Dramatic drone image shows large crowds enjoying the July 13th celebrations in Scarva

As it is a free, unticketed event it is impossible to get an exact figure for those in the demesne and the village, but the Royal Black Institutions has said that more than 100,000 were at the festivities yesterday which includes 4,500 on parade – either with lodges or bands.

The annual parade through the village, which cannot be seen in the picture, was lined with people from start to finish, six to 10 deep in places.

The parade and Sham Fight organised by Sir Knight Alfred Buller Memorial RBP 1000 was blessed with glorious sunshine the day after many Twelfth marchers and spectators had been soaked in several almighty downpours.

UUP leader Doug Beattie who was in Scarva commented: “What a difference a day makes.”

He said there was a “great atmosphere with young and older people having a really good time”.

Mr Beattie said one of the highlights was seeing the Glaslough True Blues from Monaghan at Scarva.

He was one of several politicians dotted about the demesne.

DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Great wee day at Scarva – a fantastic family day out enjoyed by many tens of thousands.

"Well done for all those who put in such incredible work to make this annual event such a spectacular success.”

Fellow DUP MLA Diane Forsythe MLA said that The Thirteenth in Scarva was a “fantastic day joining in a brilliant cultural celebration with people from right across Northern Ireland”.

Former Health minister Robin Swann, shared a photo of himself with Paul Clark who was covering the event for UTV.

The UUP MLA wrote: “You never know who you meet in Scarva – Paul Clark – always a professional and a gentleman.”

DUP peer Peter Weir, having took part in the Twelfth in Belfast and Thirteenth in Bangor returned to Westminster today, but not without a reminder of the past few days.

He said: “In light of this week and in honour of the great man, it is fitting to wear my Drew Nelson Legacy Project tie at the Lords today.”

Crossgar Young Defenders Flute Band who paraded in Scarva said: “Well Scarva, again you didn't disappoint, great weather, fantastic crowd. Anyone that says our culture is fading – you're definitely wrong.”

Richard McKee wrote: "Great day in Scarva for ‘The Royal Thirteenth’, Sham Fight and parade. A fantastic parade to watch, and the biggest crowd I have ever witnessed in the County Down village.”

James Speers said he had an “amazing day” in Scarva where there was “a tremendous atmosphere with a spectacular crowd of supporters”.

Mark Robinson said that his first ever Scarva parade was “such a great experience”. He commented: “The number of laughs and connecting of long ago seen friends and relatives was lovely to see.”

Meanwhile Lurgan District No 2 marked the 125th anniversary of their traditional Thirteenth parade when they stepped out in Bangor.

The procession which included eight bands was the second time that the district had returned to Bangor for their annual demonstration after the pandemic hiatus.