logo
The Twelfth 2025: Full details of all 19 parade locations across Northern Ireland

The Twelfth 2025: Full details of all 19 parade locations across Northern Ireland

This year Dundonald will host a Twelfth demonstration for the first time in more than 50 years, as it has been named among the venues for this year's Twelfth of July celebrations.
It will join 18 other venues across Northern Ireland including Belfast, Ballymena, Kesh, Coleraine, Keady Coagh, Sixmilecross, Augher, Dromara, Dundrum, Kilkeel, Cullybackey, Rasharkin, Carnlough, Lisburn, Glengormley and Maghera.
Here's all you need to know about every venue:
Co Antrim
● BELFAST
Over 115,000 spectators are expected to line the streets as the parade of 77 bands makes its way through the city.
Leading the procession will be the County Grand Lodge of Belfast, setting off at 10am from Belfa st Orange Hall at Carlisle Circus.
The parade route passes Clifton Street, Donegall Street, Royal Avenue and Donegall Place en-route to an act of remembrance at City Hall, where a wreath will be laid at the cenotaph just before 10.30am.
From there, the parade continues through Donegall Square West, Bedford Street and Dublin Road, onto Shaftesbury Square, Bradbury Place, Lisburn Road, Balmoral Avenue and Malone Road, before reaching Barnett's Demesne.
At six miles (each way), it is the longest Orange procession of the day.
The official platform proceedings and traditional speeches will commence at 2.30pm, with a keynote address from DUP leader Gavin Robinson.
The return parade begins at 3.30pm, as the bands and lodges make their way home via the city centre.
● BALLYMENA
Apart from Belfast, Ballymena is the only place in Northern Ireland to host a Twelfth demonstration every year.
It will feature 27 local lodges, 17 bands as well as the traditional Lambeg drums.
The parade will assemble at Wakehurst Road at 12.30pm before making its way to People's Park.
Platform proceedings will take place at 2.30pm with a religious service led by Grand Chaplain Ian McClean. The principal speaker is Henry Dunbar, past Grand Master of Scotland.
● CARNLOUGH
Eleven local lodges and nine bands will accompany brethren along with two sets of Lambeg drums.
Parade begins at noon from the assembly field at the park on BayRoad.
It proceeds through the village, up Largy Road to the demonstration field, situated near St Patrick's Church.
Platform proceedings will begin around 2.30pm when the principal speakers will include Rev William Anderson and South Antrim MP Robin Swann.
The parade will leave for its return leg, following the same route, at 4pm.
● CULLYBACKEY
For the first time in living memory two districts will co-host the 'Triangle' Twelfth in the heart of Co Antrim.
Portglenone District and Ahoghill District are jointly organising the celebrations in Cullybackey.
The parade will commence from Ard Na Maine at 12.30pm and proceed along the village's main street, taking the direct route to the Cullybackey Community Playing fields.
Platform proceedings will commence at 2.15pm led by Robert Edwards.
After a massed lambeg drumming display in the demonstration field, the return parade leaves at 3.45pm.
● GLENGORMLEY
A day full of colour and culture is expected with 3,000 participants, 66 lodges and nearly 40 bands from Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Parade starts at 11am from Jubilee Way, making its way along Ballyclare Road to Lilian Bland Park, with a wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph.
The procession will then make its way to Antrim Road, O'Neill Road, Church Road arriving at V36 Park around 1.30pm.
The return parade commences at 3.30pm from V36 Park, along Church Road, Prince Charles Way, Church Way and Antrim Road, before finishing at Ballyclare Road.
● LISBURN
Over 2,000 members of the Orange Institution with 65 lodges will parade alongside 25 bands.
The main parade begins at 11.30am from the assembly field at Wallace Park and proceeds to QEII/ Ballymacoss Playing Fields (The Brambles).
Platform proceedings begin at 1.45pm, with Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly among the speakers.
The return parade begins at 3.30pm.
● RASHARKIN
Some 43 lodges and 30 bands and Lambeg drums drawn from five local districts will be marching.
The parade starts at 1pm from the Finvoy Road, going through the village and arriving at the demonstration field at 'The Turnpike.'
Platform proceedings start at 2.30pm with the guest speaker Maurice Kirkwood, County Grand Master of Antrim.
The return parade commences at 4.15pm, leaving the demonstration field and returning through the village with dispersal on the Finvoy Road.
Co Armagh
● KEADY
The Co Armagh Twelfth demonstration is the largest Orange gathering in the world.
With 11 district lodges, 150 private lodges, over 5,000 brethren plus representation from the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland and junior lodges, the event showcases the full strength of the Orange family.
Nearly 70 bands will take part as well as dozens of Lambeg drums.
The main parade will leave at 10.30am, making its way along Tassagh Road and Crossmore Road to the demonstration field.
Platform proceedings will begin at 1.45pm, chaired by Denis J Watson JP, County Grand Master, with a religious service led by Rev Alan McCann.
A keynote address will be given by Rev Mervyn Gibson, the Orange Order's Grand Secretary.
The return parade starts at 2.45pm.
Co Down
● DUNDONALD
It is a special day for Dundonald, as the Twelfth returns after more than half a century.
The last time the celebrations were held here was 1967.
Some 39 lodges and 28 bands will parade from Dundonald Playing Fields at 12.15pm, led by Holywood District LOL No.14 and Dundonald Purple Vine LOL 1056.
The parade will exit the school grounds onto the Upper Newtownards Road, passing via Robbs Road, Church Road, Grahamsbridge Road, Comber Road and back onto the Upper Newtownards Road towards the school.
The return leg will commence at 4.30pm, leaving Dundonald High School. It will officially conclude at the Comber Road/East Link road junction.
● DUNDRUM
Over 3,000 Orange members, accompanied by 70 bands, will take part in this year's Mid and East Down celebrations.
