Royal Black Institution parades: Last Saturday of August to be ‘wonderful spectacle'

Royal Black Institution Sovereign Grand Master Rev William Anderson (pictured) said the annual celebrations will highlight the organisation’s ethos and principled stance on the Reformed Christian Faith. Thousands of supporters are expected to turn out to watch the demonstrations held at five major locations across Northern Ireland. Parades will be held in Coleraine, Dundonald, Dungannon, Larne and Newry. Around 17,000 members of the Royal Black will take part in the demonstrations, traditionally held on the last Saturday in August, as the curtain falls on the marching season. Around 350 preceptories and 300 marching bands will be involved in the parades, regarded as flagship events in the parading calendar. Rev Anderson said: “The Royal Black Institution appreciates the tremendous support shown to us at our previous demonstrations this year, including Scarva, Bangor and Brookeborough. “I believe that our supporters recognise the months of hard work and commitment that go into the planning of the parades and turn out with their families to have a joyful day of celebrating their culture and tradition.”

He added: “We must note the fantastic contribution made by the marching band community to all our events. “So many talented musicians giving of their best across a range of instruments – their participation is invaluable to the success of our demonstrations.” Rev Anderson will attend the demonstration at Dundonald, where members of City of Belfast Grand Black Chapter will gather for a parade expected to comprise 2,000 participants. Resolutions on Faith, Loyalty and the Constitution will be heard during platform proceedings at demonstration points.

The Royal Black Institution will mark the finale of the parading season with five major Last Saturday demonstrations on August 29.

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COLERAINE

The Co Londonderry demonstration is taking place in Coleraine, where it was last held in 2006.

Members of 33 preceptories and 31 bands will be among the 2,500 participants in the parade, which will involve four districts – Coleraine No 1, City of Londonderry No 2, Raphoe No 3 and South Londonderry No 4.

The main parade will start at noon, with the return one due to begin at 3.45pm.

DUNDONALD

Members of City of Belfast Grand Black Chapter are travelling to Dundonald for their parade, which is expected to comprise 2,000 participants.

Sandy Row, Shankill Road, Ballymacarratt and Ballynafeigh districts are among the seven taking part, with 25 marching bands providing the music.

The morning parade will proceed from Moat Park to East Link Road, following a route including Comber Road, Drumadoon Drive and Upper Newtownards Road.

DUNGANNON

A total of 80 preceptories will be accompanied by the same number of bands at the Co Tyrone Grand Black Chapter demonstration in Dungannon.

Killyman RBDC No 1 is hosting the event, which was last held there seven years ago.

Members from Monaghan, Cavan, Donegal, Fermanagh and Armagh will join with sir knights from Tyrone in the 3,500-strong procession, with around 20,000 spectators expected to attend.

LARNE

Around 5,000 participants are expected to parade at the Co Antrim demonstration in Larne.

Seventy-six preceptories, accompanied by 71 bands, will make their way to the demonstration point at Sandy Bay playing fields.

The organisers expect up to 10,000 spectators, with the main parade starting at noon, and the return parade scheduled for 4.15pm.

NEWRY

Newry will host the largest Last Saturday demonstration.

The organisers, Newry Royal Black District No 4, are looking forward to a parade of up to 5,000 participants, including the members of around 100 bands.

Around 5,000 spectators are expected as the parade makes its way from the assembly area at Newry High School to the demonstration field at Shandon Park, taking two hours to pass any given viewing point.

The main parade will begin at noon, with the return parade due to start at 4pm.