Editorial: The Twelfth is always a special day for the wider Orange family

​Northern Ireland will today reverberate to the sound of Lambeg drums, bands, and marching feet, as the Orange Order takes to the streets for the most important date in its calendar, the Twelfth.

It promises to be a tremendous day of culture and music as thousands of Orangemen, women and juniors – led by marching bands full of talented musicians – make their way through cities, towns and villages across the Province.

The weather looks like it will be extremely favourable for participants and spectators, though many will be hoping that conditions are not as blisteringly uncomfortable as last year, when people sweltered along parade routes, and the thermometer registered 30 degrees Celsius at Magilligan in Co Londonderry.

We live in fast-paced society, where tradition and heritage often feel like outdated concepts.

But for tens of thousands of people across Northern Ireland, today is a special occasion when the cut and thrust of daily life is put to one side, and the Orange family comes together to perform their usual Twelfth rituals of taking part in, or watching, the processions, meeting with old friends, and picnics at the demonstration field.

While today's festivities will have a joyous feel, the Twelfth always has a serious message as it marks the anniversary of King William's victory at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, and the preservation of civil and religious liberties for all. As Owen Polley writes in the News Letter today, "the Twelfth, and other celebrations of events like the Glorious Revolution, are more relevant than ever to modern Britain".

The Orange Order can be proud of putting on such a huge outdoor celebration across multiple locations that brings together young and old for a day of fun, fellowship and commemoration.