The parade will leave the Belfast Road at noon, making its way along Main Street and Old Road, to the demonstration field on the Ballyloughlin Road.
The return parade leaves at 4pm, retracing its steps back to the Belfast Road.
The platform proceedings will be chaired by Ernie Ritchie, District Master, Castlewellan LOL No. 12 with the religious service led by Rev George Speers, District Chaplain.
● DROMARA
Led by Dromara LOL 12, accompanied by Waringsford Pipe Band, the parade will feature seven districts.
The assembly field is on the Banbridge Road, while the demonstration field is on the Rathfriland Road, facing Dromara FC.
The parade, featuring approximately 2,500 brethren and 43 bands, departs at noon.
It is expected to take around one hour and 45 minutes for all participants to reach the demonstration field.
The return parade will leave at 4pm.
● KILKEEL
One of the most scenic Twelfth settings, the majestic Mournes provide a stunning backdrop to the parade in Kilkeel.
Some 1,700 participants will be marching, including 15 bands, with 3,000 spectators expected to line the streets.
The day begins with Kilkeel lodges assembling at Kilkeel Orange Hall at 11am before stepping off on a 1.5-mile route to Leestone Road on the outskirts of the town.
There, they will join with the rest of the Mourne District for the return parade into Kilkeel, which will conclude at Queen Elizabeth II Park on Manse Road.
The homeward parade will commence at 4pm.
The Annalong lodges will return to their village, while the Kilkeel lodges will march through the town, dispersing at Kilkeel Orange Hall.
● LISBURN
This year, the City of Lisburn plays host to the 335th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne on Saturday, 12th July 2025, organised on behalf of the South Antrim Combine by Lisburn District LOL No. 6.
The celebration promises to be a major cultural and historical event, with over 2,000 members of the Orange Institution—including Orangemen, women, and Juniors— with 65 lodges joining forces with up to 25 marching bands.
The main parade will begin at 11:30am from the assembly field at Wallace Park and proceed to QEII / Ballymacoss Playing Fields (The Brambles).
The parade route is as follows, Wallace Park (Magheralave Road), Railway Street,
Market Square (through the ceremonial arch), Market Street, Smithfield Street, Hillsborough Road, Governors Road, Longstone Street (Chapel Hill Roundabout), Thiepval Road, Prince William Road, Knockmore Road finishing at QEII / Ballymacoss Playing Fields, where the procession is expected to arrive at around 1:00pm.
Formal proceedings will commence at approximately 1:45pm and will include a short religious service by Wor. Bro. Rev. Stephen Kilpatrick.
The return parade is scheduled to begin at 3:30pm, following the route of Knockmore Road, Ballinderry Road, Longstone, Chapel Hill and North Circular Road Members of the public are advised to plan ahead for parking.
Co Fermanagh
● KESH
Out in the west, the village of Kesh will host a parade rich in pageantry and tradition.
The parade assembles on Enniskillen Road at noon, before moving along Main Street and Ederney Road and finishing at Valley Park.
Over 70 bands and 90 lodges from Fermanagh and the neighbouring border counties will take part.
Music for the religious service will be led by Lisnaskea Silver Band.
The platform party will include the Orange Order's Grand Master, Edward Stevenson – making his first Twelfth visit to Fermanagh.
Co Londonderry
● COLERAINE
Lodges from north Londonderry, City of Londonderry and East Donegal will gather in Coleraine.
The parade begins at 11.15am and will be broadcast on GB News, making its way to the demonstration field behind Coleraine Leisure Centre.
Platform proceedings begin at 2.15pm with James Evans, County Grand Master as main speaker.
The return parade starts at 3.30pm.
● MAGHERA
Eight districts comprised of over 50 local lodges and their bands will be on parade in the south Londonderry Twelfth.
The assembly point will be at the junction of Station Road and Crew Road.
Starting at noon, the parade will move along Station Road, Grove Terrace, O'Hara Road, Coleraine Road, Main Street, Church Street to Mullagh Road and the demonstration field.
The return parade will begin at 3.30pm, taking in Mullagh Road, Church Street, Main Street where the procession will split.
Co Tyrone
● AUGHER
The village hosts the Clogher Valley Twelfth for the first time in six years.
Bands and lodges will assemble from 12.15pm at the field on Favour Royal Road, before the parade moves through Augher, turning left and arriving at the demonstration field around 1pm.
Platform proceedings begin at 2.15pm and will feature a religious service, with musical performances by Glenageeragh Pipe Band and the award-winning Murley Silver Band.
The return parade will retrace the same route, departing at 4.15pm and concluding at Favour Royal Road.
● COAGH
One of Tyrone's smaller villages is hosting the biggest Orange celebration in the county.
The main parade will commence at 12.30pm from Ruskey Road on the outskirts of the village before making its way along Tamlaght Hill, Coagh Bridge and Main Street to the demonstration field on the Drumconvis Road.
What makes Coagh unique is that the parade actually crosses a county line – beginning in Co Londonderry before crossing into Tyrone as it passes over the bridge.
Around 70 lodges and 50 bands will take part.
Platform proceedings will begin at 2.30pm in the demonstration field where the religious service will be led by Rev Tom Greer.
The return parade will start at 3.45pm, finishing up at Cookstown Road.
● SIXMILECROSS
Around 60 lodges and bands will be on parade at the North and West Tyrone demonstration.
The assembly point is at the field located off Cooley Road - directly opposite Kerr Villas - with the demonstration field on the Tirooney Road.
The parade will commence at 12.30pm, moving along the 1.5 mile route.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘It's totally devoid from reality': DUP's Jonathan Buckley slams SDLP MLA who labelled Twelfth a ‘disaster for tourism'
‘It's totally devoid from reality': DUP's Jonathan Buckley slams SDLP MLA who labelled Twelfth a ‘disaster for tourism'

