£25k council funding for Larne’s flagship Twelfth

The event, hosted by Larne District LOL No 1, will see about 70 lodges and 60 bands descend on the town for the East Antrim Combine Twelfth of July parade.

The 8,000 strong parade is one of three Twelfth flagships in the province this year, alongside Limavady and Markethill.

The local authority agreed to assist with funding up to a maximum of £25,000, and it is anticipated this figure will entail in-kind sponsorship, such as staff costs, cleaning costs and hiring of facilities.

It is understood the event organisers requested a £10,000 cash advance, but under accounting rules, Larne Council said it can only release funds following the submission of verified invoices.

In preparation for the main Twelfth celebrations, Larne District LOL No 1 has held two events over the past week. Brethren and bands assembled at Victoria Orange Hall on Saturday for the annual banner parade, and yesterday (Wednesday) saw the annual commemoration of the Battle of the Somme at Larne cenotaph.

Every year, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland awards flagship status to a number of host districts across Northern Ireland. Larne District LOL No 1 last hosted a flagship Twelfth back in 2009, and the event drew thousands of tourists to the town.