Twelfth Special 2011 BBC Newsline

Good Evening and welcome to the programme. Over the next 30 minutes,

we'll have a round-up of today's main twefl parades across the

country from Lisnaskea, to Lisnaskea. We start in Belfast

where the 14-mile round trip makes Belfast hosts the largest of 18

demonstrations across Northern Ireland. Today there were 70 bands,

along with the lodges, the parade took well over an hour to pass any

one point. The Mill mar memorial took part.

The early part of the parade was in damp roads after a heavy downpour,

but the weather improved throughout the day. Every member of the family

was decked out in traditional colours, as the parade passed by

and headed for the city centre. Here, the deck chairs, flags and

spectators were ready and waiting. You get to see all the pageantry

and a good view of the bands. They love it, look forward to it every

year. They all go to integrated schools so they're brought up like

that, but they like their own culture as well. Their school

celebrate St Patrick's Day and what it means, so it's good fun.

My mother's a loyalist woman, brought me up like that. I love

seeing the 12th, seeing the bands, having time with the kids and

enjoying myself. In the early afternoon, the first

bands made it to the field at Barnett's Desailly. The stalls were

ready and the official transport was parked and allowed to cool down.

Time for a rest, some catching up and lunch as the Grand Master

considered what he was going to say. The message is, we are celebrating

Battle of The Boyne, it gave everyone civil and religious

freedom. We consider sometimes our fame being denied to us and our

civil rights and we hope we can move forward and see better days

ahead. As the locals relaxed, some

overseas visitors were enjoying the parading experience here for the

first time. Incredible, just incredible.

Wonderful. All the kids but the two little girls, who are seven and

eight, made it to the park and hopped in the car, the others made

it. In pink, the Pink Ladies. are an all-female flute band, just

as a means of giving the young girls something to do and teaching

them about the history and culture. We started in Ulster a year ago, a

new group in Ulster, and both bands join together on 12th July.

Visitors, bands and local brethren determined to join the parade back

again. This year, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland designated two

demonstrations as flagship events. We'll hear from Comber shortly, but

Music and pageantry were the order of the day in Randalstown. It

enjoyed flagship status this year, welcoming nine district lodges from

the east Antrim combine, along with 70 others. They were led by a

Randalstown district lodge, number And some came from further afield.

I'm from Antrim Town. I've been in Sydney Australia for the last 21

years and we thought we'd take this in with our annual holidays.

More than 60 marching bands from here, England and Scotland, paraded

The day was celebrated by every generation.

I am 100 years of age. 100. Seen all the parades. This year's 95th

anniversary of the Battle of The Somme took on particular

significance for Randalstown. This site was used as a training camp

for soldiers going off to fight in France.

We stand for an act of remembrance, remembering those who have fallen

in the defence of freedom, righteousness and truth, across the

world and especially we think of our soldiers in Afghanistan this

time. The sun may not have been shining on Randalstown today, but

that didn't seem to matter. The lack of it hasn't dampened the

spirits too much. As you can see, everybody is milling about. There's

a lot of people in the field enjoying it, making the best of it.

That's how it should be. After the long walk to the fooled,

it was time to relax and hats off to a great day.

The crowds turned out in force in Comber today where the second of

the flagship demonstrations took place. More than 100 lodges and

Thousands turned out to enjoy the festivities and see 70 lodges and

40 bands file past including silver, flute, pipe and accordion. Five

districts were represented today, the host town Comber and four

others. The parades held in Comber every

five years here and people can't wait until the next time. It's

amazing. I come here most years. Very well organised. Very nice.

Lovely. Good so far. Very good. Turned out to be a lovely day.

to beat now. What's been your favourite bit so far? Watching the

new flute band. Hopefully next year she'll be in the parade with them.

Beautiful. Really lovely. The weather's been great, as has the

parade. The bands are playing lovely. Just enjoyed the whole day.

Even though the spectators failed to get a ringside seat, they

couldn't say they didn't see enough of the action, the parade made its

way through the town twice on its way to the demonstration field. The

main speaker was Ulster Unionist assembly member and the immediate

past Assistant Grand Master of Ireland who had this message for

those involved in recent disturbances. The Orange Order

condemns all violence and will continue to do so and always has.

