The Orange Order has called for a large turn-out at the 17 Twelfth parades across the North today. The Co Armagh Grand Lodge last night urged all Protestants to support the Orangemen at Drumcree.
The Lodge said it appreciated the support already shown for Portadown Orangemen. The largest parade will take place in Belfast, where 250 lodges will be led to Ormeau Park by 150 bands.
They will assemble at Carlisle Circus in the city centre. The parade will be led by the Millar Memorial Flute Band. Dawson Bailie, Belfast County Grand Master, will chair the gathering at Ormeau Park. Resolutions will be proposed by the Rev William Hoey of the Church of Ireland; the Order's Imperial President from the US, Mr Fred Stewart; and an Ulster Unionist councillor, Mr Jim Rodgers.
A religious service will be conducted by the Belfast County Chaplain, the Rev Dr Victor Ryan. The second-largest parade will be at Killylea, Co Armagh.
A total of 10,000 people are expected to take part. The march will involve 165 lodges and around 100 bands. Portadown District Lodge will participate although more hardline members will remain at Drumcree. The Armagh County Grand Master, Mr Denis Watson, will preside at the gathering. The main speakers will be the Grand Master of Ireland, Mr Robert Saulters, and the Order's executive officer, Mr George Patton.
The Independent Orange Order will hold its parade in Larne, Co Antrim. Around 25 lodges will take part, and the main speaker will be the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley.