Drink awareness campaign at parade

Orange Order parades commemorating the 1690 Battle of the Boyne will also take place in England, Canada and a number of other Commonwealth countries.

One of the largest will be held in Belfast where brethren from Canada and the United States will swell the numbers making their way from Carlisle Circus to Barnetts Desmesne.

Writing in Tuesday’s News Letter, Grand Master Edward Stevenson said: “We continue to witness an increasing number of international visitors lining the footpaths who are keen to experience first hand the spectacle of the biggest day in the Loyal Orders’ parading calendar.

“Surely there is no other event on these islands that can bring such huge numbers of people on to the streets to enjoy our parades, either by taking part or simply to watch them go by.”

This year’s commemorations have been dedicated to the memory to the thousands of Orangemen who went ‘over the top’ – one hundred years ago this month – at the Battle of the Somme.

Mr Stevenson added: “Today, we parade in their honour.”

The Order has also launched an alcohol awareness campaign to remind everyone involved that the Twelfth commemorations are all about ‘the battle, not the bottle.’

As part of the anti-drink initiative, Orange Order members, the 7,500 bandsmen and women and many of the spectators will be offered free bottles of water as an alternative to alcohol.

More than 20,000 – complete with specially designed ‘Battle Not Bottle’ labels – will be distributed across the city.

The bottles of water have been sponsored by the Public Health Agency.

A total of 18 main demonstrations will take place across Northern Ireland, following the traditional Rossnowlagh parade which was held in Co Donegal on Saturday.

Portadown and Kilkeel have been granted ‘tourist flagship’ status, with additional attractions and enhanced promotion.

Maguiresbridge in Co Fermanagh is hosting the county’s Twelfth where brethren will be joined by lodges from across the border in Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.

Londonderry parades will take place in Limavady and Castledawson, while Coagh, Newtownstewart and Aughnacloy will host well-attended events.

The main Co Down events are taking place in Donaghadee, Comber, Dromore.

Co Antrim is hosting the largest number of parades with brethren gathering in Randalstown, Lisburn, Ballymena, Glenarm, Ahoghill and Ballycastle.

Portglenone is the venue for the Independent Orange Order parade, where 20 lodges and around 12 bands will take part.

The parade will assemble at a field on Townhill Road, before leaving at 1pm towards Main Street and entering the demonstration on the Clady Road.

Lodges will be welcomed by Co Antrim Grand Master David Johnston with the return parade at 4.30pm back to the assembly field.