Jim Shannon MP Welcomes Twelfth Success

Shannon says Twelfth success a credit to Orangemen

Strangford MP Jim Shannon MP has congratulated all those involved in making the Twelfth celebrations in the Ards area and beyond “a success”.

He said “As an Orangeman, a Unionist and as a resident of this wonderful area, this Twelfth was special for all the right reasons.

“The sun split the trees at the fun days where I watched children playing games, eating ice cream and playing along side their parents and their grandparents.

“I loved the sense of community at the events I attended and thank most sincerely all of those who were cooking burgers, serving ice cream and cold drink and facilitating the stuff that childhood memories are made of.

“From the fun days, to the bonfire celebrations and capped off with the glorious Twelfth… it was literally was Glorious,. so well done to the organisers of the Dundonald event which I attended – thank you for your hospitality!

“The pride I felt at marching with my brethren in an expression of a culture and heritage that I treasure and being supported by so many in the community is certainly an abiding memory for me.xa0

“From the youngest in the youth Orange, to our oldest members marching with dignity, this day is one to remember what made this nation the special place that it is.

“Under the banners, under the sashes, under the lively music, under the lambeg drum beat, under it all is a community who is thankful for the foundation that has been laid over hundreds of years and whose message still holds strong today. Religious freedom and liberty for all was the message and one which will continue to resonate for generations to come!: added Jim Shannon.

Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland Makes Statement Following Twelfth

The Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Most Wor. Bro. Edward Stevenson has hailed the Institution’s annual commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne as a “another momentous Twelfth with the largest crowds witnessed for a generation”.

Celebrations were held at 18 venues across Northern Ireland, where thousands of Lodge members were accompanied by several hundred bands in parades watched by huge crowds of spectators.

He said: “We have been blessed with a great day, and I trust that all those taking part or attending our events had an enjoyable time with their family and friends.

“I am delighted that we have again witnessed a huge level of support with a great many tourists and visitors from across the UK and further afield in attendance.

“Few events have the enduring attraction of the Twelfth. In this modern age, the scale of our annual celebrations remains a testament to the shared sense of community identity and cohesiveness of the Orange family.”

The Grand Master added: “I wish to personally thank all those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes for many months to ensure the Twelfth runs according to plan.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of those who work on the day to keep us safe including the PSNI and other emergency services.

“We should be rightly proud of this unique cultural tradition, and we look forward to joining together again next year to celebrate the 2026 Twelfth.”

Newtownards Orange Hall receives a new chair lift with funding secured by National Lottery

Jim Shannon MP has welcomed the funding received to ensure that the Orange Hall in Newtownards can install a stair lift.

He said: “I had met with the officers of the lodge to discuss a number of issues and one of them was the need for a stair lift for the Hall to make it more accessible for a wider range of people.

“James in my office has a real gift for securing funding sources and was able to help the lodge to create the successful application for the national lottery funding.

“The Orange Hall is used by the local community throughout the week and this will allow a greater use of the facilities which can only be a good thing for the Orange Order, but also for the local community.

It’s good to see funding coming into the area and making a difference.”