The Twelfth 2026: Your complete guide to parades, routes and times across Northern Ireland

Glenhugh Flute Band

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to participate in or watch Twelfth demonstrations across Northern Ireland on Monday, July 13, as over 18 towns and cities host one of the largest annual cultural festivals in Europe.

The traditional parades are taking place a day later than usual because July 12 falls on a Sunday this year.

Thousands of Orangemen, Orangewomen and junior members from more than 1,000 lodges will be joined by approximately 600 marching bands, with flute, pipe, brass and accordion music heard alongside the distinctive sound of Lambeg drums.

From Ballymena’s annual District demonstration and the world’s largest Orange gathering in Newtownhamilton to Belfast’s six-mile route and seaside parades in Glenarm and Ballywalter, each location will have its own programme, traditions and attractions.

This complete guide brings together the parade times, routes, demonstration fields, family entertainment, traffic advice and television coverage for the Twelfth across Northern Ireland.

Why the Twelfth is being held on Monday

The Battle of the Boyne anniversary falls on Sunday, July 12, in 2026.

The main Northern Ireland demonstrations will therefore be held on Monday, July 13, following the traditional practice when the Twelfth falls on a Sunday.

The parades will commemorate the 336th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.

Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Most Wor. Bro. Harold Henning, said the scale of the demonstrations underlined the continuing significance of Orange culture and traditions.

He said:

“The tradition of Orange parades stretches back 230 years, and the Twelfth continues to draw huge attendances of both participants and spectators.

“Our parades are a vibrant public expression of our identity, culture and heritage and that tradition is one which is held dear by a great many people in our community.”

He added:

“The colour and pageantry on show on the Twelfth has increasingly been proven to be an attraction to visitors to Northern Ireland seeking an authentic cultural and heritage experience.

“The hundreds of bands on display include some of the very best marching flute, pipe, brass and accordion bands in the world.

“The iconic traditional sound of the Lambeg drum is another unique aspect of the Twelfth, and one which we are glad to see flourishing with a new generation of fifers and drummers.”

Where are the main Twelfth demonstrations?

The demonstrations will be held in:

Ballymena, Larne, Ballymoney, Portglenone and Glenarm in County Antrim.

Newtownhamilton in County Armagh.

Belfast.

Rathfriland, Killyleagh, Royal Hillsborough, Ballymartin and Ballywalter in County Down.

Maguiresbridge in County Fermanagh.

Limavady and Kilrea in County Londonderry.

Cookstown, Castlederg and Aughnacloy in County Tyrone.

• Ballymena

Ballymena is one of only two locations, alongside Belfast, to host a Twelfth demonstration every year.

Thirty local lodges, 17 bands, ladies’ and junior lodges and teams of Lambeg drummers will take part in the town’s traditional District parade.

Craigywarren will lead this year’s demonstration in Ballymena

Craigywarren LOL 476 will lead the procession accompanied by Craigywarren Flute Band.

The parade will assemble at Brooke Park and move off at 12.30pm.

It is expected to reach the demonstration field on Cushendall Road at approximately 2.30pm.

The route will proceed from Brooke Park along Wakehurst Road, Queen Street, Henry Street, Harryville Bridge, Church Street, Broughshane Street, Chapel Roundabout and Cushendall Road.

Platform proceedings will begin at 3pm, with the return parade commencing at 4.30pm.

The return procession is expected to create further disruption through the Cushendall Road area, Ballymena town centre and Harryville until approximately 6pm.

Sister Turtle Memorial WLOL 14, Ferniskey WLOL 74, Daughters of Ferniskey JWLOL 55, Ferniskey Rising Sons JLOL 265 and Duke of Edinburgh Memorial JLOL 621 will be among those taking part.

Three new banners will also be seen on parade, belonging to Tullygrawley LOL 240, Dunfane LOL 591 and Ross LOL 515.

Awards will be presented for the best band, best Lambeg drums and best turned-out lodge, while children’s entertainment will be available at the demonstration field.

District Master Wor. Bro. Matthew Armstrong will conduct the platform proceedings, with Grand Chaplain Wor. Bro. Rev. Ian McClean leading the religious service.

