The Twelfth countdown is on and the weather is looking hot and dry for a bumper turnout
The Orange Order is set for another major momentous day on this coming 13th July 2026 when bands, lodges, and spectators pack some of the streets of provincial towns and villages around Northern Ireland.
Preparations are at an advanced stage for the biggest day in the Orange parading calendar, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to participate or spectate in what is rightly regarded as one of the largest annual festivals in Europe commemorating the 336th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.
This year, the Twelfth falls on a Sunday, and as a result, the parades will be held on Monday, 13th July.
Thousands of Orangemen, women and juniors from over 1000 Lodges – accompanied by approximately 600 marching Bands of all genres will be on parade at the various locations and will provide a unique display of pageantry, colour and heritage.
The County Armagh demonstration, which will be held in the village of Newtownhamilton this year, is firmly established as the single largest Orange gathering in the world.
Belfast hosts the longest Twelfth parade route of the day, with participants walking over 6 miles to the field. As always, a large contingent of Scottish visitors will travel to take part in the Belfast parade.
The capital city and Ballymena are the only two venues where Twelfth demonstrations occur every year around Northern Ireland including at
Other sizeable parades will take place across Northern Ireland, including Rathfriland (County Down).
In his first year in office, Grand Master, Most Wor. Bro. Harold Henning has once again put in focus the significance of Orange culture and traditions, which is underlined by the scale of the parades.
He said: “The tradition of Orange parades stretch back 230 years, and the Twelfth continues to draw huge attendances of both participants and spectators. The parades are a vibrant public expression of our identity, culture and heritage and that tradition is one which is held dear by a great many people in our community.
“The colour and pageantry on show on the Twelfth has increasingly been proven to be an attraction to visitors to Northern Ireland seeking an authentic cultural and heritage experience. The hundreds of bands on display include some of the very best marching flute, pipe, brass and accordion Bands in the world.
“The iconic traditional sound of the Lambeg drum is another unique aspect of the Twelfth, and one which we are glad to see flourishing with a new generation of fifers and drummers.”
The County Down demonstrations on Monday, 13th July 2026, will be held in: Rathfriland, Killyleagh, Royal Hillsborough, Ballymartin, and Ballywalter (Co. Down).
RATHFRILAND
Approximately 15,000 spectators and participants are expected to attend the Twelfth in
Rathfriland this year. Guests will include the new Grand Master, Most Wor. Bro. Harold Henning and Past Grand Mistress of Scotland, Sister Margaret Blakely.
The members of Rathfriland District LOL No.3 will be joined by Brethren, Sisters and Juniors from Lower Iveagh West, Newry, Loughbrickland, Gilford, Banbridge and Lower Iveagh District. The parade will include 100 Lodges and 90 Bands.
This year’s parade will be led by the members of Closkelt LOL 415 and Closkelt Pipe Band. The members of Ardarragh LOL 765 and Annahinchago LOL 580 will both be displaying new Banners dedicated earlier this year.
• The parade will commence at 12 noon from the Assembly Field on Newry Road.
• Parade route – Assembly Field, Newry Lower Church Square, Upper Church Square, Main Street, Downpatrick Street, Castlewellan Road the demonstration
Field.
• Platform proceedings will commence at 2:45pm.
• The return parade will commence at 4pm.
Wor. Bro. Rev. John Noble, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, will lead the traditional religious service.
A wreath will be laid at the town’s Cenotaph by District officers to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the killing of the Herron Family who perished in their home as a result of an IRA firebomb attack on their shop in Dromore.
Pre-Twelfth Events
• Friday, 10th July -Family fun day – Rathfriland
• Sunday, 12th July – Open air religious service in Church Square, Rathfriland at
6.30pm.
• The procession will arrive at the Demonstration Field on East Circular Road at
2pm.
• Parade route – Grange Road, Tullywigan Road, Dungannon Road, Killymoon Street, Church Street, Chapel Street, Loy Street, James Street, William Street, Oldtown Street, Milburn Street, Moneymore Road and East Circular Road.
• The traditional Platform proceedings will commence at 2:30pm.
• The return parade will commence at 3:20pm.
• Return parade route – East Circular Road, Moneymore Road, Milburn Street, Oldtown Street, Coagh Street, Union Street, Molesworth Street.
Wor. Bro. Rev. David Murphy, District Chaplain will lead the Platform proceedings.
