It's official - the TWELFTH is cancelled

The Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Worshipful Bro. Edward Stevenson confirmed that the Orange Institution will not hold its annual Twelfth of July demonstrations this year.

The decision to call of the parades follows consultation with the Grand Masters of England and Scotland, local County Masters and senior officers.

It is also in-line with current government health advice on restricting gatherings of people, self-isolation and social distancing.

The Grand Master said the decision to cancel was "in the best interests of our members".

“It is with regret that I must cancel the 2020 Boyne Anniversary Parades. In the face of the growing crisis surrounding Coronavirus it is in the best interests of our members, their families and the wider community that this decision has been made.

“In the current circumstances, the gathering of hundreds of thousands of Orangemen and women, together with their accompanying bands and spectators, would not be responsible.

“I appreciate that our culture and traditions are very much a way of life for the Orange family, however in light of the current situation, we must prioritise the safety of not only our members, but of the entire community."

The Grand Master added: “For some, the coming days will be extremely painful. We must bear in mind that for many people there will be no return of normal life. They will have lost loved ones.

“The Orange Family has already lost members to this terrible virus whilst others are currently in hospital.

"I would encourage you to pray for all those who have been or will be affected by the Coronavirus and for those in our health service and other essential jobs who are working so hard to fight it.”

The cancellation of the Twelfth of July parades is not without precedent. Parades were not held for a time during the First and Second World Wars or during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918. At these times, alternative ways to mark the occasion were found, such as flying flags and displays of Orange Lilies.

he Grand Master commented: “We will look at alternative ways the Twelfth of July can be appropriately marked in 2020, following the guidelines and restrictions applicable at that time.”

While paying tribute to Orange members across the province who are helping their communities through the provision of medical equipment, food parcels and other acts of support, the Grand Master reminded everyone of the need to follow the guidelines in place regarding self-isolation and social distancing.

He added: “We look forward to the day that we can parade in celebration once again, however in the months ahead it is more important we work together to fight this terrible disease. The energies and resources of our Institution are focussed on the fight against Coronavirus. I pray that God will protect and lead us through the months ahead.”

Parades had been due to take place at 17 venues right across Northern Ireland and also in Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal.

--

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor