All roads lead to Ballynahinch for this year’s Twelfth demonstration

All roads lead to Ballynahinch for this year’s Twelfth demonstration

28 June 2017

THIS year’s Twelfth of July parade takes place in Ballynahinch.

Thousands of Orangemen, bandsmen and their families will make their way to the market town for the annual demonstration which is being hosted by the Orange Order’s Ballynahinch District.

Brethren from the neighbouring  districts of Lecale, Castlewellan, Saintfield and Comber will be on parade, accompanied by sisters from the  Women’s Loyal Orange Lodges and supporting bands.

Members of the Ballynahinch District are scheduled to leave Ballynahinch Orange Hall at Dromore Street at 11.15am on the Twelfth morning to parade to the assembly area at the Belfast Road. 

At 12.15pm, the host district will then lead the main parade back into the town centre along Main Street, High Street, Church Street then Church Road, en route to the demonstration field at the Spa Road where there will be a short religious ceremony and address. This is due to start at 2pm.

It is anticipated that around 60 Orange lodges will be in Ballynahinch for the Twelfth parade, alongside 40 bands, a number of whom will be travelling from Scotland for the event.

This Saturday, July 1st, Ballynahinch will be hosting the annual Somme commemoration parade with the event coinciding with the return of the town’s traditional arch in Main Street which has not been erected for several years.

Eleven lodges are due to take part in this Saturday’s parade when the arch will be officially opened and dedicated after a short parade from Dromore Street Orange hall at 7.30pm.

Looking further ahead, the Orange Order’s Ballynahinch District will be holding its annual church service in the town’s Free Presbyterian Church on Sunday, July 9. 

Brethren taking part are asked to assemble at the War Memorial at 2.45pm to parade to the church accompanied by Ballylone Flute and Albert Bridge Accordion bands.