Grand Master hails return of traditional Twelfth celebrations

The Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Edward Stevenson, has hailed the return of the traditional Twelfth of July celebrations as a “tremendous success”.

He said: “The 332nd anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne will be remembered as a perfect day for the return of our traditional parades after a gap of three years due to Covid-19 and for the extraordinary numbers of people celebrating the largest annual festival in Northern Ireland.

“There was a real sense of occasion as tens of thousands of our members, accompanying bands and spectators revelled in the pageantry and spectacle of the Twelfth celebrations at 18 different venues across the Province.

“This year really was extra special. Our last traditional celebrations were in 2019 and following two years of alternative celebrations in 2020 and 2021, this year’s Twelfth parades were a tremendous success.

“I was delighted to be part of the celebrations in County Antrim, participating in the parade at Bushmills, and have received lots of positive feedback from around the other parades which took place today.

“I trust everyone involved - participants, supporters, onlookers and traders - had a wonderful day; and we look forward to doing it all over again next year.”