Belfast Telegraph

time2 days ago

  • Belfast Telegraph

‘It's totally devoid from reality': DUP's Jonathan Buckley slams SDLP MLA who labelled Twelfth a ‘disaster for tourism'

A unionist MLA has criticised comments made by an SDLP representative who claimed the Twelfth of July is a 'disaster for tourism' as 'entirely incorrect' and 'devoid from reality'. It comes after Sinead McLaughlin MLA shared a post by the DUP's Jonathan Buckley who questioned whether Tourism NI had forgotten something in its line-up of key events taking place in NI over the summer including Belfast Pride, Belfast TradFest and Féile an Phobail.

Twelfth of July: Thousands join Orange Order parades across Northern Ireland
Twelfth of July: Thousands join Orange Order parades across Northern Ireland

The Independent

time3 days ago

  • The Independent

Twelfth of July: Thousands join Orange Order parades across Northern Ireland

Tens of thousands of people joined Twelfth of July celebrations across Northern Ireland, braving scorching temperatures for the traditional Orange Order parades. Crowds lined the streets in cities, towns and villages as the region marked the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James II. The parades typically consist of Orange lodges accompanied by marching bands, drawing support from spectators along their routes. When the parades reach demonstration fields, a religious service is observed and speeches delivered before the march home. This year's festivities, spread across 19 main locations, also featured calls for unionist political parties to collaborate. This year's celebrations took place with temperatures above 25C right across Northern Ireland. DUP leader Gavin Robinson addressed the parade in Belfast, while Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivered a speech at the Lisburn parade. Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann spoke at the parade in Carnlough, Co Antrim. Orange Order deputy grand master Harold Henning told the parade in Maghera, Co Londonderry, that unionist political parties had to work together. He said: 'The leadership of this institution remains consistent in its desire to see closer collaboration between the leadership of our pro-union political parties so as to maximise unionist representation at all levels of government. 'Cooperation between our political representatives must be encouraged – more than that, it should be demanded, and country should always come before party or individual self -interest. 'Let's get that message out to our politicians – as a people, we want to see more unity of purpose across political unionism.' One of the largest parades took place in Keady, Co Armagh, where Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson spoke about the strengths of the union. He said: 'We need to promote the union at every opportunity – a union that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its citizens stability, opportunity, and purpose. 'At its heart, the United Kingdom is more than just a political entity. 'It is a partnership of four nations England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – each with its own identity, traditions, and strengths. 'Let us concentrate on building and promoting this union, which a generation defended during the Troubles against the murderous, cowardly terrorist campaign of republicans.' On Saturday morning, an Orange Order feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast without incident. On Sunday, a return parade will return past the shops, but will be restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. Meanwhile, the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh, will take place on Monday. The event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and James. The Twelfth celebrations come after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with a 'challenging' situation and one firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Andrew Muir said he was 'very disappointed' that a controversial bonfire in south Belfast was lit despite warnings of asbestos on the site. Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, about 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. More than 4,000 police officers and police staff are working on July 12. On the 11th night, about 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. This is because of falling police numbers and the resulting increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events.

