Blackmen getting set for '˜Last Saturday'

Approximately 360 preceptories, most accompanied by bands, will take part in processions across Northern Ireland and one in the Republic- with other demonstrations in Lisburn, Ballymena, Castlederg and Raphoe in County Donegal

The City of Belfast Grand Black Chapter will be in Portadown, where 59 preceptories and 33 bands will be taking part.

The platform proceedings will begin at 11.30am and the chairman will be Christopher Cunningham, City Grand Registrar. The principal speaker will be William Elliott, City Grand Master, and the service of worship will be conduced by Alan McIntosh, City Grand Chaplain.

The procession will begin at 12.15pm at Bachelor’s Walk Playing Fields and make its way through the town to the Armagh Road and Orange Field.

In Loughgall, almost 60 preceptories will be on parade, with a similar number of bands. The procession will begin at Ballygasey Road at noon and make its way to the Portadown Road.

The platform proceedings will begin at 2.15pm and the service of worship will be conducted by Rev. William Anderson.

The main speaker will be the Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution, Millar Farr.

The return parade will begin at 3.30pm.

The biggest event will be in Lisburn where 107 preceptories from County Down will be on parade in the city. It is the first time the demonstration has been held in Lisburn since 2003.

The main parade will start at noon in Wallace Park and make its way through the city centre to Barbour Playing Fields. The return parade will begin at 4:00pm.

Platform proceedings will begin at 3pm when the preacher will be Rev. Stephen Walker.