Portrush to host Flagship Twelfth

The big day, on Monday, July 12, will be the culmination of Coleraine Twelfth Festival which began last Saturday and and includes street entertainment, a historical re-enactment and an Ulster-Scots concert.

The Twelfth celebrations in Coleraine in 2008 attracted 60,000 visitors to the town and it is expected that the crowds in Portrush this year will rival that number. Specially trained welcome hosts will be on hand throughout the day to answer queries from visitors.

During the week, an exhibition will be held in Coleraine Town Hall, giving an insight into the significant role the Orange Order has played in the development of the area.

It will feature many items of interest belonging to local lodges and bands, some dating back to the last 19th century. There will also be a wealth of information about Ulster-Scots culture.

The colourful pageant of the Twelfth will be led by King Billy on horse-back, accompanied by his foot soldiers, a junior William and Mary and the Ulster-Scots ship complete with 18th century emigrants.

Limavady district and City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge districts will approach Portrush via Gateside Road and leave their buses at Ballywillan, assembling facing Crocknamack Road.

Macosquin district along with Coleraine district will approach the town via Atlantic Road and leave their buses on the Coleraine Road. They will assemble facing Eglinton Street.

The main parade will start at 11.30am, led by Limavady District LOL No. 6, Grand Lodge and County Officers. The parade route will be Crocknamack Road, Eglinton Street, Kerr Street, Ramore street, Ramore Avenue, Landsdown Crescent, Causeway View Terrace, Main Street, Causeway Street, Crocknamack Road, Crocknamack Street, Girona Avenue, Apollo Avenue, Rathmore Drive, Hopefield Road and Magheraboy Road to the field.

The religious service and platform proceedings will begin at 2pm. One of the Grand Chaplains, Rev. Alistair Smyth will be the guest speaker.

The return parade will leave the field at 3.30pm, making its way along Magheraboy Road, Hopefield Road, Hopefield Avenue, Crocknamack Road to dispersal points on the Ballywillan Road and the Coleraine Road.