The guest speaker will be Wor. Bro. Trevor Lockhart, Deputy County Grand Master,
Co. Tyrone. Magheraglass No Surrender LOL 270 will be parading with their new
banner for the first time. Cookstown District LOL No.3 will be unfurling and dedicating
their new District Bannerette on Sunday, 12th July. The unfurling will be carried out by
Bro. Samuel A. Glasgow MBE, Past District Master. At the age of 93, Bro. Glasgow is
still very active in the District Lodge and his own private Lodge, Montober Bible and
Crown Defenders LOL 661.
Pre-Twelfth Events
• Sunday, 28th June – Drumnacross Guiding Star LOL 304 service, Drumnacross
Orange Hall.
• Sunday, 28th June – Tamlaghtmore Ark of Safety LOL 469 service, Tamlaghtmore
Orange Hall
• Sunday, 5th July – Joint Church Service LOL 199, 270, 304, 661, 686 – Orritor
Presbyterian Church.
• Sunday, 5th July – Ballybriest Purple Star LOL 277 Church service, Lissan Parish
Church.
• Sunday, 12th July – Cookstown District LOL No.3 Church service, Derryloran Parish Church, Cookstown
• Sunday, 12th July – Tullycoll Rising Sons of William LOL 767 service, Tullycoll Orange Hall.
KILLYLEAGH
Lecale District LOL No.2 will be hosting the Twelfth in Killyleagh, County Down.
5 District Lodges will be taking part – Lecale, Saintfield, Castlewellan, Comber, and Ballynahinch, accompanied by 37 Bands.
The parade will be led by The William Savage Memorial Flute Band, accompanied by County Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. Kyle McIlwrath, the Officers of Lecale District and the Brethren from Toye and Killyleagh Lodges.
The outward parade will commence at 12 noon from the Assembly Field on
Shrigley Road, opposite Killyleagh Primary School.
• Parade route – Shrigley Road, Castle Lane, Plantation Street, Catherine Street, Irish Street, Seaview, Shore Street, High Street, Frederick Street, Cross Street and Comber Road.
• The parade will arrive at the Demonstration field on the Comber Road at 1pm.
• Platform proceedings will commence at 2pm.
• The return parade will commence at 4pm.
Scottish dancers will be performing in front of Killyleagh Castle and Willie Drennan and his Band will be providing musical entertainment in the Demonstration Field where inflatables and other free activities will be provided for children.
This year, Clough LOL 1043 will have their new Banner on display during the parade.
Sisters and Daughters of Ruth WLOL 185 and Salsburgh True Blues LOL 26 from Scotland will be taking part as guests of Inch LOL 430.
The Platform proceedings will be led by Wor. Bro. Jonny Jackson, District Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. Kyle McIlwrath, County Grand Master and Wor. Bro. Robin Fairbairn, Deputy Grand Chaplain.
A charity collection will take place throughout the day for Air Ambulance NI, in memory of Bro. Callum McVeigh, a member of Raffrey Faith Defenders LOL 1115 and Inch Flute Band.
ROYAL HILLSBOROUGH
The scenic village of Hillsborough has a long and distinguished history, with Hillsborough Castle serving as the official Royal residence for Northern Ireland for many years. This connection saw the village granted the official title ‘Royal Hillsborough’ in 2021.
Royal Hillsborough plays host to the South Antrim Combine demonstration this year.
Over 60 Lodges from the following Districts will be in attendance – Aghalee, Glenavy, Magheragall, Ballinderry, Derriaghy, Lisburn and Hillsborough, accompanied by a wide selection of Bands.
Star of the Maze LOL 130 will lead the parade accompanied by Dunmurry Protestant
Boys Flute Band.
• The parade will commence at 11:30am from the Assembly Field on Culcavy Road.
• The procession will arrive at the Demonstration Field at Hillsborough Fort at 12:30pm.
• Parade route – Culcavy Road, Lisburn Street, Main Street, Hillsborough Fort.
• The Platform proceedings will commence at 2pm.
• The return parade will commence at 4pm. Imperial Grand Master, Most Wor. Bro. Edward Stevenson will be the principal guest speaker at the Platform proceedings where Rt. Wor. Bro. Richard Fleming, Past County Grand Master, Co. Down will also be in attendance.
The Religious Service will be conducted by Wor. Bro. Rev. David McCarthy, Deputy County Grand Chaplain, Co. Antrim Grand Orange Lodge.
Pre-Twelfth Events
• Saturday, 30th May – Family fun day and pipe Band showcase in Drumlough Orange Hall.
• Saturday, 13th June -Village Fare in Hillsborough Village Centre.
