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Thousands attend Orange parades Thousands attend Orange parades
(20 minutes later)
Tens of thousands of Orangemen and supporters are attending Northern Ireland's Twelfth of July parades.Tens of thousands of Orangemen and supporters are attending Northern Ireland's Twelfth of July parades.
The parades mark the victory of the Protestant William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.The parades mark the victory of the Protestant William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
In total 18 demonstrations are being held by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.In total 18 demonstrations are being held by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.
The largest parade is in Belfast and thousands of spectators are lining the city's streets to watch the marchers.The largest parade is in Belfast and thousands of spectators are lining the city's streets to watch the marchers.
The Belfast parade left Carlisle Circus at 1000 BST for the City Hall and a wreath laying ceremony.The Belfast parade left Carlisle Circus at 1000 BST for the City Hall and a wreath laying ceremony.
From there, it makes its way to the field at Barnett Demesne. It will leave for the return journey at 1615 BST.From there, it makes its way to the field at Barnett Demesne. It will leave for the return journey at 1615 BST.
PARADE VENUES Belfast Enniskillen LoughgallLimavadyMoneymoreDonemanaDungannonAugherHolywoodLenadergBallynahinchBallymartinMagheraberryBallymenaCloughmillsBraidAhoghillCloughfernPARADE VENUES Belfast Enniskillen LoughgallLimavadyMoneymoreDonemanaDungannonAugherHolywoodLenadergBallynahinchBallymartinMagheraberryBallymenaCloughmillsBraidAhoghillCloughfern
At the field Orangemen take pledges of Protestant faith, loyalty to the crown and support for the union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.At the field Orangemen take pledges of Protestant faith, loyalty to the crown and support for the union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Click here for The Twelfth In PicturesClick here for The Twelfth In Pictures
The Independent Loyal Orange Institution is on parade in Ballymoney, County Antrim, and First Minister Ian Paisley will address members there.The Independent Loyal Orange Institution is on parade in Ballymoney, County Antrim, and First Minister Ian Paisley will address members there.
A number of the parades are contentious, and while protests are planned police said they were hopeful that all the parades would pass off peacefully.A number of the parades are contentious, and while protests are planned police said they were hopeful that all the parades would pass off peacefully.
In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said it had been working closely with parade and protest organisers, community and political representatives and local residents.In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said it had been working closely with parade and protest organisers, community and political representatives and local residents.
"Last year was one of the most peaceful parading seasons for many years. We hope and expect a similar situation this year," police said."Last year was one of the most peaceful parading seasons for many years. We hope and expect a similar situation this year," police said.
Among the spectators in Belfast was Lord Ashdown who is to head a review of parading in Northern Ireland.Among the spectators in Belfast was Lord Ashdown who is to head a review of parading in Northern Ireland.
He said he hoped the Twelfth could be become "a celebration of culture not politics". He said he hoped the Twelfth could become "a celebration of culture not politics".