The Twelfth 2023: Lurgan to host first Co Armagh demonstration since 2010

By Valerie Martin
Published 5th Jul 2023, 15:37 BST
Updated 6th Jul 2023, 17:55 BST
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More than 40,000 spectators are expected in Lurgan for this year’s Co Armagh Twelfth demonstration – the largest Orange gathering in the world.

A total of 11 district lodges will be on parade, with a total of 150 private lodges and almost 5,000 brethren. In addition, ladies from the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland will take part, along with a number of junior boys and junior girls lodges.

Almost 70 bands will accompany the lodges and some of the finest pipe, accordion, silver and flute bands in the country will be on parade. There are always approximately four Scottish bands on parade at the Co Armagh demonstration and as the ‘County of the Diamond’ is well-renowned for the Lambeg drum, dozens will be accompanying the lodges, especially if the weather is good.

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The Co Armagh Twelfth rotates around the district lodges in an 11-year cycle and this year it is the turn of Lurgan District LOL No 6 (at one time known as O’Neill and East District LOL No. 6, after the barony of that name) to host the celebrations.

Upper Bann Fusiliers Flute Band and Bleary Crimson Star LOL 12 will lead the main Co Armagh Twelfth parade this year. Pictured at the recent Somme parade in Lurgan are the band's standard bearers, from left, Oivia Twinem, Emily Blair, Heather Healey and Amelia Wells. LM 27-217. Picture credit: Tony HendronUpper Bann Fusiliers Flute Band and Bleary Crimson Star LOL 12 will lead the main Co Armagh Twelfth parade this year. Pictured at the recent Somme parade in Lurgan are the band's standard bearers, from left, Oivia Twinem, Emily Blair, Heather Healey and Amelia Wells. LM 27-217. Picture credit: Tony Hendron
Upper Bann Fusiliers Flute Band and Bleary Crimson Star LOL 12 will lead the main Co Armagh Twelfth parade this year. Pictured at the recent Somme parade in Lurgan are the band's standard bearers, from left, Oivia Twinem, Emily Blair, Heather Healey and Amelia Wells. LM 27-217. Picture credit: Tony Hendron

The district is centred on Brownlow House and has 19 private lodges, with approximately 500 brethren. Whilst many of the lodges meet in Brownlow House, some have their own halls in the surrounding area, including a few on the shores of Lough Neagh.

The district lodge holds a service and Act of Remembrance each Twelfth morning. The district had four members murdered during the Troubles and they are remembered on a granite memorial stone in the grounds of Brownlow House.

The brethren of Lurgan District are very much looking forward to hosting the parade for the first time since 2010 and to mark the event, a specially-commissioned flag, jewel and souvenir booklet have been produced.