Ready for flagship Twelfth

The entire Orange fraternity of Co Londonderry will come together for the first time in 14 years to celebrate King William’s victory at the Battle of the Boyne.

Upwards of 30,000 people are expected to attend the flagship demonstration in Limavady as city meets country, with brethren from Londonderry joining their county peers on parade.

The huge numbers will likely include many holidaymakers staying on the north coast, enjoying the sights and sounds of an Orange parade in the Roe Valley.

Eleven districts from the county of Londonderry (Castledawson, Coleraine, Magherafelt, Garvagh, Kilrea, Ballyronan, Macosquin, Tamlaght O Crilly, Moneymore, Tobermore and the hosts, Limavady) will step out alongside Orangemen, Orangewomen and Juniors representing the five city districts (three from City of Londonderry, Raphoe (Co Donegal) and Claudy).

The main parade will move off at 11.30am – led by Limavady District LOL No 6 along with the County of Londonderry Grand Lodge Officers – and proceed via Church Street, Ballyclose Street, Main Street, Linenhall Street, Catherine Street (pausing at the War Memorial), Roemill Road, William Street, Protestant Street, Catherine Street, Irish Green Street and Roemill Gardens to the Orange field.

Among the senior Orangemen in attendance will be the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Rev Alastair Smyth, who will deliver the main address. Rev Smyth is a member of local lodge, Bellarena Faith Defenders LOL 984, who have a new banner for this year’s Twelfth.

Also on the platform will be the Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of England, Ron Bather, and Charles Cefferty representing the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland.

Giving an international feel to the proceedings will be an Orange lodge from Nevada, America, who will be participating in the parade.

Members of Las Vegas Purple Star LOL 212 will be walking with Dungiven brethren on the day.

As part of the flagship process, a number of ‘Welcome Hosts’ will ensure that everyone attending the celebrations will be kept well informed as to what is happening on the day.