The Glorious Twelfth at Portrush

The big day also saw the culmination of Coleraine Twelfth Festival which had been running from Saturday, July 3 and included 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 those attending this year certainly rivalled that number. Specially trained welcome hosts were on hand throughout the day to answer queries from visitors.

During the week, an exhibition was held in Coleraine Town Hall, giving an insight into the significant role the Orange Order has played in the development of the area. It featured many items of interest belonging to local lodges and bands, some dating back to the 19th Century. There was also a wealth of information about Ulster-Scots culture.

The colourful pageant of the Twelfth was led by William Prince of Orange 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 approached Portrush via Gateside Road and left their buses at Ballywillan, assembling facing Crocknamack Road.

Macosquin district along with Coleraine district approached the town via Atlantic Road and left their buses on the Coleraine Road. They assembled facing Eglinton Street.

The main parade started at 11.30am, led by Limavady District LOL No 6, Grand Lodge and County Officers. The parade route left Crocknamack Road, easing out onto 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 began at 2pm. One of the Grand Chaplains, Rev. Alistair Smyth was the guest speaker.

The return parade left 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.