Ballymena traffic advice

Police have warned motorists to expect delays in Harryville, Ballymena town centre and the Cushendall Road area.

The main periods of disruption are expected between noon and 2.30pm and again from 4pm until 6pm.

Drivers should allow additional time, avoid the parade route where possible and follow directions from officers managing traffic throughout the day.

• Portglenone

Portglenone will welcome lodges from the Portglenone, Cullybackey and Ahoghill districts.

McNeillstown LOL 1071 will lead the parade, accompanied by McNeillstown Pipe Band, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

Milltown Accordion Band will mark its 65th anniversary, while Killycoogan Accordion Band is celebrating 90 years.

Ahoghill Accordion Band, which recently reformed, will make its first Twelfth appearance in 25 years as it leads Ahoghill LOL 653.

The parade will begin at 12.30pm from the assembly area beside Portglenone Free Presbyterian Church on Hiltonstown Road.

It will travel along Hiltonstown Road, Cullybackey Road, Main Street, across the Bann Bridge, towards Clady Road, back across the bridge and along Main Street to Gortgole Road.

The parade is expected to arrive at the demonstration field at approximately 1.30pm.

Platform proceedings will begin at 2.45pm and the return parade will commence at 4pm.

Bro. Robert Edwards, from Manorcunningham Temperance LOL 1117, will lead the platform proceedings, with Kellie Hanna appearing as guest soloist.

A display of massed Lambeg drums is also planned before the lodges leave the field, weather permitting.

Portglenone traffic advice

Police expect disruption between 12.30pm and 2pm and again from approximately 4.30pm until 6pm.

Traffic control points will operate within the village, with a wider management plan covering nearby parades in Kilrea and Rasharkin.

Motorists should expect delays around Hiltonstown Road, Cullybackey Road, Main Street, the Bann Bridge and Gortgole Road.

• Larne

Nine districts, 70 lodges and approximately 40 bands will take part in the East Antrim Twelfth demonstration in Larne.

Members from Larne, Sixmilewater, Carrickfergus, Antrim, Randalstown, Killead, Carnmoney and Cloughfern will be joined by ladies’ and junior lodges and Lambeg drummers.

Boyne Defenders LOL 1297, celebrating its 125th anniversary, will lead the parade with Constable Anderson Memorial Flute Band, which is marking 65 years.

The parade begins at 11am from the assembly area at Inver Road and Glynn Road.

It will travel along Bridge Street, High Street, Upper Main Street, Main Street, Agnew Street, Old Glenarm Road, Herbert Avenue, Greenland Drive, Newington Avenue, Glenarm Road, Curran Road, Bay Road, Chaine Memorial Road and Rugby Road.

The procession is expected to arrive at the demonstration field on Rugby Road at approximately 1pm.

Platform proceedings will begin at 2pm and the return parade will move off at 3.30pm.

The return route will pass through Bay Park, Curran Road, Main Street, Upper Main Street, High Street, Bridge Street and Station Road before finishing at Circular Road.

King William III will make an appearance on horseback, while family entertainment will be available in the demonstration field.

Cairncastle LOL 692, which recently celebrated its 200th anniversary, will parade with Cairncastle Flute Band, which has led the lodge since 1857.

Larne traffic advice

Traffic travelling between Larne and Ballygally is likely to be affected between 11am and 2pm and again from 4pm until approximately 5.30pm.

Diversions will operate through Millbrook, taking motorists from Glynn through Millbrook and Drumnegreagh.

• Glenarm

Glenarm will host the Braid District Twelfth, with 14 lodges joined by visiting members of Pride of Preston LOL 282 from Lancashire.

Braid Valley WLOL 22, a newly formed ladies’ lodge, will take part in its first Twelfth parade.

Carnalbana LOL 595 and Carnalbana Flute Band will lead the procession, with nine additional bands and two teams of Lambeg drums also taking part.

The parade will begin at noon from the assembly field at The Cloney.

Its route will take in The Cloney, Coast Road, New Road, Mark Street, The Vennel, Altmore Street, Toberwine Street and Straidkilly Road.

