Countdown is on to Twelfth of July 2025: A celebration of heritage and community

Ballymena, affectionately known as the City of the Seven Towers, is poised to host one of Northern Ireland’s much celebrated cultural events, the Twelfth of July parade, on Saturday, 12th July 2025.

This vibrant celebration, marking the 335th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, will transform the town into a hub of colour, music, and tradition, drawing thousands of participants and spectators.

As one of 18 venues across Northern Ireland hosting Twelfth demonstrations, including Belfast, Keady, Coleraine, Kesh, and the newly selected Dundonald, Ballymena’s parade underscores its pivotal role in the region’s cultural heritage, contributing to what is regarded as one of Europe’s largest annual festivals.

Ballymena’s enduring tradition

Ballymena holds the unique distinction, alongside Belfast, of hosting a Twelfth demonstration every year, a tradition deeply woven into the town’s cultural and historical fabric.

This year’s parade will feature 27 local lodges, comprising men’s senior lodges, two Ladies’ Lodges (Sister Turtle Memorial WLOL 14 and Ferniskey WLOL 74), two Junior Boys’ Lodges (Ferniskey Rising Sons JLOL 265 and The Duke of Edinburgh Memorial JLOL 621), and the newly formed Daughters of Ferniskey JWLOL 55, making its Twelfth debut.

The inclusion of visiting brethren from Cullybackey District further enriches the event, showcasing the strength of Orange culture in County Antrim.

The parade will be led by Slatt LOL 475, accompanied by the Pride of the Maine Flute Band, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary—a significant milestone for the popular band.

Additional highlights include the unfurling of a new banner by Dunnygarron LOL 960 and the formation of the Daughters of Ferniskey JWLOL 55, reflecting the continued growth of the Junior Orange movement.

These milestones underscore Ballymena’s commitment to preserving its heritage while fostering the involvement of younger generations, as noted by Grand Master Edward Stevenson:

“With the continuing growth of the Junior Orange movement we can say with confidence that this is a tradition that will continue to be upheld for many years to come.”

The parade will assemble at Wakehurst Road at 12:30pm, following a carefully planned route through Larne Road, Larne Street, Henry Street, Harryville Bridge, Waveney Road, Galgorm Road, the Pentagon, Lower Mill Street, Wellington Street, Ballymoney Street, and Thomas Street, before arriving at The People’s Park.

Organisers have ensured participant and spectator comfort with essential amenities, including toilets and a first aid post at both the assembly point and demonstration field.

At 2:30pm, the platform proceedings will commence with a religious service led by Grand Chaplain Wor. Bro. Ian McClean, followed by a keynote address from Most Wor. Bro. Henry Dunbar, Past Grand Master of Scotland.

Prizes will be awarded for Best Band on Parade, Best Turned-Out Lodge, and Best Lambeg Drums, adding a competitive edge to the festivities.

A region-wide celebration

The Twelfth of July is a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s cultural identity, with 18 demonstrations across the region expected to draw hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators.

Approximately 600 marching bands, representing genres from flute to accordion, will accompany Orangemen, women, and juniors in a spectacular display of pageantry.

Other key venues include Coagh, Sixmilecross, Augher (Co. Tyrone), Dundonald, Dromara, Dundrum, Kilkeel (Co. Down), Cullybackey, Rasharkin, Carnlough, Lisburn, Glengormley (Co. Antrim), Keady (Co. Armagh), Coleraine, Maghera (Co. Londonderry), and Kesh (Co. Fermanagh).

The Rossnowlagh parade in County Donegal on 5th July will precede the main events, setting the stage for the Twelfth.

Grand Master Edward Stevenson highlighted the scale and significance of the celebrations, stating,

“Our Twelfth of July celebrations are an event like no other. Across the 18 venues, we will have tens of thousands of our members - men, women and young people taking part in a community tradition which has been faithfully maintained for well over 200 years.”

He added:

“There is simply no other local event which can bring such vast numbers of people onto the streets, either by taking part or by enjoying the day as a spectator.”

