The Twelfth July Belfast

The 12th July or the Twelfth as its known in Belfast is a protestant unionist tradition dating back to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

Whilst there are many Orange Order parades on the 12th of July there are also Black Presbytery Parades on the 13th, the main one being in a beautiful village close to Banbridge called Sarva.

The Twelfth is a traditional time in Northern Ireland for those not interested in watching the parades or those who value a different culture to jet off on holidays, although with the creation of Orange Fest and the opening of the shops on the Twelfth, times are changing.

The main parade and by far the largest is in Belfast where thousands partake in marching and others in watching Orange Fest which is made up of the Belfast Districts and guest bands and lodges from Ireland, Scotland and sometimes further afield such as Canada and Australia.

It's an early start for each district as they march to the main assembly point at Carlisle Circus before setting of for the field and a fun day out. The parade makes its way towards Belfast City Hall where its stops to lay a wreath in remembrance of the dead. It then makes its way towards Shaftbury Square, along the Lisburn Road, up Balmoral Avenue and along the Malone Road to Orange Fest in the field, or as it is now a Belfast City Park in South Belfast. The photos shown are from the return leg of the Twelfth in the evening as it passes along the Lisburn Road.

One of the most interesting things about the Twelfth can be seen in the last few photographs, for whilst the Orange Order claims its Christian Heritage, the born again Christian Church separates itself from the order and the bands. The Christian witness as its called locally proceeds the main parade, handing out Gospel tracks, playing Gospel music and witnessing to those who line the route.