Some 5,000 marchers set to parade through Carrickfergus this Saturday for Royal Landing 2026

The festivities surrounding the annual recreation of the landing of William of Orange will span from 10am to 5pm in the town centre.

DUP MLA for the area Cheryl Brownlee is one of the key figures in organising it.

Mrs Brownlee, secretary of the Carrickfergus Historical and Re-enactment Group, said: “The day’s proceedings will begin with a colourful parade through the streets of Carrickfergus.

"Lodges, bands and participants will take part in a spectacle that reflects pride in heritage and identity, while also offering a warm welcome to visitors experiencing the event for the first time.

"The parade remains a central feature, drawing spectators who line the route to enjoy the music, pageantry and sense of occasion.”

There are 13 parades listed in the town that day, with the main one listed as involving 41 different bands, 5,000 participants, and some 10,000 supporters.

Mrs Brownlee said “in recent years, the Royal Landing has expanded significantly, evolving into a vibrant, family-friendly festival that showcases history, heritage and community spirit, attracting thousands of visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond”.

At its heart lies the commemoration and re-enactment of the landing of King William III in 1690 in the town’s harbour.

Parades will leave their respective assembly points at about 11.30am, with the main one beginning at Woodburn Playing Fields and proceeding through the town centre to the habour.

King Billy will be coming in by boat at around 1pm at King William III Pier.

Following the landing, King William III will lead the parade through the town on his white horse, making its way to Marine Gardens, where proceedings are expected to conclude at around 2pm.

During the afternoon break, attendees can visit the Royal Landing Tattoo event at Carrickfergus Town Hall from 2.15pm, featuring “musical talent, children’s entertainment, and cultural performances”.

The second half of the parade will begin at 4pm from Marine Gardens, proceeding through the town before finishing at approximately 5pm at Woodburn Playing Fields.

There will be a food village, family entertainment areas, and live performances, plus “historical and re-enactment zones”, said Mrs Brownlee.

These will “provide a fascinating glimpse into the past… skilled re-enactors and exhibitors will recreate scenes and stories from the Williamite period, offering educational and engaging experiences that deepen understanding of the events being commemorated”.

She encouraged visitors to arrive early.

Previously historian Gordon Lucy has said: “Carrickfergus was a much more significant place in the 17th centuy than Belfast.

"In fact Belfast Lough was actually called Carrickfergus Lough; Belfast was just a fairly non-descript village.

"Carrick was probably the most significant place in Ulster…

"[The landing] is honestly is worthy of celebration – it honestly is.

"Outside of Carrickfergus I suspect it isn't properly celebrated, commemorated, or its significance appreciated."