Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
60, 000 EXPECTED IN BELFAST TO SEE CENTENARY PARADE
Spectators and bands to mark milestone date
TENS of thousands will take to the streets of Belfast today for the Orange Order’s Centennial parade.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland is hosting the milestone event in the city to mark 100 years of Northern Ireland.
It will be one of the largest parades in the region’s 101-year history with around 60,000 spectators expected to attend.
But it also comes at a time when Northern Ireland has no fully functioning Executive in place as the DUP is blocking its formation in protest over Brexit’s Protocol.
It’s expected that up to 25,000 people will take part in the parade, accompanied by 130 bands.
Grand secretary of the Orange Order Rev Mervyn Gibson said: “This event was originally planned for last year and the decision was taken quite rightly to postpone it.
“We hope it will be a really good day as everyone comes together. We’re just looking for good weather and we hope to see big crowds come out both on parade and spectating.”
The senior Orangeman has also urged spectators to arrive early to secure a prime viewing location. He added: “This will be easily be twice the size of the annual Twelfth parade in the city. For those coming to spectate, get there early, choose your spot and simply enjoy the day.
“I will be asking those present to look forward to the next 100 years of Northern Ireland. Certainly the message is going to be a positive one in terms of our place within the United Kingdom in the next 100 years.”
The parade will commence from Stormont at 1pm led by Grand Lodge officers and guests.
The route will proceed to City Hall via Upper Newtownards Road, Lower Newtownards Road, Bridge End, Queen Elizabeth Bridge, Ann Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place, Donegall Place, Donegall Square North and Donegall Square West.
Police have said they will have a traffic management plan in place throughout the day.
Chief Superintendent Darrin Jones said: “We are asking everyone who is planning on travelling through Belfast on Saturday to plan ahead and leave extra time for their journeys.
“We will have traffic diversions and management in place and would ask all visitors to the city to be patient and follow the instructions of marshals and our officers.
“We want everyone visiting the city on Saturday to have a safe and enjoyable day so please work with us and be considerate and respectful of all those around you.”
A number of city centre businesses are set to close early today due to travel disruption.
Translink has announced additional rail capacity to meet demand.