July 12 parades: GB News' live coverage of celebrations across Northern Ireland and Southport

July 12 parades: GB News' live coverage of celebrations across Northern Ireland and Southport

Orange Order parades take place in Belfast on July 12

GB Neews
Dimitris Kouimtsidis

By Dimitris Kouimtsidis


Published: 12/07/2024

- 09:58

Updated: 12/07/2024

- 12:30

Watch GB News' special live programming of the parades and keep refreshing this page through the day for the best pictures

Hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets of Northern Ireland and Liverpool today to celebrate the Twelfth of July.

An estimated 500,000 people are expected to participate or spectate in the annual festival to mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.


The Battle of the Boyne took place in 1690, which unfolded at the Boyne river north of Dublin and saw Protestant King William of Orange defeat Catholic King James II to secure a Protestant line of succession to the British Crown.

Thousands of Orange lodge members parade through the summer months to mark William’s victory and other key dates in Protestant/unionist/loyalist culture.

Those celebrations culminate on the Twelfth.

For the third year running, GB News are on the ground to cover the parade.

The coverage is anchored by Arlene Foster, who described GB News' decision as "very important" to those in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Dame Arlene said: "We are looking forward to being in Carrickfergus and covering what is sure to be a colourful spectacle and trying to capture the passion and emotion of the Orange Parades.

"There is huge interest in the day nationally and internationally, especially in other parts of the UK where there is a significant Orange presence such as Scotland and in parts of England where they also hold parades.

"This is a great celebration and it is a privilege to be able to share the excitement and the passion with the whole of the UK. I'll also be looking forward to working with Charlie Lawson once again."

She added: "GB News' commitment to covering the parades is very significant, as it stepped in when the BBC decided not to show it.

"This is the third year and it's deeply appreciated by those who can't get out to go to the parades and it shows that GB News really cares about the whole of the UK. It's really important and I'm really proud that GB News is doing that."

People are lining the roads

July 12 parade

The parade going through Carrickfergus

GB News

People are parading through Southport too

July 12 parade Southport

GB News reporter Sophie Reaper covering the July 12 parade in Southport

GB News

Around 500,000 people are expected to participate or spectate in the festivities

July 12 parade

Around 500,000 people are expected to participate or spectate in the festivities

GB News

GB News is covering the July 12 parade live

Dougie Beattie

Dougie Beattie covering the July 12 parade from Carrickfergus

GB News

People have gathered on the streets to watch an Orange Order parade

July 12 celebrations

People gather on the street to watch an Orange Order parade in Belfast

PA

People are celebrating in their own ways

Car covered with Union Jack flag

A car with a Union Jack flag on drives down the Crumlin Road in Belfast

PA

Members of the Orange Order parading through the centre of Belfast

July 12 parades

Members of the Orange Order parading through the centre of Belfast

PA

Bonfires were lit on the 11th night

Bonfire 11th night in Larne

Burning of loyalist bonfires in Larne on the 11th night

PA

The burning of loyalist bonfires is part of the traditional July 12th commemorations, taking place on the 11th night.

July 12 parades are underway

July 12 paradeThe July 12 parade is underway across parts of Northern Ireland and LiverpoolPA

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