In photos: Twelfth of July celebrations 2024

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There are more than 550 Twelfth of July parades taking place across Northern Ireland
Image source, Pacemaker
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These women in Belfast chose matching orange outfits for the day
Image source, Pacemaker
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Some brought chairs, some stood or sat on the ground but this man in Gilford got creative with his choice of seat
Image source, Pacemaker
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Tractors could be seen in the parade in Ballynahinch
Image source, Pacemaker
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A range of age groups took part in Gilford's parade
Image source, Pacemaker
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Lambeg drums played a big role in the parade in Carrickfergus
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Pets were out to celebrate the occasion in Carrick too
Image source, Pacemaker
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And dogs weren't just watching the celebrations - some took part as well
Image source, Pacemaker
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Even a car in Belfast was decorated for the celebrations
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Valerie Moore (left) and Muriel Warnett enjoying the day in Londonderry
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Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn at morning tea as he attended a Twelfth parade in Irvinestown, County Fermanagh.
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He doesn't look it but Billy the knitted Orangeman is 29 years old
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Darcy from Portadown at the parade in Killylea, County Armagh
Image source, PA
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The longest parade is from north to south Belfast, via the city centre
Image source, Pacemaker Press
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The Craigyhill bonfire in Larne has been the largest in Northern Ireland in recent years
Image source, Reuters
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Crowds gathered as the Corcrain Redmanville bonfire lit up
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The Belfast skyline seen from Cavehill in the early hours of Friday, with bonfires visible across the city

At a glance

The Orange Order and hundreds of marching bands have taken part in more than 550 parades across Northern Ireland to mark the Twelfth of July.
Hundreds of bonfires were lit on 11 July in unionist communities, as they are every year across Northern Ireland on the eve of 'the Twelfth'.
The Twelfth commemorates the Battle of the Boyne, when William of Orange defeated the Catholic King James II in 1690.
The Craigyhill bonfire in Larne has been the largest in NI in recent years.

11 July 2024

Updated 12 July 2024

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Northern Ireland

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