Preparations underway for opening of arch

The marching season will get into full swing next Friday evening (July 1) as Lodges and bandsmen gather for the official opening of the arch in Lisburn.

The arch, which is being constructed in Market Square, will be opened with the cutting of a ribbon during the annual mini-Twelfth parade by Lisburn District No 6.

Hundreds of Orangemen and women, led by Lisburn Fusiliers Flute Band and LOL 1981, which is celebrating its fortieth anniversary this year, will parade through the city centre, pausing at the arch for the traditional opening ceremony.

The annual parade will gather at 7.15pm at Lisburn Orange Hall and will move off at 7.30pm. The parade will make its way along Railway Street to Market Square via Castle Street, Seymour Street, Queens Road, Union Bridge, Gregg Street, Mercer Street, Sloan Street, Union Bridge and Bridge Street.

Following the opening of the arch, the parade will make its way back to the Orange Hall via Market Street, Smithfield Street, Hillsborough Road, Warren Park, Warren Gardens, Longstone Street, Chapel Hill and Bow Street.

Ten bands are expected to take part in the parade, including Ballycoan Flute Band, Ballylesson Old Boys Flute Band, Dunmurry Flute Band, Pride of Ballymacash Flute Band, Pride of Knockmore Flute Band, Orange Defenders Flute Band, Lisburn Young Defenders Flute Band, Batts Purple Star Flute Band and Noel Clarke Memorial Flute Band.

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