Up to half a million people attended Orange parades across Northern Ireland today, but the event was marred by news that more than a dozen police officers were injured during violent clashes.
The pinnacle of the Protestant marching season was rebranded as an Orangefest which Orange leaders hope will become a major tourist attracting carnival.
Tens of thousands paraded with bands to 18 main centres for rallies, with routes lined by several hundred onlookers.
Early today, 13 officers were injured in Portadown, Co Armagh, with four needing hospital treatment during disturbances at Obin Street.
Petrol bombs, stones, bottles and other missiles were hurled at police during the violence which police said was largely nationalist inspired.
A 26-year-old has been charged with rioting behaviour and will appear in court later in the month, while a 19-year-old man has been charged witha number of offences including assaulting police and possession of an offensive weapon. He will appear in court on August 7th.
Police said with the help of community representatives the situation was calmed.
In the New Lodge area of Belfast one policeman received leg injuries during disturbances involving a crowd of more than 50 people. Again petrol bombs, stones and other missiles were thrown before calm was restored.
Two people were arrested for rioting behaviour, two more reported to the public prosecution service for the same offence and a third for obstruction.
Meanwhile in the Broadway area of West Belfast five people were injured during clashes between rival groups.
All five required hospital treatment after the violence which involved rival factions totalling around 50 people.
The violence came as organisers of the traditional Orange Order demonstrations said they hoped the turnout for parades - both those taking part and those watching - would top the 500,000 estimated last year.
The Grand Lodge of Ireland designated four parades - in Belfast, Dromara, Tandragee and Coleraine - as flagship events on what is the 318th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.
The lodge hosted 18 of the 19 parades with the Independent Orange Institution staging the other.
Police expected the programme of events to mark Protestant King William III's victory over Catholic James II in 1690 to pass off peacefully with community tensions surrounding the marching season less intense than in past years.
However, the bid to attract foreign visitors has been somewhat hindered by the fact the vast majority of shops, cafes and restaurants in the chosen venues close for the day.
PA