• Saturday, 20th June – Gala Ulster Scots evening in Star of Maze Hall, Kesh Road, Maze.
• Thursday, 25th June -Classic Vehicle Run.
• Friday, 26th June -Opening of the arch in Royal Hillsborough village.
• Friday, 26th June -Battle of the Bands in Royal Hillsborough Orange Hall.
• Saturday, 11th July – A Joyful Journey with Lambeg drums at Arthur Street Orange Hall.
• Monday, 13th July – Festival at the Fort.
BALLYMARTIN
This year marks the 225th anniversary of Mourne District LOL No. 6, the largest District Lodge within the Orange Institution and, this year, its members will hold their annual
Twelfth demonstration in Ballymartin. With approximately 1,600 participants taking part in the parade, including 15 local Bands, and an anticipated crowd of over 2,500 spectators.
This year, Glenloughan Heroes LOL 1914 will lead the parade accompanied by Glenloughan Flute Band.
• The parade will commence at 12:30pm from the Assembly Field on Annalong Road, Ballymartin.
• The parade will arrive at the Demonstration Field on Main Road at 1pm.
• Parade route – Assembly Field, Annalong Road, Main Road, Demonstration
Field.
• Platform proceedings will commence at 2:15pm.
• The return parade will commence at 4pm. This year’s platform proceedings will be chaired by District Master, Wor. Bro. William Baillie, and feature guest speaker Bro. Gary Bingham.
Two local Ladies’ Lodges are marking significant anniversaries this year. Mourne First WLOL 52, Kilkeel, celebrates its 105th anniversary, while Sister Jan E. Gibney Memorial WLOL 82, Annalong, proudly marks its 100th anniversary, both milestones reflecting their longstanding contribution to the life and traditions of the District.
Aughnahoory Pipe Band celebrates its 80th year this year, having marked the milestone with a well-attended anniversary parade at the end of May.
Cranfield LOL 907 is also celebrating its 125th anniversary. Its hall overlooks the former site of Greencastle RAF/USAAF Base No. 237, a heritage reflected in the lodge’s
Banner, which features wartime aircraft including a B-25 Mitchell and a Liberator bomber flying over Cranfield. The Cranfield Accordion Band, marking 60 years since transitioning from a flute Band, honours this history with RAF-inspired uniforms.
Following the parade, friends and family are warmly invited to the demonstration field to enjoy a picnic, generously provided by the lodges. Free bouncy castles will also be available in the field for children, adding to the day’s attractions, and ensuring entertainment for younger visitors.
Pre-Twelfth Events
• Wednesday, 1
st July – Somme Commemoration – Annalong.
• Friday, 3rd July – Tractor & Vintage Car Run – Ballyvea Orange Hall.
• Saturday, 4th July – Cars & Coffee – Mourne Esplanade Kilkeel.
• Saturday, 4th July – Car wash and Fry morning – Roden Orange Hall.
• Saturday, 4th July – Kilkeel Silver Band dedication of new uniforms.
• Friday, 10th July – History exhibition on Mourne District – Kilkeel Orange Hall.
• Saturday, 11th July – Schomberg Society 11th pageant and bonfire – Kilkeel.
BALLYWALTER
This year’s North Down parade will be hosted by Upper Ards District LOL No.1 in the seaside town of Ballywalter, which last hosted the Twelfth in 2000.
The Brethren of Upper Ards, Newtownards, Bangor and Holywood Districts will be accompanied by 40 Bands. Local members from the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland and the Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland will also be in attendance.
Ballywalter Heroes LOL 1884 will lead the parade, accompanied by the award winning Ballywalter Flute Band.
• Platform proceedings and a religious service will be held at 11.30am in the
Assembly/Demonstration field on Greyabbey Road ahead of the outward parade which will set off at 12:30pm.
• Parade route Greyabbey Road, Main Street, Broadway, Dunover Road, Westland Road, Stump Road, Main Street, Well Road, Park Avenue, returning to Greyabbey Road.
• The return parade will commence at 4:15pm.
• Return parade route: Greyabbey Road, Main Street, Well Close, Well Road, Park Avenue, Greyabbey Road, Main Street, Broadway, Dunover Road.
The Platform proceedings will be conducted by the Chaplain of Upper Ards District, Bro. Andrew Frizelle prior to the main parade at 11:30am. Assistant Grand Master, Wor. Bro. Worthington McGrath and Wor. Bro. Jim Shannon MP will also be in attendance.
