Parade of banners in Randalstown

This year, on the anniversary of the commencement of WWI, there will be a number of re-enactors taking part in the parade from the Tyrone Somme Memorial Association.

Orangemen and Bands will assemble at Randalstown Memorial Orange Hall at 7pm for the event which also includes the opening of the Orange Arch at New Street by WDM of Randalstown District LOL No 22, Bro. Alex Wallace.

Guest speakers will be local MP, Dr Bro. William McCrea MP and the Worshipful Master of County Antrim Grand Orange Lodge , Bro. Robin Matthews. Bands taking part will include local bands, Staffordstown Accordion Band and Randalstown Sons of Ulster Flute Band.

The parade will be followed with the annual BBQ in the Orange Hall with well known Ulster Scots group, Risin’ Stour from Co. Down providing the entertainment. Tickets for the BBQ are priced £5 and can be made paid at the door.

The Annual District Service for Randalstown District Orange Lodge will be held on Sunday, July 6, hosted by the OC Presbyterian Church will host the District Orange Service with the parade assembling at the Randalstown Memorial Orange Hall at 5.45pm. Preacher will be Bro. Rev. Nigel Kane, District Chaplain of Castledawson District LOL No.1. The service in the church at 7pm is open to the public and will be followed by a short Act of Remembrance in the Memorial Garden.

On Monday, July 7, there will be an Exhibition and Talk in the Orange Hall on First World War-time postcards featuring an interesting selection from a private collection from Portadown.

Local man Arthur Houston will round off the series of talks with one on the history of the Old Bleach on Thursday, July 10, at 8pm.

The Festival, which is being organised by Randalstown District LOL No. 22 and supported by Antrim Borough Council and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, will end on Saturday, July 12, with the Boyne Anniversary parades.