Orange Fest!
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Crowds pack the streets of Bushmills to enjoy Monday’s Twelfth parade.
THE streets of Bushmills were packed to capacity on Monday as Orange men and women from across North Antrim gathered to celebrate the 320th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.
Orange lilys, Sweet William and sunglasses were the order of the day as King Billy led the assembled brethren through the sunshine on his white horse from the Castlecatt Road into the town.
The parade was led by host district, Bushmills, who were joined by Brethren from Ballycastle, Rasharkin, Cloughmills and Ballymoney as marchers made their way from the Assembly Field to the Clay Field on Whitepark Road.
Bushmills Junior Lodge aswell as bands from Scotland also joined in with the celebrations. Guest Speaker was North Antrim UUP MLA Reverend Robert Coulter MLA and other high profile Orange men on parade included the Mayor of Ballymoney, Councillor Bill Kennedy, Former MP for East Antrim Bro David Burnside and Moyle DUP councillor Bro Robert McIlroy, Past County Grandmaster. A range of Lambeg drums were on display, including one dedicated to road racing legend Joey Dunlop.
The parade was a welcome attraction for holiday makers to the North Coast, with visitors from across the world photographing and recording the carnival atmosphere.
One tourist from Hong Kong said she had come to visit the Giant's Causeway and could not believe her luck when she had the opportunity to see her first ever 12th demonstration.
Armoy also enjoyed a 'glorious Twelfth', as the Independent Orange parade commenced on the Gracehill Road before the Chair was taken by County Grandmaster Wor.Bro.James Anderson.
MP for North Antrim Ian Paisley Jnr congratulated those behind the successful twelfth demonstrations across his constituency.
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