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Four Twelfth demonstrations have been selected as flagships
for the biggest festival in Northern Ireland.
The flagships will be the standard bearers for the 18 demonstrations
being organised by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland on July
12.
The four locations are Belfast, Dromara, Tandragee and Coleraine.
The events in those areas will receive special promotional
support from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism
Ireland. Grand Lodge will also work closely with the organisers
of the flagships to promote the Twelfth.
Official estimates last year calculated that between 400,000
and 500,000 people either took part in the parades or enjoyed
them as spectators.
The Orange Order Director of Services, Dr. David Hume explained:
"Two years ago we chose Bangor as a flagship Twelfth
and more than 80,000 people attended the demonstration. Last
year Loughgall and Enniskillen were chosen, and the tourist
authorities were involved in very successful 'host training'
for our stewards in the latter.
"We know that nearly half a million people enjoy the
Twelfth and there is hard evidence that more and more tourists
are planning trips to Northern Ireland at that time, to co-incide
with the parades.
"All of our parades are very important and we will be
working with all the organisers to maximise the positive impact
of the Twelfth parades. But Grand Lodge decided that we should
put an extra special effort into four demonstrations this
year. After an internal competition we selected the four locations
and we have no doubt that they will be a huge success."
The Orange Order has been working closely with the Northern
Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland to attract more
visitors to the province in July.
"We cannot thank the tourist authorities enough,"
said David Hume.
"They have shown us their research and made very many
useful suggestions which we have taken on board.
"The Twelfth is a unique attraction in Northern Ireland
and it brings with it immense benefits to the economy and
to everyone in the community. We will be doing everything
we can to make the Twelfth attractive for all the family and
for anyone - local or visiting - who wants to see it.
"The new battlefield site at the Boyne will also be
a major attraction this year and we believe that cultural
tourism can play a significant part in the future of Northern
Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
"The Orange Order is certainly ready to play its part."
The Rossnowlagh parade in Co. Donegal will be held on Saturday,
July 5 this year and the July 12 demonstrations will be in
Belfast, Dromara, Coleraine, Tandragee, Maghera, Kesh, Ballyclare,
Omagh, Benburb, Aughnacloy, Derriaghy, Ballymena, Broughshane,
Portavogie, Cullybackey, Kilkeel, Newcastle and Rasharkin.
Many of the Twelfth demonstrations will form part of festivals
running for two or three weeks in their area.
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