Five masked men fired guns in the air early this morning to usher in the Twelfth, witnesses said. The men identified themselves as members of the UFF, which has withdrawn support for the Belfast Agreement. The men, surrounded by a cheering crowd, lined up in front of a UFF mural in the Protestant Shankill in Belfast to fire their guns.
Tens of thousands of Orangemen from 1,500 lodges are expected to take part in 19 "Twelfth-day" demonstrations across the North today. The biggest parades will take place in Belfast; Derry; Keady, Co Armagh; Banbridge, Co Down; Derriaghy, Co Antrim; Benburb, Co Tyrone; Donemana, Co Tyrone; Castledawson, Co Derry; Randalstown, Co Antrim, and Ballynahinch, Co Down. The largest demonstration in Belfast will be in Edenderry. Ballynafeigh lodge has been banned from marching along the lower part of the Ormeau Road in south Belfast and may remain at Ormeau Bridge in protest rather than continue with the other districts.
The parade comprising 250 lodges and 150 bands will leave the Orange Hall at Carlisle Circus and gather for thanksgiving service at Edenderry.