Killyleagh set to host Royal Black display

Killyleagh set to host Royal Black display

28 August 2024

KILLYLEAGH is the venue this Saturday for the Royal Black Institution’s annual demonstration which marks the end of the parading season.

The town is one of six venues across Northern Ireland hosting a parade when around 350 preceptories will be accompanied by around 300 marching bands.

Up to 10,000 participants — including the members of 92 bands — will take part in the demonstration at Killyleagh which was last held in the town 28 years ago.

The event is being organised by the Co Down Grand Black Chapter, with Sir Knights from 13 district chapters on parade.

Participants will gather at the assembly field at the Comber Road with the parade scheduled to move off at noon and make its way to the demonstration field at Colley Hill via Fredrick Street, High Street, Shore Street, Irish Street, Plantation Street and Castle Lane.

The return parade leaves at 4pm and heads straight to Comber Road, only going down Fredrick Street.

On Saturday morning, Toye RBP 386 will be parading in Shrigley at 9.45am, with Killyleagh RBP 50 and Ballygawley RBP 554 parading from Killyleagh Orange Hall at 11.30am to join the main County parade at noon.

This year, Killyleagh Royal Black Preceptory No 50 is celebrating its 150th anniversary. 

The Royal Black Institution itself was founded in 1797, two years after the Loyal Orange Institution.

Ahead of this Saturday’s event, organisers confirmed they are expecting around 10,000 spectators to witness what they are describing as a “colourful and dignified parade” and  a great occasion for families and for friends and acquaintances to catch up with each other on the day.”

The Royal Black Institution’s  Sovereign Grand Master, the Rev William Anderson, said the institution is looking forward to a “flagship day in the annual parading season”. 

He continued: “The annual Last Saturday parades are a colourful and glorious expression of culture, pageantry, history and music.

“The tens of thousands of spectators at the various events will witness our members dressed in Royal Black regalia, with our wonderful banners proudly depicting biblical scenes.

Mr Anderson added: “The institution’s principled stance on the Reformed Christian Faith will be to the forefront, with religious services at each of the venues.”