Peaceful Morning in North Belfast as Ligoniel Parade Passes Crumlin Road

North Belfast residents welcomed a calm and peaceful morning as the annual Ligoniel Orange lodges return parade passed the Crumlin Road without incident. The parade, which took place the morning after the main July Twelfth celebrations, saw bandsmen play a single drum beat as they made their way from the Woodvale Road towards Ligoniel Orange Hall.

Historically a site of tension, the area around the Ardoyne flashpoint remained quiet, supported by a low-key police presence and a respectful atmosphere. A small group of supporters gathered to clap as the parade progressed along the route, which was approved to take place a day after the main demonstrations for the second consecutive year.

This year’s main Twelfth of July demonstrations were held on Monday, July 13th, due to the 12th falling on a Sunday. Tens of thousands of people took part in events across Northern Ireland to mark the 336th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. Later today, traditional Royal Black Preceptory events, including the famous sham fight between actors playing rival monarchs King William and King James, are scheduled to take place in Scarva, County Armagh.