country. The gathering of Orange lodges, accompanied by marching bands and swarms of spectators in colorful attire, enhances the festive spirit of the occasion.
As part of the commemorations marking the 335th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, spectators in Coleraine, such as Terence and Mildred McAle with their dog Alfie, enjoy the day in the sun, reveling in the bands and spectacle of the parade. The day’s events build up to the return parade on Sunday, following a successful small feeder parade passing through Ardoyne shops in north Belfast. The Twelfth of July celebrations bring together communities and families, echoing the historical significance of King William III’s victory over King James II.
Leading up to the Twelfth of July parades, bonfires were lit on Eleventh Night in various unionist communities, continuing the tradition of welcoming King William III. While most bonfires pass without issue, controversies may arise due to location, height, or symbols deemed offensive. The festivities culminate in a grand display of cultural pride and historical remembrance, drawing thousands of participants and spectators from all walks of life to join in the celebration of Northern Ireland’s rich heritage
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