Covid-19: ‘Tough but right’ decision not to hold Twelfth

A local historian has suggested the Twelfth of July celebrations could return stronger after this year’s parades were cancelled in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
Larne hosting the East Antrim Combine demonstration (file image).Larne hosting the East Antrim Combine demonstration (file image).
Larne hosting the East Antrim Combine demonstration (file image).

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland announced the decision on Monday.

The Grand Master, Worshipful Bro Edward Stevenson said the move followed consultation with the Grand Masters of England and Scotland, local County Masters and senior officers.

It is also in-line with current government health advice on restricting gatherings of people, self-isolation and social distancing.

Dr David Hume.Dr David Hume.
Dr David Hume.

Mr Stevenson said: “In the current circumstances, the gathering of hundreds of thousands of Orangemen and women, together with their accompanying bands and spectators, would not be responsible.”

Thousands of people attend the annual East Antrim Combine demonstration, which also sees lodges parade in their own areas before taking part in the main event - this year it was to have been hosted by Randalstown.

Ballycarry-based local historian Dr David Hume said he believes it is the right decision in light of the ongoing emergency.

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster, Dr Hume said: “It is quite a rare thing in terms of living memory. I suppose the Second World War would be the most relevant where the decision was taken not to have Twelfth of July parades. The first Twelfth of July parade was in 1945 after the end of the war in Europe.”

He added it would also have been a difficult decision for the organisation.

“I suppose it would have been tough. July seems a long time away and it’s unquantifiable in terms of where we’re going to be with coronavirus over the next few months.

“It did require a decision in relation to it because lots of people were starting to talk about whether it would be happening or not.

“Obviously, it’s a major social event, it brings together very much a cross-generational constituency of people and thousand and thousands of people.”

However, Dr Hume ruled out long-term damage to the traditional event as a result of it not going ahead in 2020.

“Potentially, it could come back much stronger,” he continued.

“It was reported in 1945 it had been more enthusiastically supported because of the years it had not taken place.

“I don’t think it’s going to damage the Twelfth permanently. People will accept this as something that’s necessary for the times that we are in.”

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