Thousands set to line Ballymena streets for Twelfth parade and family events

Ballymena is preparing for one of its biggest annual public events as thousands of spectators, bandsmen, lodge members and families are expected to gather across the town for the 2026 District Twelfth demonstration.

The traditional Twelfth of July parade will take place on Monday, 13 July, bringing together 30 local lodges, 17 bands and the unmistakable sound of the Lambeg drum as the procession makes its way through the town centre before heading to the main demonstration field on the Cushendall Road.

The large-scale event is expected to draw significant crowds into Ballymena throughout the day, with traffic disruption anticipated along the parade route as roads become lined with spectators from across Mid and East Antrim and beyond.

Craigywarren lodge to lead this year’s parade

Craigywarren LOL 476 will lead this year’s parade, accompanied by Craigywarren Flute Band, as participants assemble at Brooke Park before the main procession gets underway.

Organisers have confirmed the parade will commence at 12.30pm from the Assembly Field at Brooke Park.

The parade is scheduled to arrive at the demonstration field on the Cushendall Road at approximately 2.30pm, where platform proceedings and family entertainment will continue throughout the afternoon.

The official platform proceedings will begin at 3pm and will be conducted by District Master Wor. Bro. Matthew Armstrong.

Grand Chaplain Wor. Bro. Rev. Ian McClean will conduct the religious service during the afternoon proceedings.

The return parade is due to commence at 4.30pm.

Parade route through Ballymena town centre

The procession will assemble at Brooke Park before travelling through several key routes in Ballymena town centre.

The full parade route is:

• Wakehurst Road

• Queen Street

• Henry Street

• Harryville Bridge

• Church Street

• Broughshane Street

• Chapel Roundabout

• Cushendall Road

Motorists travelling through Ballymena on Monday, 13 July, are likely to experience delays and diversions during the height of the parade, particularly across the town centre and surrounding arterial routes.

Residents and visitors are expected to begin gathering along the route well ahead of the 12.30pm start time.

Women’s and junior lodges also taking part

A number of women’s and junior lodges are also set to participate in the day’s proceedings.

Those attending include:

• Sister Turtle Memorial WLOL 14

• Ferniskey WLOL 74

• Daughters of Ferniskey JWLOL 55

• Ferniskey Rising Sons JLOL 265

• Duke of Edinburgh Memorial JLOL 621

Organisers have also confirmed there will be prizes awarded on the day for:

• Best Band

• Best Fifes

• Best Lambeg Drums

• Best turned-out Lodge

Two new banners from Tullygrawley LOL 240 and Ross LOL 515 will also be unveiled during the demonstration.

The demonstration field on the Cushendall Road will host children’s entertainment throughout the afternoon as part of the wider family-focused programme.

Pre-Twelfth events planned before main demonstration

Ahead of the main Twelfth event, organisers have also announced a Mini Twelfth and Fun Day which is scheduled to take place in Cullybackey on Saturday, 27 June.

The additional event forms part of the wider build-up to the annual celebrations across the Ballymena district.

The Twelfth demonstration remains one of the largest annual cultural events in the Ballymena area, attracting participants and spectators from across Northern Ireland while bringing significant footfall into the town for the day’s proceedings.