Police traffic advisory for Mid & East Antrim as thousands prepare for Last Saturday parade in Larne

Motorists in Ballymena and Larne are being warned to expect delays this Saturday as thousands of Royal Black Institution members and supporters take part in the annual Last Saturday demonstrations.

Around 5,000 participants, 76 preceptories and 71 bands are expected at the main County Antrim demonstration in Larne on Saturday 29 August, with up to 10,000 spectators anticipated.

For Ballymena residents, the impact will begin much closer to home. A number of feeder and return parades will take place in Ballymena town centre, with delays expected between 9am and 10.30am, and again from 6pm until 7.30pm.

Similar feeder and return parades are planned in Carrickfergus during those periods.

Police have advised motorists to allow extra time for journeys and, where possible, seek alternative routes.

Ballymena district among thousands heading to Larne

The County Antrim gathering will bring together sir knights from six districts — Lisburn No 1, Ballymena No 2, Antrim No 3, Larne No 4, Ballymoney No 5 and Ballyclare No 6.

The main outward parade in Larne will begin at 12 noon from Inver Road, before proceeding along:

Church Road – Glynn Road – Station Road Junction – Bridge Street – High Street – Main Street – Curran Road – Bay Road – Chaine Memorial Road – Rugby Road – Sandy Bay Playing Fields.

The outward procession is expected to finish at Sandy Bay at approximately 2.30pm.

The return parade is scheduled to leave Sandy Bay Playing Fields at around 4.15pm, travelling via:

Bay Park – Curran Road – Main Street – High Street – Bridge Street – Inver Road – Station Road – Glynn Road.

It is expected to finish at approximately 5.30pm.

Diversions for traffic between Larne and Ballygally

Motorists travelling between Larne and Ballygally are likely to be affected while the parades are taking place.

Diversions will be in operation at Millbrook, directing traffic via:

Glynn – Millbrook – Drumnegreagh.

Police officers will be present throughout the parades to manage traffic and public safety.

Road users have been advised to allow additional time for their journeys and use an alternative route where possible to avoid potential delays.

Five major Last Saturday demonstrations

Larne is one of five locations hosting major Royal Black Institution demonstrations on Saturday, alongside Coleraine, Dundonald, Dungannon and Newry.

Across the five events, the Institution says upwards of 17,000 members, approximately 350 preceptories and 300 bands will participate.

Sovereign Grand Master Rev William Anderson, who will attend the Dundonald gathering, described the annual processions as “flagship events on the parading calendar”.

He said:

“We expect to see thousands of supporters turning out at the various locations, where they will see a glorious expression of culture, pageantry, music and history.

“I was very impressed by the huge crowds of supporters who enjoyed the annual July celebrations at Scarva and Bangor, and by the great attendance at Brookeborough on August 1.”

He added:

“The institution’s principled stance on the Reformed Christian Faith will be to the forefront at all our demonstrations on the Last Saturday, with religious services held at each location.”

Up to 10,000 spectators expected in Larne

Organisers expect up to 10,000 spectators for the County Antrim demonstration, making Larne one of the largest gatherings of the day.

Platform speakers will include Rev David McCarthy, County Antrim Grand Chaplain, and Rev Dr Ronald Johnstone, District Chaplain of Newtownards RBDC No 11.

Elsewhere, Coleraine will host the County Londonderry demonstration for the first time since 2006, with around 2,500 participants from 33 preceptories and 31 bands. Its main parade begins at 12 noon, with the return at 3.45pm.

Around 2,000 participants are expected in Dundonald, where seven City of Belfast Grand Black Chapter districts and 25 bands will take part. The event will also include an Act of Remembrance at Dundonald War Memorial.

Dungannon is preparing for a 3,500-strong procession involving 80 preceptories and 80 bands, with organisers expecting around 20,000 spectators.

Newry will host another of the day’s largest demonstrations, with up to 5,000 participants and around 100 bands. Around 5,000 spectators are expected, with the main parade beginning at noon and the return procession at 4pm.

For people in the Ballymena area, Saturday’s events mean both local town-centre disruption and significant traffic movements towards Larne.

Motorists should particularly note the Ballymena feeder parade periods of 9am–10.30am and 6pm–7.30pm, while anyone travelling towards Larne or Ballygally should plan ahead for the main parade and associated diversions.