Post by Frenchie on Jul 13, 2009 13:07:18 GMT 1
Twelfth of July celebrations are under way across Northern Ireland.
Thousands of Orangemen and women plus band members are taking part in 18 demonstrations. The annual parades mark the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
The Orange Order has said its three 'flagship' parades this year are in Banbridge, Bangor and Larne.
Belfast city centre manager Andrew Irvine said for the first time most of the shops in the centre would be open once the parade leaves the area.
"The shops will be open from 1230 BST and we will also have a programme of on-street entertainment with street performers from as far away as Australia and America," he said.
"It is world class street performance, so even for those who wouldn't feel comfortable at the procession, they should come down and enjoy the retail and the street performance."
Stores will close again at about 1630 BST when Orangemen are due to make their return journey.
The grandmaster of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Robert Saulters, said: "It is Imperial Orange Council year and delegates from across the Orange world will gather in Belfast in July for the 43rd Triennial Conference.
"The Orange Order has 100,000 members throughout the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Togo and Ghana.
"We are a worldwide fraternity and it will be a special occasion to see so many of our fellow brethren here in Northern Ireland."
Culture Minister and Orangeman Nelson McCausland said the Twelfth was a special day in Northern Ireland.
"As a small boy I used to carry the string of a banner," he said.
"I have been taking part in parades since about 1975, so that is 30 odd Twelfth parades and I still enjoy it as much as ever."
BBC News - Video >>
Thousands of Orangemen and women plus band members are taking part in 18 demonstrations. The annual parades mark the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
The Orange Order has said its three 'flagship' parades this year are in Banbridge, Bangor and Larne.
Belfast city centre manager Andrew Irvine said for the first time most of the shops in the centre would be open once the parade leaves the area.
"The shops will be open from 1230 BST and we will also have a programme of on-street entertainment with street performers from as far away as Australia and America," he said.
"It is world class street performance, so even for those who wouldn't feel comfortable at the procession, they should come down and enjoy the retail and the street performance."
Stores will close again at about 1630 BST when Orangemen are due to make their return journey.
The grandmaster of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Robert Saulters, said: "It is Imperial Orange Council year and delegates from across the Orange world will gather in Belfast in July for the 43rd Triennial Conference.
"The Orange Order has 100,000 members throughout the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Togo and Ghana.
"We are a worldwide fraternity and it will be a special occasion to see so many of our fellow brethren here in Northern Ireland."
Culture Minister and Orangeman Nelson McCausland said the Twelfth was a special day in Northern Ireland.
"As a small boy I used to carry the string of a banner," he said.
"I have been taking part in parades since about 1975, so that is 30 odd Twelfth parades and I still enjoy it as much as ever."
BBC News - Video >>