The Twelfth 2026: Rathfriland is the demonstration set on a hill - with a thriving youth culture
Rathfriland Twelfth saw a vibrant parade of some 10,000 people climb to one of the most scenic fields in the Provice - with the youth membership surging due to renewed interest.
The parade took two hours to pass by, with some 15,000 spectators, 5000 Orangemen and 5000 bandsmen.
Host District Master for Rathfriland, John Wright, told the News Letter: "When you're standing at the demonstration field in Rathfriland, you're looking onto the Mournes and your turn behind you and you are looking at the Dromara Hills, you can see them all.
"Yes we're Rathfriland on the hill. It's just unique.
"It's fantastic. There is the crowd, our people's culture and the religious side of the Orange as well in the the afternoon sermon. It is just all so good.
"It is a real family atmosphere. You just look around the field and see the number of young families."
What made it particularly special this year, he said, was that Harold Henning, who is from the district, has been made Grand Master, describing his leadership as "unreal".
It was a privilege for John to lead the parade in his home district this year, he said, but this was topped when he then doubled back and joined his two sons in a band, of of whom is a fluter and the other a drum major.
John noted that the youth membership of the order in Co Down has trebled in the past decade, with at least 100 new members joining in the past year.
"We have three junior lodges and there is a team of officers working hard to teach them Orange culture, laying on trips, football competitions and social occasions," he said.
Just one of the new members was 18-year-old Ross Johnston from Rathfriland who spoke to the News Letter just before taking part in his first ever Orange Parade. He joined this year with seven of his friends. "We all just wanted to get involved," he said. "It's a big thing - all our family and friends are in it and it is good craic - everyone's in it."
Another personality in the parade this year was Ivan Shilliday, aged 69. He left Rathfriland for Canada in 1998 where he bought a farm and raised a family. Recently retired, he decided to make the return journey to take part in the parade once again.
"The weather is great and I am just looking forward to seeing people that I know that are still alive," he said. "There's not that many of them left in my lodge, as we are all getting old. I'm not the oldest in it, but I'm darn close."
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher was also taking in the demonstration field, where he was meeting and greeting all comers. Waving his arm at the crowds picnicking across the demonstration field, he told the News Letter: "This is just an incredible event. It is how to celebrate tradition here with respect to all communities, having a great time - it's a family event."
On a more sombre note, Grand Master Harold Henning told the crowds: "We have been at a low point as a Unionist people, as an Orange people, as a community. And things that come out, sometimes we feel let down by.
"But I want to say this from this platform today, we as a people need to gather ourselves up and be confident and strong."
He said there were two ways to do this - one is by "putting our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" and the other is to vote.
Some people are saying they will not vote for politicians, he said. But he noted that many Ulstermen were buried in Flanders in WWII to secure these democratic freedoms - and many people died in the Troubles for the same reason.
"We need a victory, brethren, and friends, and the only way we will get that is when our people get out and vote. And if you do not like a Unionist Party, hold your nose and vote." His comments drew a loud applause.
On a lighter note he said there were visitors to the field from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and America. He himself had four distant cousins from Iowa sitting in the front row listening to the platform speeches. Their forebear had left Rathfriland in 1911, led to the train station by Rathfriland Flute Band.
The four returning cousins were the Bradys - Mike and his wife Kristin, his father Doug, and Doug's cousin Carol. "This is such a cool event," Mike said. "We certainly didn't expect any call-outs from the platform like that, but it is nice to see the recognition."