This year, Stevenson will attend the County Fermanagh celebrations in Kesh, his first visit to the event, underscoring its importance.

The international appeal of the Twelfth is also significant, with Stevenson noting:

“Once again we anticipate a high number of international visitors to join our celebrations, many who are keen to experience first-hand the spectacle of ‘The Twelfth.’”

The high calibre of music, provided by some of Northern Ireland’s finest marching bands, contributes to the festival atmosphere, as Stevenson remarked:

“Our parades are undoubtedly an impressive spectacle, with the high calibre of music provided by some of the finest marching bands in the country playing a big part in the festival atmosphere.”

Highlights from other venues

• Carnlough:

The ‘Braid’ Twelfth will feature 11 lodges and nine bands, including two sets of Lambeg drums, led by Carnlough LOL 1180 and the Carnlough Flute Band.

The parade begins at 12:00 noon from Bay Road, proceeding through the village to a demonstration field near St. Patrick’s Church.

Family-friendly attractions, such as bouncy castles and food vendors, will be available, with platform proceedings at 2:30pm featuring speakers Wor. Bro. Rev. William Anderson and Wor. Bro. Robin Swann MP for South Antrim.

The return parade starts at 4:00pm, with Teenies No Surrender LOL 635 celebrating 170 years of service.

• Rasharkin:

Hosting the North Antrim Combine, Rasharkin will see 43 lodges and 30 bands from five districts, led by the Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors Flute Band.

The parade starts at 1:00pm from Finvoy Road, arriving at the demonstration field at ‘The Turnpike.’ Platform proceedings at 2:30pm will feature Rt. Wor. Bro. Maurice Kirkwood, County Grand Master of Antrim, with praise led by The Vow Accordion Band.

Family-friendly activities, food vendors, and stalls will enhance the experience, with the return parade at 4:15pm.

• Cullybackey:

In a historic first, Portglenone District LOL No. 7 and Ahoghill District LOL No. 12 will co-host the ‘Triangle’ Twelfth.

The parade, starting at 12:30pm from Ard Na Maine, will feature award-winning bands like Cullybackey Pipe Band and McNeillstown Pipe Band, alongside a massed Lambeg drumming display.

Platform proceedings at 2:15pm will be led by Wor. Bro. Robert Edwards, with the return parade departing at 3:45pm.

Cullybackey’s rich history, including landmarks like Arthur Cottage and Buick Memorial Primary School, adds depth to the event.

Coleraine:

Lodges from North Londonderry, City of Londonderry, and East Donegal will gather, assembling on Union Street at 9:15am.

The main parade, broadcast on GBNews, starts at 11:15am, saluting the War Memorial en route to the demonstration field behind Coleraine Leisure Centre.

Platform proceedings at 2:15pm will feature Rt. Wor. Bro. James Evans and a religious service by Wor. Bro. Rev. Joseph Andrews.

Belfast:

The capital’s parade, the longest at over six miles, will see thousands march from Carlisle Circus to Barnett’s Demesne, led by the County Grand Lodge of Belfast and the Millar Memorial Flute Band, celebrating 50 years.

A wreath-laying at Belfast City Hall’s Cenotaph at 10:30am will honour fallen heroes. Platform proceedings at 2:30pm, chaired by Rt. Wor. Bro. Spencer Beattie, will include a keynote address by Bro. Rt. Hon. Gavin Robinson MP.

Orangefest activities, supported by Belfast City Council, will offer family-friendly entertainment from 9:00am to 2:00pm, with shops open from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

A cultural cornerstone

The Twelfth of July remains a vibrant celebration of Northern Ireland’s Orange heritage, blending history, music, and community engagement.

As Grand Master Edward Stevenson concluded:

“As the big day approaches, it is safe to say the entire Orange Family is really looking forward to another glorious Twelfth.”

Visitors are advised to follow stewards’ and police directions, plan travel, and prepare for variable weather to fully enjoy this unforgettable spectacle.