Royal Black Institution gears up for biggest day
UPWARDS of 17,000 members of the Royal Black Institution will be on parade at six locations across Northern Ireland for the traditional Last Saturday demonstrations.
Approximately 350 preceptories, most accompanied by bands, will take part in separate processions in Ballygowan, Ballymoney, Dungannon, Holywood, Garvagh and Seskinore on August 31.
Sovereign Grand Master Rev William Anderson, who will attend the Ballymoney parade, said the Institution was looking forward to a day of “spectacle and pageantry”.
He added: “Our traditional Last Saturday demonstrations are rightly regarded as a flagship day in the annual parading season.
“We are expecting thousands of spectators to line the parade routes at the six different venues across Northern Ireland.
“Beautiful banners depicting Biblical scenes, talented musicians in the various bands and of course our Sir Knights, bedecked i n their Royal Black regalia — it all makes for a glorious display of culture on the streets of our beloved province. I was mightily impressed by the huge crowds at this year’s Sham Fight in Scarva, and the number of spectators at the recent Co Fermanagh demonstration in Brookeborough was also a great source of encouragement to me The sovereign grand master, Rev William Anderson, will be a special guest at the Co Antrim demonstration in Ballymoney. Up to 80 preceptories and around 75 bands will gather at the Agricultural Showgrounds.
A total of 107 preceptories from 13 districts, accompanied by around 100 bands, will take to the streets of the Co Down village.
Up to 60 preceptories, accompanied by a similar number of bands, will make up a procession expected to number around 5,000 people.
Approximately 50 preceptories, representing seven districts, will step out in Holywood, accompanied by as many as 30 bands.
A total of 32 preceptories will take to the streets, accompanied by around 28 bands, making a parade of upwards of 3,000 people.
A total of 23 preceptories will take part in the west Tyrone demonstration. Accompanied by the same number of bands, a parade of around 1,500 people in total will make its way through the village of Seskinore. as Sovereign Grand Master. It’s clear from the wonderful level of support we receive at our parades that the Royal Black Institution plays an important and cherished role in the lives of a great many people in Northern Ireland. I pray that each of our Last Saturday parades will be enjoyable and memorable occasions for all involved as we witness for the Reformed Christian Faith.
“I wish all Sir Knights and our supporters a peaceful day as we come together in fellowship.”