Editorial: ​A great display of Orange culture on the Twelfth

This year’s Twelfth of July celebrations have been another hugely positive event for the Orange family, and more widely across the community in Northern Ireland.​

The sun shone once again this year, as people from all walks of life made their way to the parades in their area. And yet again, the event was a tremendous success.

As well as a cultural event, the importance of the Christian faith – and the message of civil and religious liberty for all – was again central at fields across the province.

What is remarkable about the Twelfth is its endurance, despite years of attempts to tarnish its reputation – and that of wider Orange culture.

It has not worked. Nor has it put off younger generations – whose involvement was noticeable in parades across the province. Their presence was visible both in Orange lodges, and in the marching bands which bring the parades alive.

It has also not put off those from other countries who are either visiting on holidays of have made Northern Ireland their home.

The deputy First Minister said that those who attack unionist traditions “look on jealously” at the Twelfth parades and the support they attract ever single year.

The UUP leader has also defended unionist culture – including the bonfire tradition – and given his view on how it should be strengthened and preserved.

There are undoubtedly issues to be resolved around how some bonfires are conducted, and whether they are in any way reflective of the wider unionist and loyalist traditions. Politicians have touched on those issues in today’s News Letter, and there is a discussion which will happen in future.

For now, the festivities continue today in Scarva, for the Royal Black Preceptory parade and the annual sham fight.