A much bigger parade was held than the normal Sunday protest with a Grand Lodge spokesman confirming: “In conjunction with Portadown District LOL No 1, Co Armagh Grand Orange Lodge and Grand Lodge, it has been agreed to significantly mark this anniversary and highlight this ongoing injustice.”
"The intent to mark the 25th year will remind all that the bannerette of Portadown District remains at Drumcree and will do so until the return parade to Carlton Street Orange Hall takes place.”
In 1998, the Parades Commission ruled that members of the Portadown District should not march down the Garvaghy Road on the return journey from their annual service at Drumcree Parish Church.
The controversial move became a major flashpoint in Northern Ireland history, generating a bitter and at times violent stand off.
25. Drumcree 25 years on
The Drumcree Sunday parade is halted at police lines on Sunday afternoon. PT27-255. Photo: Tony Hendron
26. Drumcree 25 years on
The Drumcree Sunday parade is halted at police lines on Sunday afternoon. PT27-254. Photo: Tony Hendron
27. Drumcree 25 years on
Chief Inspector Tim Flannigan of PSNI E Division stands in the way of Portadown Orangemen who want to walk down the Garvaghy Road on the 25th anniversary of the Drumcree parade being banned from that part of the route. PT27-249. Photo: Tony Hendron
28. Drumcree 25 years on
No through road... PSNI Chief Inspector Tim Flannigan enforces the Parades Commission ban on the Drumcree Sunday parade marching down the Garvaghy Road on the 25th anniversary of the stand off. PT27-251. Photo: Tony Hendron