Twelfth 2025: Royal Black Institution says record crowds at parade in Scarva, Do Down
The Royal Black Institution believes that record crowds have attended the village of Scarva in Co Down today for its annual July parade.
Some 85 preceptories and 82 bands paraded through the picturesque village in glorious sunshine with temperatures at around 19C.
It is understood to be the biggest annual one-day event at a single location in Northern Ireland.
And even though the Met Office forecast rain for most of the day in the village - the crowds were not deterred.
In the end their optimism was rewarded as there was only really a heavy shower for about 15 minutes at about 1pm.
The numbers were expected to be significantly up on normal because ‘the Black’ traditionally parades on the 13th - which this year fell on a Sunday.
So, they moved the parade to the 14th July instead, affording many people a day of rest between the rigours of the Twelfth and Scarva.
As a result, it was expected that many more people would feel able for another long day of marching than they normally might.
The parade began through the village about 11.10am and finished in Scarva Demesne at about 2pm – with a record number of participants.
Despite the rain, the legion of marching bands played on oblivious - even the child members – in their processions.
"Everyone said it just kept the dust down and kept them cool" said Rev William Anderson, Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution.
He too noted how the procession shrugged off the sudden downpour.
"There is that traditional spirit in us all," he laughed.
"What stood out for me today was that the crowds were enormous, bigger than last year. I think we must be near the quarter million mark here today."
"Also the quality of bands and music was exceptional.
"When we look across our province, and we think of some of the negative things that people point to - I look at the quality of music and how all those young people enjoy playing that music and giving it their very best.
"We need to reward them, and we need to thank them for what they do, week in and week out in all their band practices."
The Sham Fight between King William and King James and their men took place at 2pm, with King William coming out on top as usual.
Scarva plays a special role in Orange culture as it is reported that King William III stopped here on his way to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
The remains of a huge chestnut tree sit at the centre of the Scarva Demesne where the demonstration field is held - and according to tradition he tied his horse up to it during his visit.
The event is reported to draw larger crowds than any other one-day single location event in Northern Ireland's annual calendar.
On the main street of the village, marching bands and collarettes were visible in either direction as far as the eye could see.
If you looked carefully, you could still make out as far back as 1690; The values of the Glorious Revolution were still being celebrated in living history walking the streets - religious and civil liberty and the move away from absolute monarchy.
The martial airs and parades hark back to centuries of military service among this people.
Hugh Bell, Past Worshipful Master Lismulligan RBP 638 Rathfriland tried to explain to the News Letter how Scarva - normally on 13th July - differs so much from the Twelfth.
While most of the Orange lodges come together to parade on a County basis, in Scarva bands and preceptories converge from all across Northern Ireland, he said.
"So you really have the cream of all the bands from across Northern Ireland here."
People have generally higher expectations of Scarva, he said, because it is a regional event with a higher standard of music.
"It is hard to explain. I suppose everyone has their own reason for being here."
His father and a friend used to meet at the same spot every year to catch up on the year's events, he said.
Many people place their deck chairs at the same spot every year.
A member of his preceptory came down at 5pm on Sunday night to try and find a spot for his father's deck chair, as he is no longer able to walk.
"But he said, 'I have no idea where I am going to get a space because there are chairs all along the street."