Successful Twelfth despite 'concerted campaign to demonise and destroy' the Orange Institution: Ex-DUP MLA

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Mr Humphrey said: “The Orange Institution, bands and broader ‘Orange’ culture have a special place in our people’s hearts. The community involvement and wider societal participation in our 12th July celebrations is phenomenal.”

He added: “Republicanism’s concerted campaign to demonise and destroy the Orange Institution, by targeting members, protesting at traditional parades and attacking and destroying Orange Halls, has failed!”

Commenting on the Twelfth parade in Ballycastle, TUV councillor Allister Kyle said he was pleased the event passed off peacefully, “bar one issue of non tolerance,” when there was a brief altercation between bandsmen and a member of the public.

Cllr Kyle said one member of Portballinatrae LOL 1142 travelled more than 5,000 miles from America “to be amongst his brethren in his private lodge in the historic town of Bushmills”.Cllr Kyle added: “Return parades were completed by lodges from all five districts in the north Antrim combine, however I was particularly pleased to be led through Bushmills by Star of The East Prestonpans, Scotland, who led Prestons Purple Abstainers LOL 1987 through Bushmills and who held a short wreath laying service at the Robert Quigg VC statue in Bushmills.”

Also on Facebook, UUP councillor Diana Armstrong said: "The Twelfth celebration in Ballinamallard. A real festival of music and marching with a carnival atmosphere in the village. Well done to all who put in such hard work in preparation for today’s event – both the bands and the organisers."

NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris attended the Co Armagh demonstration in Lurgan and afterwards praised the “rich cultural tapestry” of Northern Ireland.