Smaller parades to take place to mark Twelfth

The demonstration in the village of Artigarvan, hosted by Strabane District LOL No 14, will see seven Orange lodges and four bands on the march.

With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic putting the brakes on the traditional larger demonstrations across the North, Orangemen and women in Tyrone will instead be stepping out at a series of localised events.

Other parades in the area will take place in Castlederg and Newtownstewart. Castlederg will start at 11.15am, while Newtownstewart is due to commence at 12.30pm.

Both of these demonstrations will be larger than the one in Artigarvan.

Hosted by Killen District LOL No 12, the Derg parade is due to feature 11 Orange lodges and 12 bands, while Newtownstewart District LOL No 9’s hometown parade will feature nine lodges and 16 bands.

Orange Order Grand Master, Edward Stevenson, who is from Ardstraw, has called on everyone planning to attend a parade to respect Covid-19 guidelines.

Spectators are advised to choose one parade to attend, avoid standing in crowds or walking alongside the parade, and be sure to wear face coverings when appropriate.

The Grand Master added, “We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Twelfth of July and the best way to do that is to look after yourself and others by respecting the health advice.”