Live TV coverage of Fermanagh Twelfth celebrations

THIS year’s Twelfth celebrations in Fermanagh are to be broadcast live by the BBC for the first time.

The move is in addition to the annual live broadcast from the Orange Order’s demonstration in Belfast.

To facilitate the outside broadcast, Co Fermanagh Grand Orange Lodge is embarking on a major logistical exercise by moving the start time of the traditional main parade forward by over 90 minutes to meet requirements.

County grand master Stuart Brooker said the institution in Fermanagh was “delighted” to receive such recognition.

“This is a tremendous coup not only for Fermanagh Orangeism, but also Lisbellaw and the west generally,” he said.

“We are very proud to host what is regarded as one of the most family-friendly Twelfth demonstrations and are overjoyed that the unique atmosphere of the Fermanagh parade will now be made available to a wider audience.

“I have no doubt viewers from across Northern Ireland and beyond will be impressed by the pageantry and colour of the procession, its ambience, as well as the outstanding calibre of music provided by our bands.”

Around 90 lodges and 70 bands, including the border counties, will step out in Lisbellaw.

A total of 17 other Twelfth parades will be held in: Richhill; Belfast; Cookstown; Beragh; Clogher; Coleraine; Kilrea; Hillsborough; Bangor; Ballynahinch; Banbridge; Annalong; Cloughfern; Broughshane; Ballymena, Cullybackey and Cloughmills.

The demonstrations will follow the traditional Rossnowlagh parade held in the Republic on the preceding weekend. This year the annual Donegal procession takes place on Saturday, July 8.

The Fermanagh Twelfth will be live on BBC One Northern Ireland from 11am on Wednesday, July 12.