Traffic delays expected as Somme Commemoration parades take place across Northern Ireland

Traffic delays expected as Somme Commemoration parades take place across Northern Ireland Several parades to mark the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme are taking place on Wednesday night with traffic delays expected 13:26, 01 Jul 2026 The PSNI are reminding motorists of potential traffic disruption in parts of Northern Ireland tonight. ‌ Several parades to mark the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme are taking place on Wednesday night, July 1 in some areas and delays can be expected. ‌ The areas affected include east, north and south Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Newtownards, Omagh and Ballygawley. ‌ Here's a run down of some of tonight's parade locations and timings: Belfast Road users are advised that a number of parades are expected to take place in Belfast on Wednesday, July 1. A large parade is expected to start on Templemore Avenue at approximately 6:15pm and is expected to be finished by approximately 11pm. The main roads anticipated to be affected within East Belfast are Templemore Avenue, Albertbridge Road, Ravenhill Road, Castlereagh Road, Beersbridge Road, Bloomfield Road, North Road, Upper Newtownards Road, Belmont Road, Holywood Road and Newtownards Road. ‌ Smaller minor roads in the area may be affected also. A large number of participants and spectators are expected. Some road closures and diversions will be in place and traffic disruption is anticipated. A parade is due to begin at 6pm in thearea, with another due to start in the Clifton Street area at approximately 7:30pm. The main roads affected are the Shankill Road, Peters Hill, North Street, Carlisle Circus, Clifton Street, Donegall Road, Royal Avenue, Donegall Place, Donegall Square North. Smaller minor roads in the area may be affected also. These parades are expected to be finished by approximately 9:30pm. A parade is also expected to take place within the Sandy Row area due to start at approximately 7:30pm with an expected finish time of 8:30pm. Motorists should also be advised of a concert taking place at Ormeau Park. Road closures will be in place on Ormeau Embankment from its junction with Ravenhill Road to from 6pm until midnight. ‌ Those travelling to the concert by car should allow additional time for their journey, and be aware that the area will also be busy with pedestrians and vehicles during the concert from 11pm. Road closures and diversions will be in place for all parades and traffic disruption is likely. Motorists should plan ahead and leave extra time for their journey. Lisburn Road users are being advised to expect traffic disruption across Lisburn city tonight, Wednesday, July 1, due to a number of planned parades. There will be three parades starting at 6.15pm from Bow Street Mall Car Park Antrim Street, at 6.45pm from Longstone Street, and at 7pm from Christ Church. ‌ All three will then meet at Railway Street where they will join the 7.30pm parade starting from Lisburn Orange Hall on Railway Street towards Market Street where the opening ceremony will be performed and then returning to Railway Street. Due to numbers of participants and spectators expected in the areas mentioned, local officers will be on the ground to assist with diversions, and to enable local access to residents. If you do not plan on attending any of the parades taking place, please seek an alternative route for your journey. ‌ Co Down Road users are advised that a number of parades are expected to take place in the Ards and North Down district on Wednesday, July 1. A parade is scheduled to take place in Bangor , from 6.45pm to 9.30pm. The main areas in the town which will be affected are Hamilton Road, Ward Park, Upper Main Street, Abbey Street, Newtownards Road, Brunswick Road, Osborne Drive, Bryansburn Road, Grays Hill, Queens Parade, Bridge Street, High Street, Bingham Street and Mills Road. In Newtownards , a parade is set to commence at 7.15pm, and will conclude at 9.45pm. ‌ The areas which will be affected are Mary Street, Francis Street, Georges Street, Upper Movilla Street, Queen Street, Upper Greenwell Street, Portaferry Road, Castle Street, High Street, South Street, John Street, Donard Avenue, Windsor Avenue, Mill Street, and Frederick Street. There will also be a smaller parade in Comber, which is scheduled to commence at 8pm, following an annual service in Killinchy Street at 6pm. The parade will start at 8pm and conclude at 9.30pm. Parades are also scheduled to take place in Greyabbey, from 6.45pm to 9pm, and in Ballywalter, from 6.45pm to 8pm. ‌ Finally, a parade will take place in at 7.30pm, and is scheduled to commence at 7.30pm. Affected areas include Manor Street, High Street, Moat Street, East Street, Shore Street, The Parade, Killaughey Road, Northfield Street, Church Lane and Bridge Street. It is expected to conclude at 9.30pm. Road closures and diversions will be in place for all parades, and traffic disruption is likely. Motorists should plan ahead and leave extra time for their journey. ‌ Co Tyrone There will be disruption to traffic in parts of Co Tyrone this Wednesday, July 1 due to a Somme parade. From 6:30pm participants and supporters in Omagh will assemble at Crevenagh Road Park and Ride carpark to begin at 7pm. The parade will leave Crevenagh Road and proceed to Campsie Road, Lower Market Street and into Drumragh Avenue for a remembrance and wreath laying service at the Cenotaph At around 8:15pm the parade will leave Omagh Cenotaph, and make its way onto Bridge Street, to High Street, John Street, Georges Street, High Street, Market Street, Campsie Road and back into Crevenagh Road. It is expected to disperse at around 10pm. ‌ In Ballygawley, delays are expected from 7.45pm as participants and supporters assemble at Grange Road roundabout, Ballygawley with the parade heading off from that location at around 8pm. The parade will then proceed along Main Street, Church Street and Old Omagh Road. It is expected that at approximately 9pm parade will makes it return journey back along Old Omagh Road, Church Street, Main Street into Grange Road to disperse at around 9:30pm. A parade in Ballyronan means delays are expected from 8pm as participants and supporters arrive at Magherafelt Road,before moving off at 8:30pm. The parade will leave Magherafelt Road, onto Shore Road (towards Toome), Ballyronan Marina, Shore Road (towards the village), Main Street, Ballyneill Road to Lovedale for a remembrance and wreath laying service. ‌ At approx. 9:30pm the parade will leave on its return journey from Ballyneill Road to Main Street Magherafelt Road, for dispersal at around 10:30pm. Participants in the Stewartstown are expected to gather at 7.30pm for an 8pm start from Kennedies Orange Hall, proceeding along Chambre Park, Hillhead, The Square, West End Street and back into the Square for a remembrance and wreath laying service at the War Memorial. At approximately 9pm the parade will leave the War Memorial, and make it's return journey along North Street, The Square, Hillhead, Chambre Park to Kennedies Orange Hall to disperse at around 10pm. 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