Three Flagship Twelfths Selected

Three Twelfth demonstrations have been selected as flagships for the biggest festival in Northern Ireland in 2009.

The flagships will be the standard bearers for the 18 demonstrations being organised by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland on Monday, July 13, 2009.

The three locations are Banbridge, Bangor and Larne. The events in those areas have received special promotional support from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland. Grand Lodge has also worked closely with the organisers of the flagships to promote the Twelfth.

Host training has taken place to ensure there are people at the flagship parades to welcome visitors. Special leaflets will be distributed explaining the traditions of the parade.
Official estimates last year calculated that more than 500,000 people either took part in the parades or enjoyed them as spectators.