In Comber we have a marvellous day with loads of people thronging the

streets. You can't move. Above all, it's a family day. We see children,

their parents, grandparents. It's awash with everything that's right

about today. Brilliant. Before the parade dispersed today, it was

addressed by the district master. Today is the culmination of a

year's planning for this day. It's a celebration of our culture, a

celebration of our reformed faith and a day for the family, for

fellowship and fun and we look forward to it. The name of Comber

comes from the Irish where the confluence of rivers meet. Today we

have orange men meeting with fellow Orangemen and families and friends

just for fun, celebration and enjoyment. The excitement was a bit

too much for some, to others, it was a chance to sit back and enjoy

the music. To the north-west next, where

thousands of people took part in the festivities in Limavady. It was

a special occasion for the Head of The Orange order who's now been in

the post since January. Edward Stevenson used his speech to

highlight the plight of victims of It was his first official Twelfth

as Grand Master and he was joined by Alastair Smith who is from the

area. It's four years since the Twelfth

was held in Limavady and, as usual, there was a large turnout.

Around 5,000 people took part in the parade itself and more than

double that number lined the route. Limavady district had the honour of

leading off this year, followed by Coleraine and City of Londonderry

Grand Orange Lodge. It's very, very important and it's traying to

encourage people to become more aware of their own culture and

tradition. Today's parade is part of that. Also to promote our

religious aspects of the institution. It was a special

occasion for Limavady district, LOL number 6, celebrating its 200th

anniversary. I think Limavady men would feel we have a particular

type of Oranges and we'd say it's the best of course. We have people

from the town and rural areas and we try to keep alive the tradition

of the men from 200 years ago. year-old Sam King was determined

not the miss the Twelfth. How important is a day like today?

Quite important to me today. After the parade in and around Limavady,

the Grand Master, Edward Stevenson, told those who gathered that the

victims of the troubles shouldn't be forgotten. He claimed the IRA

carried out a bloody sectarian war and tried to rewrite history.

we talk about ethnic cleansing across this province, we have a

right to be heard. They may not like it because there is a romantic

myth of a justified arms struggle that they are trying so hard to

create, but let me say very clearly that the violence of the IRA or

indeed any terrorist organisation in Northern Ireland was never

justified. The Grand Master said Protestants

should engage with the historical inquiries team so the wider

community could learn about what On parade in Rathfriland, band and

plenty of drums. This was the first time in eight

years that the Twelfth came to the County Down Town. It's probably

just as well, given the steep hills on the one-mile route. It can be

difficult, especially for senior brethren, but usually the sun

shines. It's definitely a beautiful setting and we feel that when you

are standing or sitting in the top of the demonstration field, there's

no better demonstration field in the country. The parade made a stop

at the war memorial before weaving its way around the square. Most

walked but some travelled in style. Some spectators had some views,

others didn't seem to notice what was on offer. After nearly two

hours, the parade arrived in the field, then it was time for lunch,

treats, catching up and a rest. I've been fortunate enough to enjoy

a fair bit of good health and I don't think I've missed a Twelfth

now in the 65 years, I don't think so. I would find it hard if I

wasn't able to come out. It's a lovely, real family day. My wee

girl's two-and-a-half and just loves the bands. It's just a nice,

fun day. I always remember it as a really fun day as a child. It's a

happen any nice day to be out. Wonderful. Nice to meet all my old

friends. The hospitality is second to none. There's no other place

like it, no two ways at all. I love Northern Ireland. We are here to

celebrate our heritage. We consider it a family day out as well and we

are all here. My husband's in the lodge and we are having a great day

Large crowd turned up in sticks Tam as the demonstration returned to

the County Tyrone town for the first time in seven years --

Stewartstown. People thronged the square in his

400 year-old village, determined not to miss a minute of the big day.

