Annual parades commemorate King William’s victory at Battle of the Boyne 334 years ago
Participants of an Orange Order parade in Belfast as part of the Twelfth of July celebrations. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Fri Jul 12 2024 - 15:55
Orangemen and band members are taking part in the annual Twelfth of July parades across Northern Ireland. The Twelfth of July, also known as “The Twelfth” or “Orangemen’s Day”, is celebrated to commemorate King William’s victory over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne 334 years ago. The day features parades, bonfires, wreath-laying ceremonies and performances.
The Belfast parade attracts tens of thousands of spectators each year and is part of broader celebrations in 18 locations across Northern Ireland, including Bangor, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Newtownards and Derry.
Orangemen and band members take part in the annual Twelfth of July parade in Belfast. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Orangemen and band members take part in the annual Twelfth of July parade in Belfast. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
A young lodge member shouts his approval as Orangemen and band members take part in the parade in Belfast. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
A young band member wearing Union Jack sunglasses. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Orangemen and band members take part in the annual Twelfth of July parade in Belfast. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
A young band member waits for the march to start in Belfast. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Orangemen and band members in the annual Twelfth of July parade in Belfast. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
An Orangeman prepares for celebrations inside the main Orange Hall underneath a portrait of King William of Orange. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
People gather at Carlisle Circus in Belfast ahead of the main Orange Order parade in the city. Photograph: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
The start of the main Orange Order parade at Carlisle Circus in Belfast. Photograph: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press
Children gather at Carlisle Circus in Belfast ahead of the main Orange Order parade. Photograph: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press
Orangemen and band members take part in the annual Twelfth of July parade in Belfast. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Loyal Sons of Benagh Flute Band at the Twelfth of July parade in Newry. Photograph: Pacemaker Press
Marching bands take part in an Orange Order parade in Belfast as part of the Twelfth of July celebrations. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
People gather on the street to watch an Orange Order parade in Belfast.
Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Grace Moffett (11) watches an Orange Order parade at Carlisle Circus in Belfast. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
People gather at Carlisle Circus in Belfast ahead of an Orange Order parade. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Band members gather at Carlisle Circus in Belfast for the Twelfth of July celebrations. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Band members gather at Carlisle Circus in Belfast. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
An Orange Order parade passes the Ardoyne shops on the Crumlin Road in Belfast. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
An Orange Order parade makes its way along the Crumlin Road towards the Ardoyne shops in Belfast. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
A view from Cavehill overlooking Belfast city of loyalist bonfires as part of the Twelfth of July commemorations. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
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