Packed Scarva at a standstill for Thirteenth parade of epic proportions

At no point along the one-mile route is there a crowd of less than three people deep, and many of the green areas are awash with picnics rugs, foldable chairs and gazebos – a case of everything but the kitchen sink, though a couple of washing basins were spotted.

And to further illustrate the size of this event you only need to watch Drumderg Loyalists Flute Band walk by.

As they marched through the demesne one person remarked: “That’s like three bands.”

Richard Johnston, who has been a member of the Keady band for 25 years, explained why their numbers were so big and outfits so striking.

“It’s our 100th anniversary so we have something like 34 drummers and 60 fluters on parade today and two special bandspeople for the day,” he said nodding towards his daughter Ellen, eight, and son, Jack, five.

“With it being the anniversary we have a few old boys back on parade so our numbers are very strong.

“We normally wear jackets but for the anniversary we’ve gone for retro-style bright blue jumpers.”

Drumderg were just one of a number who caught the eye from a wide variety of bands comprising flute, accordion, pipe, brass and silver.

Pride of the Hill Rathfriland and Monaghan Auld Fife and Drum were another two bands whose tunes stood out.

Still on the musical theme, soprano Clara Wilson performed a number of songs before the parade began including ‘Rule Britannia’, ‘You’ve Got A Friend In Me’ and ‘Pack Up Your Troubles’ for the crowd gathered at Scarvagh House.

Asked how her appearance at Scarva came about she said: “It came from me singing at Stormont for the Northern Ireland Centenary Parade. I’ve got a lot of bookings from that appearance at Stormont.

"I was singing at the Twelfth in Bangor and the Mini Twelfth at Brownlow House in Lurgan.”

Asked if she was enjoying her day, the Lurgan woman said: “It’s a lovely day and a great crowd, so yes, I’m glad to be here.”

The soprano, who has performed in venues such as the Ulster Hall, Waterfront Hall and Grand Opera House, also performed during the religious service which included an address by the Sovereign Grand Master Rev William Anderson and contributions by Andrew Boyce, Worshipful Master of RBP 1000, and Rev Jason Lingiah, Imperial Deputy Grand Chaplain.

A long-serving member of the Royal Black spoke to the News Letter at Scarva.

Although Robert Acheson, a member of RBP 18 in Tandragee District No 1, was sporting a 40 year membership badge he should be due an upgrade.

“I’m in the Orange and the Black,” he said. “I joined when I was 18, I’m now 73.”

A little bit of mathematical scribbling worked out that Robert had been in the loyal orders for 55 years.

"Fifty-five, that’s right,” he said. “I’ve been to 55 Twelfths and I’ve been to nearly as many Thirteenths.

"It’s a great estate here in Scarva, a great place for holding this.

"It’s always a great day here, the sun always seems to come out.

"We were lucky yesterday as well in Loughbrickland, there were only two or three light showers.”

Tim Webb, a member of RBP 503, took part in the procession in his wheelchair, pushing himself some of the way and getting some help from his dad on the hilly inclines.

“I’ve been coming to Scarva every day from I was born,” he said.

“It’s just a great family day. It’s lovely to see so many families about, kids, grandparents, aunties and uncles, mums and dads.

"There’s a fantastic feel about it.”

He added: "I was in Lurgan yesterday, it was an absolute washout. Today it’s sunshine. It’s chalk and cheese.”

The Thirteenth wouldn’t be complete without the annual Sham Fight and despite the result being a nailed on conclusion it still attracts big numbers.

For the mock battle between rival monarchs, John Adair and Colin Cairns – members of Sir Knight Alfred Buller Memorial RBP 1000 who organise Scarva Day – took on their customary roles of William and James, accompanied by performers in period costume portraying troops from the Williamite and Jacobite armies.

As the first shot rings out people begin to make their way to a pen that has been cleared for battle, ready to cheer and boo when appropriate.

It raised a laugh when one innocent little girl asked her mum, “Who should I cheer for?”

A front row spot guaranteed you a great view of the clash but also sore ears and a shower in residue from the blank cartridges being fired from muskets.

The Sham Fight took place almost straight after the huge parade of up to 4,000 members of the Royal Black had taken two hours to make its way from the assembly field on the Gilford Road to Scarvagh House.

The parade comprised Royal Black preceptories from Portadown, Markethill, Tandragee, Banbridge, Newry, Rathfriland, Mourne and Lower Iveagh (Dromore).

The mile-long procession streamed through the village’s spectator-filled main street to Scarvagh House, passing the centuries-old oak and chestnut trees in the demesne.

Legend has it that King William tied his horse to one of the Spanish chestnut trees as he spent the night encamped at Scarva in June 1690 before moving on to the Boyne.