Tens of thousands take part in Twelfth celebrations in scorching temperatures
Tens of thousands take part in Twelfth celebrations in scorching temperatures

Glasgow Times

time3 days ago

  • Glasgow Times

Tens of thousands take part in Twelfth celebrations in scorching temperatures

Crowds lined the streets in cities, towns and villages across the region for the traditional Orange Order parades. This year's events have heard calls for unionist political parties to work together. NI deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly attending the Twelfth of July celebrations in Lisburn, Co Antrim (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) The festivities have been spread across 19 main locations to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James II. The parades consist of Orange lodges accompanied by marching bands and supported by spectators along the routes. When the parades reach demonstration fields, a religious service is observed and speeches delivered before the march home. This year's celebrations took place with temperatures above 25C right across Northern Ireland. DUP leader Gavin Robinson addressed the parade in Belfast, while Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivered a speech at the Lisburn parade. Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann spoke at the parade in Carnlough, Co Antrim. The Twelfth demonstrations took place in hot weather (Mark Marlow/PA) Orange Order deputy grand master Harold Henning told the parade in Maghera, Co Londonderry, that unionist political parties had to work together. He said: 'The leadership of this institution remains consistent in its desire to see closer collaboration between the leadership of our pro-union political parties so as to maximise unionist representation at all levels of government. 'Cooperation between our political representatives must be encouraged – more than that, it should be demanded, and country should always come before party or individual self -interest. 'Let's get that message out to our politicians – as a people, we want to see more unity of purpose across political unionism.' Yvonne McDonnell from Ballinderry attending the Twelfth of July celebrations in Lisburn (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) One of the largest parades took place in Keady, Co Armagh, where Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson spoke about the strengths of the union. He said: 'We need to promote the union at every opportunity – a union that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its citizens stability, opportunity, and purpose. 'At its heart, the United Kingdom is more than just a political entity. 'It is a partnership of four nations England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – each with its own identity, traditions, and strengths. 'Let us concentrate on building and promoting this union which a generation defended during the Troubles against the murderous, cowardly terrorist campaign of republicans.' A car carrying water bottles during a Twelfth of July parade in Belfast (Mark Marlow/PA) On Saturday morning, an Orange Order feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast without incident. On Sunday, a return parade will return past the shops – but will be restricted to one band and 50 members of the order. Meanwhile, the traditional July 13 events organised by the Royal Black Preceptory in the village of Scarva, Co Armagh, will take place on Monday. The event includes a parade as well as a sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs William and James. The Twelfth celebrations come after the burning of bonfires at an estimated 300 locations in loyalist neighbourhoods across the region on Thursday and Friday nights. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it dealt with a 'challenging' situation and one firefighter was attacked while attending a bonfire in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Andrew Muir said he was 'very disappointed' that a controversial bonfire in south Belfast was lit despite warnings of asbestos on the site. Of all the loyal order parades to take place on Saturday, about 30 have been officially categorised as sensitive by the Parades Commission. Locations of sensitive parades this year include Belfast, Coleraine, Keady, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Strabane, Newtownabbey, Maghera, Newtownbutler, Portadown, Glengormley and Bellaghy. More than 4,000 police officers and police staff are working on July 12. On the 11th night, about 1,200 officers were deployed to monitor public safety at bonfires. The cost of policing parades and bonfires in Northern Ireland through spring and summer was £6.1 million last year, a figure that was up £1.5 million on the previous year. The bill, which covers the period April 1 to August 31, also includes the cost of policing republican commemorations around Easter and events to mark the mid-August anniversary of the introduction of internment without trial during the Troubles. The PSNI expects the costs in 2025 to be higher still. This is because of falling police numbers and the resulting increased reliance on paying overtime to ensure enough officers are on duty for the events.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store