The procession is due to reach the demonstration field on Straidkilly Road at approximately 2pm.

Platform proceedings begin at 3pm and the return parade will commence at 4pm.

County Antrim Grand Master Rt. Wor. Bro. Maurice Kirkwood will be the guest speaker, while Deputy Grand Chaplain Wor. Bro. Rev. Stephen Walker will lead the religious service.

Activities and entertainment will be provided for younger visitors in the demonstration field.

Glenarm traffic advice

Disruption is expected between noon and 1.30pm and again between 4pm and 5.30pm.

Diversions will allow motorists to bypass the coastal village.

• Ballymoney

Ballymoney will host the North Antrim Combine parade, involving 43 lodges and 22 bands from Ballymoney, Rasharkin, Cloughmills, Bushmills and Ballycastle districts.

Ballymoney District officers will lead the parade accompanied by Cloughmills Crown Defenders Flute Band.

The procession will begin at 1pm from Ballymoney Showgrounds.

It will travel along Charlotte Street, Main Street, Meetinghouse Street, Newal Road, Trinity Drive, John Street, Victoria Street, Linenhall Street, High Street, Model School Road and North Road before returning to the showgrounds.

Platform proceedings begin at 2.15pm and the return parade will move off at 4.15pm.

The return route will travel along North Road, Model School Road, High Street, Main Street, Meetinghouse Street, Rodden Foot and Ballymena Road.

Children’s entertainment will be available at the showgrounds.

McCartney’s True Blues LOL 913 will parade with its new banner for the first time, while O’Hara’s True Blues LOL 804 recently rededicated its Orange Hall.

Dunloy Accordion Band, which accompanies Dunloy Union Defenders LOL 496, is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Ballymoney traffic advice

The parade begins at 1pm, with a break expected at approximately 2.30pm to allow traffic to move through the town.

The return parade starts at 4.15pm and the event is expected to conclude at around 5.30pm.

Drivers should expect delays throughout the town centre and around the showgrounds.

• Newtownhamilton

Newtownhamilton will host what is described as the largest Orange gathering in the world on the Twelfth.

Eleven districts, 150 private lodges and more than 5,000 Orangemen are expected to participate, alongside Orangewomen and junior lodges.

Upwards of 20,000 spectators could attend, with approximately 70 bands and dozens of Lambeg drums accompanying the parade.

The procession begins at 10.30am from the assembly field on Newry Road.

It will travel along Newry Road, Newry Street, Shambles Lane, The Commons, Armagh Street and Castleblayney Street.

The front of the parade is expected to arrive at the demonstration field on Castleblayney Road at approximately 11am.

Platform proceedings begin at 2pm, with the return parade commencing at 3pm.

Marlacoo Rising Star LOL 306 is celebrating its 200th anniversary, while King William’s Defenders LOL 127 is marking the 135th anniversary of its warrant.

New banners from Kilcluney Temperance Volunteers LOL 132 and Drumnahuncheon Apprentice Boys LOL 371 will be displayed.

Loyal Daughters of Sloans JWLOL 35 will take part in its first Twelfth following its recent formation.

Bands marking anniversaries include Craigavon Protestant Boys Flute Band, celebrating 60 years, and Star of David Accordion Band, celebrating 50 years.

Most Wor. Bro. Joseph Magill, Grand Master of the Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, will bring fraternal greetings during the platform proceedings.

• Belfast

More than 6,500 participants and 77 bands from Northern Ireland and Scotland will take part in Belfast’s Twelfth parade.

The capital hosts the longest parade route of the day, with participants walking more than six miles to Barnett Demesne.

Approximately 170,000 spectators lined the route last year.

The procession will be led by the officers of the County Grand Lodge of Belfast, the County Colour Party and Millar Memorial Flute Band.

A short Act of Remembrance will take place at Belfast City Hall shortly before 10.20am, when a wreath will be laid at the Cenotaph.

The main parade begins at 10.40am from Donegall Square West.

The route will proceed along Bedford Street, Dublin Road, Shaftesbury Square, Bradbury Place, Lisburn Road, Balmoral Avenue and Malone Road before reaching Barnett Demesne.

