Broughshane prepares for popular Mini Twelfth parade as motorists advised of village road closures

Broughshane village celebrating a previous year’s popular Mini Twelfth parade. (Photo: Brian Millar)

Broughshane is set to welcome hundreds of spectators this week as one of the village’s best-known annual traditions returns with the Mini Twelfth and Arch Opening.

The popular event, organised by Broughshane LOL 503, will take place on Wednesday evening, July 8, bringing marching bands and members of the Orange family together for a colourful parade through the heart of the village.

Motorists are being advised to plan ahead, as travel through Broughshane will not be possible while the parade is in progress.

Annual parade returns to village streets

The Mini Twelfth parade is scheduled to leave Whinsmoor at 7.30pm before making its way along Raceview Road, Main Street, Rathkeel Road, Buckna Road, Houstons Mill Entry and back along Main Street to Raceview Road, finishing at Whinsmoor.

According to the application submitted to the Parades Commission, organisers expect around 26 bands to participate in this year’s event.

The parade is expected to conclude at approximately 9.30pm.

Large turnout of bands expected

Bands listed to take part include:

• Pride of the Valley Teenies Flute Band

• Pollee Accordion Band

• Ballygelly Accordion Band

• Aughafatten Coronation Accordion Band

• Carnlough Flute Band

• Broughshane Lambegs

• Broughshane & District Pipe Band

• Castlegore Flute Band

• Moorfields Flute Band

• Milltown Accordion Band

• Ballycraigy Auld Boys Flute Band

• Craigywarren Flute Band

• Sir George White Memorial Flute Band

• Vow Accordion Band

• Staffordstown Accordion Band

• Killycoogan Accordion Band

• Glenhugh Flute Band

• North Ballymena Protestant Boys Flute Band

• Ballymena Protestant Boys Flute Band

• Ballymena Corps of Drums

• Pride of the Maine Flute Band

• Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster

• Ahoghill Loyal Sons of William

• Lisnamurrican Temperance Flute Band

• Ballee Blues and Royals Flute Band

Organisers have extended an open invitation to participants, saying: “All bands, brethren, sisters and juniors warmly welcome.”

Travel disruption expected

With the parade following its traditional route through the centre of Broughshane, motorists should expect disruption throughout the evening.

Travel through the village will not be possible while the parade is taking place, and drivers are encouraged to allow extra time for journeys or consider alternative routes.

The Mini Twelfth has become a longstanding fixture in Broughshane’s summer calendar, attracting participants and spectators from across the wider area and marking another significant event in Northern Ireland’s marching season.