Twelfth of July celebrations commence across Northern Ireland
Main parades are taking place at 18 venues across all six counties, with towns and cities hosting their local lodge members.
By BBC News
Twelfth of July celebrations began across Northern Ireland on Monday, July 13, 2026, as the main parades were held at 18 venues across all six counties. This year, the event was postponed to Monday because July 12 fell on a Sunday, which the Orange Order observes as a religious day of rest.
The parades commemorate the 336th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, where Protestant King William III triumphed over Catholic King James II in July 1690. Over 1,000 Orange Order lodges participated in the celebrations, accompanied by approximately 600 marching bands.
The main parade in Belfast commenced at 10:40 BST at Donegall Square West and proceeded to Barnett Demesne, with platform proceedings beginning at 2:30pm and a return parade at 4pm. Roads along the main routes were closed for much of the day, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) advised of traffic disruptions from before 9am.
In addition to Belfast, parades took place in various locations including Aughnacloy, Ballymoney, and Newtownhamilton. The County Armagh parade, held in Newtownhamilton, is noted as the largest gathering of Orangemen on the day.
The celebrations featured a variety of bands, including pipes, flutes, and Lambeg drums, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere. Political figures, including Matthew Patrick, undersecretary of state at the Northern Ireland Office, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, attended the events, highlighting the significance of the day as a celebration of faith, community, culture, and history.
In the lead-up to the Twelfth, Eleventh Night bonfires were lit across unionist communities, commemorating the actions of King William III's supporters in 1690. While most bonfires passed without incident, some attracted controversy due to their height, location, or the symbols displayed.
The Orange Order continues to advocate for the recognition of Northern Ireland as an integral part of the United Kingdom, particularly in light of ongoing concerns regarding the implications of Brexit.