Cullybackey to host first-ever Mini Twelfth parade as thousands expected for family celebration

Cullybackey Orange Hall and arch stand proudly in the village

Cullybackey is set to host a landmark moment in the local parading calendar next month as Ballymena District LOL No. 8 brings its first-ever District Mini 12th parade to the village in what organisers are describing as a major community celebration.

The historic event, taking place on Saturday 27 June 2026, is expected to draw families, supporters, bands and spectators from across the wider Ballymena area for a day combining traditional culture, music and family entertainment.

For Cullybackey itself, the event represents a significant addition to the summer calendar, with local businesses, residents and visitors expected to see increased activity throughout the day as the village becomes the centrepiece of one of the district’s most recognised annual traditions.

Family fun day to launch celebrations

The day will begin with a family fun afternoon at The Hill playing fields beside Cullybackey College from 12 noon.

Organisers say the event is designed to appeal to all ages, with a range of attractions planned before the main parade gets underway later in the afternoon.

Families attending can expect:

• Children’s inflatables

• Face painting

• Balloon modelling

• Burger vans

• Traditional ice-cream vans

The entertainment area is expected to become a focal point for younger families before crowds line the streets for the parade itself.

Parade route through the village confirmed

The Mini Twelfth parade will commence from Pottinger Street at 2.30pm before making its way through the village centre.

The confirmed route will travel along Main Street and Shellinghill Road before completing a circuit of Kilmakevit and Tobar Park, returning to Pottinger Street via the same route.

Residents and motorists in the area are likely to experience increased traffic and temporary disruption during the procession as crowds gather along the route.

Organisers say the parade will feature bands, banners, colour and music as part of what is being promoted as a welcoming community occasion.

District says event marks important milestone

Ballymena District LOL No. 8 said the decision to bring the Mini 12th parade to Cullybackey reflects a wider commitment to community engagement across the district.

Commenting ahead of the event, Worshipful District Master Bro Matthew Armstrong described the occasion as an important milestone for the organisation.

He said:

“Our annual Mini Twelfth is one of the focal points of our local parading calendar and this year especially so as it also marks an important milestone in Ballymena District’s ongoing commitment to community engagement across the wider Ballymena area.

“We are grateful for the ever present support and encouragement we receive from the public and we hope that they will enjoy the occassion as we celebrate our rich culture and heritage together.”

Community focus at heart of the event

The Mini Twelfth parade has become an established feature within the local cultural calendar in recent years, but this will mark the first time the district event has been staged in Cullybackey.

Organisers say the aim is to create a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere while bringing visitors into the village for an afternoon built around music, tradition and community participation.

With the combination of a daytime family event and the afternoon procession, the celebration is expected to attract significant interest from both local residents and visitors from across Mid and East Antrim and beyond.

The event will take place on Saturday 27 June 2026, with the family fun activities beginning at 12 noon and the parade stepping off from Pottinger Street at 2.30pm