Thousands are expected to line the streets as 600 bands march across Northern Ireland to mark the Twelfth of July
The Orange Order and approximately 600 bands will march at 18 locations later to mark the Twelfth of July.
As well as the annual parades in Belfast and Ballymena, parades will be held in towns including Ballinamallard, Magherafelt and Kilkeel.The processions mark the victory of King William III over King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. William, a Protestant, had become King of England, Scotland and Ireland the previous year, after Catholic James II was deposed, and his victory secured his position."I do not believe there is any other event on these islands that can bring such vast numbers of people onto the streets as our processions, either by taking part or simply to watch them go by," he said.
"The high calibre of music provided by some of the finest marching bands in the country will certainly add to the festival atmosphere," he added.Mr Stevenson said he was also looking forward to welcoming international visitors as well as those from Northern Ireland.
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