Thousands enjoy Twelfth of July parade

Thousands enjoy Twelfth of July parade

18 July 2012

THOUSANDS of Orangemen, bandsmen and their families enjoyed brilliant sunshine at last Thursday’s Twelfth of July parade in Ballynahinch.

The market town was a sea of colour for the event which was one of the largest held in Northern Ireland.

The parade was hosted by the Ballynahinch District which had to make a last minute change to the location of the demonstration field.

The heavy rain which fell during June and in the days leading up to last week’s parade resulted in the proposed demonstration field at Woodlodge Park being unavailable.

As a result, the venue was switched to the grounds of the Millbrook Lodge Hotel at the Newcastle Road.

The main parade headed off at 12.30pm and made its way from the Assembly field at the Moss Road to the Millbrook Lodge Hotel via the Crossgar Road, Main Street, High Street and Church Road.

Brethren from the host Ballynahinch district were joined for the traditional family day out by their counterparts from Lecale, Castlewellan, Saintfield and Comber.

At the demonstration field, the traditional religious ceremony was held with Orangemen also using the opportunity to rest weary feet and take on board refreshments.

Parade organisers say they are delighted the event went smoothly and attracted so many people to Ballynahinch.

Ballynahinch councillor and local Orangeman Walter Lyons described last Thursday’s parade as one of the biggest ever Twelfth demonstrations he’s seen in his home town.