We were down very early. We were here at about 9:30am. Well where

here early. I have been coming for about 51 years. A veteran? I am, I

would not miss it. For some, it was a whole new experience. Jack is six

months old and this is his first 12. John has talked us along to come

and have a look at all the bands. He promised a good day. I have been

travelling for 14 years. Everyone said, come along on the 12th. I

wanted to come and share the experience with you people.

there was something for everyone. 50 bans accompanied lodgers from

the seven district's. -- 50 bans accompany it lodges from the seven

districts. In the field, spectators were treated to a cultural display

of Scottish dancing and Lambeg drum men. With the weather always the

big question, the entertainers had written a song for the occasion.

The guest speaker was the Grand Master of England. I think it is a

marvellous occasion. It is everything I expected it to be. It

is not the first time we have walked in Northern Ireland on the

12th and I am thoroughly looking forward to the rest of the day.

special pen was made to commemorate the big day. The organisers were

delighted with how it went. music, the colour and everything is

absolutely fine. In the afternoon, the queue at the burger stands was

matched by those wanting ice creams. Others made the most of a chance

for a rest. It has been a few years since the

village of Clogher last hosted the 12th but today, the celebrations

were back in the village. The theme was home for the 12th. In total, 24

lodges were on parade, making their way through the village and over

the hill towards the field. For some, the day made first memories

of the 12, for others it has been a lifelong appointment. The

organisers pulled out all the stops to make it a family-friendly day.

The North Antrim demonstration was held in Ballycastle this year.

There was a security alert but it did not stop the parade from going

ahead. Forget yellow man, it was all about

Orange man in Ballycastle, 44 lodges from five districts took

part in the North Antrim demonstration, the first time it

has been held in this seaside town for five years. Mc lead in the

line-up was LOL 749, celebrating its 200th anniversary and a

unfurling a new banner. We take pride in the war memorial which is

on the front of our ban and it is the oldest war memorial in the

whole of Ireland. As well as some local Lambeg drum is, this Lodge

from Scotland was determined to show off their skills with the

sticks which included three generations of drummers. I thought

I was retired so I'm back here at the age of 65. I will be 66 next

month. We keep it in the family as much as we can and we are enjoying

it. The Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said

it was a day for everyone. We bear no malice to anyone. We want to

come and have a nice family day out. Everyone is welcome to come and see

the colourful spectacle which is 12th July. There was plenty of

local support but one man made the joint -- the journey from America

to join his brothers on the March. I come every year, wherever the

parade is. It is my heritage to come here and I like to come back

to see the people. Are there was a security alert at the start of the

parade but it did not dampen the spirits of those who put their best

leg forward and enjoyed the bans, the fish and chips and a

traditional 99 by the sea. We are heading west next where

Lisnaskea was the venue for the Fermanagh 12th. Meanwhile, a group

of councillors from the public were there at the invitation of the

Orange Order. The parade through Lisnaskea was

led by lodges from Leitrim, followed by a Monaghan, Cavan and

In recent years, the County Fermanagh Grand Lodge has been keen

to establish relationships across the border. For the councillors

from Cavan and Leitrim who accepted an invitation to attend the parade,

it was a new experience. I have never been at an actual 12th parade

and seen the full scale of it and it really is extremely enjoyable

We just like them to come and see. Some of them have never been at the

12th before and they are impressed. There is nothing to be afraid of!

But in recent weeks, community relationships have been strained

after one building was burnt to the ground. It is nice to get the band

pulled out. I think they were all happy. It was great to see the

County Antrim applause as we were coming in. It gives a great lift to

get that deal of support. It does help with morale, big time.

County Grand Master says the Orange Order is flourishing in Fermanagh

and on parade for the first time, was a new ladies' Lodge, the

daughters of William which was recently formed. For many families,

their cultural tradition is being continued by a longer -- a younger

generation. I think they enjoy it. It is quite a long walk. He was

very, very long, quite sore on your legs. But finishing the long walk

The Independent Orange Order parade is one of Northern Ireland's

smallest, but what it lacked in size, it made up for in family-

friendly atmosphere. It is a great family day out and it is the

biggest parade I have seen. It is great to see everybody here. Lovely

sunshine and the bans were lovely. It was not big but it was nice.

was small but it was very much a family atmosphere. The new Grand

Master is keen to take on the challenge of attracting more

members. For the past few years, Orangeism has taken a setback with

events and has maybe got itself a name which it does not really

deserve. I think education is one of the things we have got to get

out there and educating the young people that there is more to

Orangeism bam what they see in the press and the media all the time.