The parade is expected to arrive at the demonstration field at approximately 12.45pm.

Platform proceedings begin at 2.30pm, with Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of England, Most Wor. Bro. Tim Lord, delivering the keynote address.

The return parade begins at 4pm.

Barnett Demesne will host a food village, funfair, family entertainment and cultural activities.

Belfast Orangefest will also provide street performers, music, food vendors and interactive displays in the city centre between 9am and 2pm.

Shops across the city are expected to open between 1pm and 5pm.

The Belfast demonstration will also be streamed live on YouTube.

• Rathfriland

Approximately 15,000 spectators and participants are expected in Rathfriland, where 100 lodges and 90 bands will take part.

Grand Master Harold Henning and former Grand Mistress of Scotland Sister Margaret Blakely will be among the guests.

Closkelt LOL 415 and Closkelt Pipe Band will lead the parade.

The procession begins at noon from the assembly field on Newry Road.

It will travel along Newry Road, Lower Church Square, Upper Church Square, Main Street, Downpatrick Street and Castlewellan Road.

Platform proceedings begin at 2.45pm and the return parade will commence at 4pm.

Grand Chaplain Wor. Bro. Rev. John Noble will lead the religious service.

A wreath will be laid at the Cenotaph to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the deaths of members of the Herron family, who were killed in an IRA firebomb attack on their shop and home in Dromore.

• Cookstown

Orange districts from Killyman, Stewartstown, Castlecaulfield, Pomeroy, Coagh, Benburb and Cookstown will parade through the town.

Tamlaghtmore Ark of Safety LOL 469 will lead the procession accompanied by Tamlaghtmore Silver Band.

Six junior boys’ lodges and more than 40 bands will take part.

The parade begins at noon from the assembly field on Grange Road.

It will travel along Tullywiggan Road, Dungannon Road, Killymoon Street, Church Street, Chapel Street, Loy Street, James Street, William Street, Oldtown Street, Milburn Street, Moneymore Road and East Circular Road.

The parade is due to arrive at the demonstration field at approximately 2pm.

Platform proceedings begin at 2.30pm and the return parade will move off at 3.20pm.

Magheraglass No Surrender LOL 270 will parade with its new banner.

Cookstown District LOL No.3 will also unveil and dedicate a new District bannerette during its Sunday service.

The bannerette will be unfurled by 93-year-old Bro. Samuel A. Glasgow MBE, a past District Master who remains active within the District and his own lodge.

• Castlederg

Killen District LOL No.12 will host the West Tyrone demonstration in Castlederg.

Six Orange districts will participate, led by Sixmilecross District LOL No.7 and Brackey Flute Band.

The outward parade begins at 12.30pm from an assembly field off Strabane Road.

The route will follow Strabane Road, Upper Strabane Road, John Street and Main Street before reaching the demonstration field on Castlegore Road at approximately 2pm.

Platform proceedings begin at 2.30pm and the return parade will commence at 4.30pm.

Children’s entertainment and a Highland dance display will take place in the demonstration field.

Aghyaran Accordion Band is celebrating its 70th anniversary, while Kilclean Pipe Band is marking 80 years.

Members of Thiepval Memorial LOL 1005 from Convoy in County Donegal and Sussex Crown Defenders LOL 848 from England will also take part.

Three ladies’ lodges, one junior girls’ lodge and six junior boys’ lodges will be represented.

• Aughnacloy

The Clogher Valley demonstration will be held in Aughnacloy, hosted by Annahoe District LOL No.6.

Fivemiletown District LOL No.15 will lead the parade, which will involve 25 lodges and bands.

Orangewomen, junior lodges and visiting members from County Monaghan will also take part.

The parade begins at 12.30pm from the assembly field on Tullyvar Road.

It will proceed along Tullyvar Road, Moore Street, Dungannon Road and Carnteel Road.

The procession is expected to reach the demonstration field at approximately 1.15pm.

Platform proceedings begin at 2pm and the return parade commences at 3.30pm.

Wor. Bro. Rev. Roger McElnea will lead the religious service, with music provided by Bawn Silver Band.

