In photos: Twelfth of July parades take place

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Image source, Pacemaker
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King Billy made an appearance in Belfast
Image source, PA Media
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Band members did not let the rather wet weather dampen their mood
Image source, Pacemaker
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Hundreds of people gathered on Donegall Place in Belfast to watch the procession
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Spectators stood out on Bedford Street in Belfast hoping for a good view
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Garrison led the parade in Ballinamallard, County Fermanagh, with a new banner which arrived last week just in time for the Twelfth
Image source, Pacemaker
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Pipers kept the crowds entertained in Newry
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Orangemen held a remembrance service at the Cenotaph before the main Belfast parade
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Spectators lined the streets and many were suitably dressed for the occasion
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The bands kept spirits high with their displays
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Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris attended the parade in Lurgan, County Armagh
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Red, white and blue ticker tape lined the route for some marchers
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A parade took off from the grand entrance of Shane’s Castle in Randalstown
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Both the old and young gathered to watch the parade in Coleraine
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Some furry friends joined the festivities in County Antrim

At a glance

The annual Twelfth of July parades are organised by the Orange Order
They celebrate the Battle of the Boyne, when William of Orange defeated the Catholic King James II in 1690
The highlight event for the Orange Order, the parades attract thousands of people
The Twelfth is also celebrated in the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and the United States, to name a few

12 July 2023