Arrangements for Last Saturday demonstrations

Approximately 17,000 members of the institution from almost 370 preceptories will demonstrate.

In County Tyrone the demonstration will be held in Donemana. Twenty four preceptories from South Donegal, Omagh, Castlederg and Strabane will take part. They will be accompanies by 22 bands.

The procession will get underway at 1.30pm and go via Longland Road, Lisnarragh Road to Berryhill Road.

The parade was last held in Donemana in 2011. A religious service will be held at 2.30pm, conducted by Ian Donnell and Rev. Ivan Dinsmore. The principal speakers will be Rev. Robert Campbell, County Grand Chaplain Antrim, and William Montgomery. The Assistant Sovereign Grand Master, Andrew McRoberts, will also speak.

The demonstration will coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Strabane district.

In Londonderry, 34 preceptories will be on parade, accompanied by 33 bands.

The demonstration was last held in Londonderry in 2008. The parade will consist of members of the Royal Black Institution from Coleraine, City of Londonderry, Raphoe and South Londonderry District. The parade will begin at noon and move off from May Street via Limavady Road, Clooney Terrace, Spencer Road, Craigavon Bridge, Carisle Road, Ferryquay Street, the Diamond, Bishop Street, London Street, Kennedy Place, Kennedy Street, Wapping Lane, Craigavon Bridge, Spencer Rod, Clooney Terrace, Glendermott Road and Bond Street back to May Street. The platform proceedings will begin at 2pm, conducted by Rev. J.J. Andrews. The guest speaker will be Rev. Nigel Reid, Past Assistant Sovereign Grand Master.

The city of Armagh will host its first demonstration on the Last Saturday for 10 years.