Annahoe District will display its new memorial bannerette.

• Killyleagh

Five districts and 37 bands will take part in the County Down demonstration at Killyleagh.

The William Savage Memorial Flute Band will lead the parade, followed by County Grand Master Rt. Wor. Bro. Kyle McIlwrath, Lecale District officers and members of the Toye and Killyleagh lodges.

The outward parade begins at noon from the assembly field on Shrigley Road, opposite Killyleagh Primary School.

It will travel through Castle Lane, Plantation Street, Catherine Street, Irish Street, Seaview, Shore Street, High Street, Frederick Street, Cross Street and Comber Road.

The parade is expected to reach the demonstration field on Comber Road at approximately 1pm.

Platform proceedings begin at 2pm and the return parade will commence at 4pm.

Scottish dancers will perform in front of Killyleagh Castle, while Willie Drennan and his band will provide entertainment in the demonstration field.

Inflatables and other children’s activities will be available free of charge.

A charity collection will be held for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland in memory of Bro. Callum McVeigh, a member of Raffrey Faith Defenders LOL 1115 and Inch Flute Band.

• Royal Hillsborough

More than 60 lodges from Aghalee, Glenavy, Magheragall, Ballinderry, Derriaghy, Lisburn and Hillsborough districts will take part in the South Antrim Combine demonstration.

Star of the Maze LOL 130 and Dunmurry Protestant Boys Flute Band will lead the parade.

The procession begins at 11.30am from the assembly field on Culcavy Road.

It will travel along Culcavy Road, Lisburn Street and Main Street before reaching the demonstration field at Hillsborough Fort at approximately 12.30pm.

Platform proceedings begin at 2pm and the return parade will commence at 4pm.

Imperial Grand Master Most Wor. Bro. Edward Stevenson will be the principal guest speaker.

The Festival at the Fort will also take place on Monday as part of the day’s programme.

• Ballymartin

Mourne District LOL No.6 will mark its 225th anniversary by holding its annual demonstration in Ballymartin.

Approximately 1,600 people will participate in the parade, accompanied by 15 bands, with more than 2,500 spectators expected.

Glenloughan Heroes LOL 1914 and Glenloughan Flute Band will lead the procession.

The parade begins at 12.30pm from the assembly field on Annalong Road.

It will travel along Annalong Road and Main Road before reaching the demonstration field at approximately 1pm.

Platform proceedings begin at 2.15pm and the return parade will commence at 4pm.

Several lodges and bands will mark major anniversaries, including Mourne First WLOL 52, which is celebrating 105 years, and Sister Jan E. Gibney Memorial WLOL 82, which is marking its centenary.

Aughnahoory Pipe Band is celebrating 80 years, while Cranfield LOL 907 is marking its 125th anniversary.

Families and friends are invited to picnic in the demonstration field, with free bouncy castles provided for children.

• Ballywalter

Ballywalter will host the North Down Twelfth for the first time since 2000.

Members from Upper Ards, Newtownards, Bangor and Holywood districts will be accompanied by 40 bands, ladies’ lodges and junior members.

Ballywalter Heroes LOL 1884 and Ballywalter Flute Band will lead the parade.

Platform proceedings and a religious service begin at 11.30am in the assembly and demonstration field on Greyabbey Road.

The outward parade begins at 12.30pm.

Its route includes Greyabbey Road, Main Street, Broadway, Dunover Road, Westland Road, Stump Road, Well Road and Park Avenue.

The return parade will commence at 4.15pm.

Assistant Grand Master Wor. Bro. Worthington McGrath and Jim Shannon MP will be among those attending.

• Maguiresbridge

County Fermanagh’s Twelfth demonstration will bring together 20 districts, 90 lodges and approximately 65 bands.

Lisbellaw District LOL No.2 will lead the parade, with Lisbellaw True Blues LOL 315 and Lisbellaw Accordion Band at the front.

Orangewomen, junior lodges and visiting members from counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan will also attend.

The parade begins at noon from the assembly field on Gardiners Cross Road.

It will travel along Belfast Road, Gardiners Road, Main Street and Lisnagole Road.

