Parade plans constantly under review, says Orange Order

Plans by local Orangemen to participate in a massive parade to celebrate the centenary of Northern Ireland look as if they could be placed on hold.
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The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland was planning the event at the end of May for the grounds of the Stormont estate in Belfast.

The event was along the lines of the major Ulster Covenant centenary parade in 2012 through Belfast, which attracted large numbers of local Orangemen and bands.

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However, with the Covid 19 situation remaining of concern and vaccinations anticipated to be continuing to be rolled out throughout the province until the summer, the parade plans for May look uncertain.

Brethren parading through Larne on the Twelfth in 2019. INLT 25-064-PSBBrethren parading through Larne on the Twelfth in 2019. INLT 25-064-PSB
Brethren parading through Larne on the Twelfth in 2019. INLT 25-064-PSB

Even the Twelfth parades in July could face another year of absence if the pandemic continues to cause concern into the summer.

Each year the Orange parades, including that of the East Antrim Combine, attract large numbers of crowds and spectators and there was also a proposal in 2021 for all County Antrim lodges to converge on a central venue for a single Twelfth parade, possibly in Lisburn.

However, it is understood that not all districts have agreed to this proposal at the present time.

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Meanwhile the Grand Orange Lodge said in a statement that it was keeping its planned events “constantly under review”.

A spokesman said “The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and the entire Orange Family has worked tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to play a positive role in supporting the NHS, all the keyworkers and helping everyone within the community.

“The health and wellbeing of our members, their families and the wider community is of the greatest importance and we will continue to follow the guidelines provided by the Department of Health and health professionals in relation to future events.

“As a result of Covid-19, all activities, meetings, events and parades are constantly under review and decisions made in line with health advice.”

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