Twelfth of July: Parades taking place across Northern Ireland
Last updated 12th Jul 2022
The traditional Twelfth of July parades are under way.
This year sees the first full day of celebrations since the covid pandemic struck in 2020.
Hundreds of parades are being held right across Northern Ireland - with tens of thousands of Orange Order and bands members taking part.
In Belfast, the Orange Order's County Grand Master, Spencer Beattie, said around 10,000 order members and bandsmen and women will take part in the capital.
"In 2020, we were cancelled because of Covid, so this is the first time back on the street in our full parade," he told the PA news agency.
"We've had various smaller parades over the last couple of years reduced down because of Covid, but it's great to be back in full swing again. Hopefully, the day will be a celebration for everybody getting back out on to the street and enjoying the day."
The Belfast parade (main picture) is one of the longer routes, passing through the city from Clifton Street, laying a wreath at the cenotaph at City Hall, and progressing on to the demonstration field at Barnett Demesne.
"It's just great to get everyone back out again. You'll have noticed from the number of bonfires that were about last night that everybody is coming back into the spirit of the Twelfth of July again," Mr Beattie said.
"It's immeasurable how many spectators you have at the side of the road; that's where you see the tourist part of it, in the city centre.
"People are just happy to be getting back into a traditional Twelfth of July. We understood the reasons why we had to reduce the size of the parade - we had to keep people at home in 2020 - last year we reduced and spread about the city to reduce the crowds.
"But now we have got the full parade back on the road, people are out with smiles and enjoying themselves."
Other parades being held include one in Newry (below) where Grand Secretary, the Rev Mervyn Gibson is attending and Limavady.
Pics from today's parades👇
Annual Orange Order Twelfth of July parades take place in Belfast.
Thousands of people are marching at 18 locations across Northern Ireland.
Bands and Orange men form up at Carlisle Circus in north Belfast for the main Belfast.
Orange Men hold a service of remembrance a the Cenotaph in Belfast City Centre.
William Graham at the annual Twelfth of July celebrations in Bushmills, County Antrim.
Louise McAllister and Trisha Callaghan in Bushmills, County Antrim.
Wesley, Robert, Kathryn, Zara Kane at the Twelfth celebrations in Bushmills, County Antrim.
Marshall and Abigail Tannahill at the Twelfth celebrations in Bushmills.
Lamber drummers from Bellaghy at the annual Twelfth of July celebrations in Bushmills.
Ian Paisley MP at the Twelfth of July celebrations in Bushmills, County Antrim.
Two Old Bushmills Distillery barrels full of Boyne water uncorked on Main Street are uncorked by the Grand Master Edward Stevenson at the annual Twelfth of July celebrations in Bushmills, County Antrim.
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