Battle of the Somme commemoration: Over 100 parades across Northern Ireland marking sacrifice of 36th Ulster Division, says Orange Order

Over 100 parades are taking place across Northern Ireland tomorrow to mark the Battle of the Somme, the largest of which will see 2,300 participants in east Belfast.
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By Philip Bradfield
Published 30th Jun 2023, 18:51 BST
Updated 30th Jun 2023, 19:13 BST

Many Orangemen, who were members of the 36th Ulster Division, lost their lives fighting against Germany on the French battlefield of the Somme in 1916.

The 36th Ulster Division suffered some 5,500 injured on the opening day of the battle on July 1, and 3,500 Irish soldiers from both sides of the community losing their lives.

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Ballymacarrett District LOL No 6 East Belfast is organising its annual commemoration parade, with 2,300 participants and 32 bands.

Ballymacarrett District lodge No 6 says the annual Somme Commemoration parade in east Belfast has been running since the 1920s. Photo: Aidan O’Reilly Pacemaker PressBallymacarrett District lodge No 6 says the annual Somme Commemoration parade in east Belfast has been running since the 1920s. Photo: Aidan O’Reilly Pacemaker Press
Ballymacarrett District lodge No 6 says the annual Somme Commemoration parade in east Belfast has been running since the 1920s. Photo: Aidan O’Reilly Pacemaker Press

A Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland spokesman said: “The anniversary of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July holds a special place in the hearts of the Orange family.

“The bravery and sacrifice of the 36th Ulster Division and indeed members of the Orange Institution from Great Britain and the Empire, is writ large in the history of Orangeism and has become embedded in our DNA.

“Parades and Acts of Remembrance will be held around the Province as we remember and honour our kith ‘n’ Kin, who went over the top on that fateful July morn.”

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The east Belfast parade begins at 6pm at Templemore Avenue and ends at 9.30pm at the same location.

The largest annual Loyal Order procession in Belfast outside the Twelfth, it takes in the major arterial roads of Ravenhill Road, Castlereagh Road, Beersbridge Road, Bloomfield Road, North Road, Belmont Road, Holywood Road and the Newtownards Road.

Ballymacarrett District LOL No 6 said: "It has been a tradition since the 1920s to have a Somme Commemoration Parade in Ballymacarrett and the wider East Belfast area...The parade is to Remember those who left these shores for the battlefields during the First World War, with many not seeing these shores again."

Another major parade is organised by Killowen LOL 930 in Coleraine, with some 1000 participants and 20 bands taking part from 6.50pm to 10.45pm. A restricted section of the parade begins at Winston Way, with the main parade starting and finishing at Shuttle Hill.

The PSNI has warned drivers of traffic delays during both parades. It has also warned of delays in Limavady from 8pm to 10pm, from 4pm in north Belfast and from 7pm in west Belfast.

Related topics:East BelfastNorthern IrelandPSNIGermany