Those gathered on the platform said it was clear the independents have

many fans and they said it has been a great success. Next year they

hope there will be even more people to enjoy it.

Eight district lodges and 60 bands paraded in Ballyronan in County

Londonderry. The village was packed with spectators and musicians.

10,000 people spent the day in Ballyronan, close to this year's

south Londonderry demonstration. It has been seven years since the

event was held in this village. For some, it was a debut day. What have

you been doing today? Doing the parade -- doing the accordion for

the first time. What did you think of that? Very good, I liked it a

lot. Others have been walking for decades. You have been walking for

55 years? I have never missed a 12.! I have been coming since 1940.

It is a wonderful place to come to. Ballyronan would have been known

way back to the 1600s when the planters came to form Ballyronan.

In the field, as ever, it was time to relax, reflect and refresh ahead

of the return March. One of Northern Ireland's smallest

villages played host to one of this year's largest parades. 150 lodges

were in the rolling countryside of County Armagh where Killylea

welcomed the thousands of Orangemen. Know where is the Lambeg drum more

popular than in County Armagh and dozens of drummers accompanied the

bans and marchers through the normally sleepy village of Killylea.

With almost 80 bans and 11 district lodges on parade, the County Armagh

demonstration claims to be the 12th's biggest gathering of

Orangemen. This would be the largest gathering of Orangemen in

the World Today. We are very proud of that in County Armagh, with the

roots of oranges and being here, it is very much a family oriented day.

The brethren have put a lot of effort in and we thank them most

sincerely for today and everything has gone very well. As many as

5,000 Orangemen gathered in the field. Ladies from the Loyal Orange

Lodge of Ireland were marching. This is enjoyed by the Orange

community and pro-union community. It is an expression of culture. It

is not here to threaten people. That is very important. Nobody

should feel intimidated by the Orange Order. By midday, the

village was thronged with marchers and spectators, all making their

way towards the field. William Tyndale had renounced the Church of

Rome and published the first printed Bible in English. More

significantly, they managed to overlook the fact that the Roman

Church had burnt him in at the stake for heresy. Shades of such

duplicity a very obvious in the devious language of Sinn Fein and

others today. It will be another 11 years before

Killylea again hosts at a parade. With the relaxed atmosphere and

sunny skies, this year's event will be long remembered.

The only place that can boast a May poll for today's celebrations was

Holywood. The rain stopped in the nick of time. Orangemen were joined

from others from Bangor and Newtownards. They also brethren

from England and Scotland. If there was rain, it would make no

difference. Lovely weather and everything. Really enjoying it so

far. I hope it goes off peacefully. We came back especially for this. I

used to be in a band. This brings back memories, terrific.

Thousands of Orangemen took part in the annual parade in Donegal at the

weekend. Lodges from both north and south of the border were on parade.

In keeping with previous years, the traditional day out in Donegal was

a relaxed affair. Lodges from the host county as well as Cavan,

Leitrim and Monaghan where there for this ever-popular demonstration.

They were joined from -- joined by brethren from across Northern

Ireland including the Grand Master. He was there in his capacity as the

head of the new institution. After gathering just outside the village,

the marchers accompanied by more than 50 bans, made their way along

the route for a religious service that the field. The Orange Order

says its membership in Donegal remains vibrant and there is a keen

interest in the organisation. very important to me that the

tradition carries on and the last number of years, all lodges have

got stronger. Increased membership, a lot of new members. We are one of

the only counties with a lot of young members. A lot of the halls

have received funding from the Irish government and the local

Donegal County Council has been very helpful to promoting us and

looking after us. And bans from Northern Ireland also

made the short trip across the border to take part in the

festivities. We come here every year and we are not too far from

here. We are about half-an-hour away so we come here every year. We

played hymns during the service as well. As usual, the beautiful beach

was popular after the day's parades but some found it harder to get

away at the end of the day than others.