The procession will reach the demonstration field at approximately 1.30pm.

Platform proceedings begin at 2pm and the return parade will commence at 3pm.

Loughkillygreen Accordion Band is celebrating its centenary, while Ballinamallard Accordion Band is marking 65 years.

The newly formed Lisbellaw Sons of William JLOL 22 will take part in its first Twelfth parade.

Children’s entertainment, including bouncy castles, will be provided in the demonstration field, while live music will take place on Main Street.

Limavady

Approximately 2,000 Orangemen, Orangewomen and junior members will take part in Limavady, accompanied by 35 bands.

Limavady District officers will lead the procession, followed by Limavady WLOL 175 and Trench Memorial Flute Band.

The outward parade begins at noon from the assembly field on Church Street.

It will travel along Ballyclose Street, Main Street, Linenhall Street, Catherine Street, Irish Green Street, Roemill Gardens and Roemill Road.

The procession is expected to arrive at Limavady Orange Field at approximately 12.45pm.

The religious service and official proceedings begin at 2pm.

In a change from the traditional outdoor platform, this year’s service and reading of the resolutions will take place inside a marquee.

The return parade begins at 3.30pm.

Children’s entertainment, bouncy castles and face painting will be available at the demonstration field.

Limavady traffic advice

Police expect the parade to begin at approximately 11.45am.

A break is planned from around 1.45pm until 3pm, allowing traffic to move through the town.

The return procession and several smaller breakaway parades are expected to continue until approximately 7pm.

• Kilrea

Kilrea will welcome eight districts, more than 50 private lodges and bands.

Tamlaght O’Crilly Pipe Band will lead its lodge, Tamlaght O’Crilly Ulster Defenders LOL 228, at the head of the parade.

Eden Accordion Band will be among the prominent bands taking part as it celebrates the 75th anniversary of its formation.

The parade begins at noon from the assembly field on Drumagarner Road.

It will travel through Maghera Street, Old Market Yard, Church Street, Bridge Street, Mill Road, Coleraine Street and Garvagh Road.

The procession is expected to arrive at the demonstration field behind the livestock market at approximately 12.45pm.

Platform proceedings begin at 2pm and the return parade will commence at 3.30pm.

Grand Secretary Wor. Bro. Rev. Mervyn Gibson MBE will be the principal guest speaker.

Kilrea traffic advice

The outward parade begins at noon, with a break expected at approximately 2pm.

Traffic will be able to move through the town until the return parade begins at around 3.30pm.

The event is expected to finish at approximately 5pm.

Rasharkin traffic advice

Although Rasharkin is not one of the 18 main demonstration locations, police have advised motorists of a parade beginning at 12.30pm.

The outward route will proceed along Finvoy Road, Main Street and Church Road.

Traffic is expected to move through the village between approximately 2.30pm and 5pm, before the return parade travels along Church Road, Main Street, Moneyleck Road, Bridge Street and Finvoy Road.

The event is expected to finish at around 6.30pm.

Travel advice for Monday

Police have advised road users to expect significant delays around demonstration towns throughout Monday.

Officers will manage traffic and public safety, but spectators and other road users are advised to:

Allow additional time for journeys.

Use alternative routes where possible.

Avoid driving directly through demonstration towns during parade periods.

Follow temporary signs, diversions and instructions from police officers.

Expect parking restrictions and increased pedestrian traffic.

Anyone attending a parade should check local parking arrangements before travelling and be prepared to walk some distance to the route or demonstration field.

The Twelfth on BBC television and iPlayer

Presenter Helen Mark

The Twelfth 2026 will be broadcast on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on Monday, July 13.

The programme will feature reports from Rathfriland, Belfast, Rossnowlagh, Ballymoney, Newtownhamilton, Kilrea, Maguiresbridge and Cookstown.

It will also explore the wider Orange tradition and its role in cultural and community life.

Features will include a newly formed flute band in County Armagh and Belfast kiltmakers who have produced kilts for drum majors taking part in the parades.

The programme will be presented by Helen Mark, with commentary from Dr David Hume and Eve Blair.