Hosting this year’s County Armagh Twelfth is Keady District LOL No. 8 – their first time hosting since 2012.
Eleven District Lodges will be on parade, with a total of 151 Private Lodges and almost 5,000 brethren; in addition, ladies from the Women’s Association will take part, along with several Junior Boys and Junior Girls Lodges.
It is expected that the demonstration will attract upwards of 20,000 spectators, including some from across the border.
Adding to the spectacle, nearly 70 bands will bring the streets alive — from the stirring sounds of pipe, accordion, silver, and flute bands, to the thunderous roll of dozens of Lambeg Drums. As always, several Scottish bands will also travel over to take part, reinforcing the strong cross-channel bonds.
This year, the honour of hosting the Twelfth falls to Keady District LOL No. 8, centred in the historic town of Keady.
With 7 Private Lodges and over 200 members, Keady’s brethren are thrilled to welcome the county once again.
Their pride will be particularly poignant, as wreaths are laid at the District Hall in memory of two brethren, Bro. Norman Watson and Bro. Joseph Reid, who lost their lives during the Troubles.
Fresh banners and standards will add even more colour to the parade with new banners from Derrylileagh True Blues LOL 166 and Tullyvallen Guiding Star Temperance LOL 630b.
New bannerettes for Boyne Star LOL 16 and Cladybeg Faith Defenders LOL 305b and Junior Lodges also celebrate, with fresh banners from Primatial True Blues JLOL 27 and Tandragee JLOL 190.
Celebrating history too, Cavanapole Purple Star LOL 297 marks its 200th anniversary of Warrant!
The main parade is due to start at 10.30am from Tassagh Road/Bachelors Walk junction.
It will then make its way along the Tassagh Road to the Crossmore Road and on to the Demonstration Field.
The return parade will start at 2.45pm reversing the route.
Car parking, toilet facilities and first aid stations will be provided along the route and at the Demonstration Field.
The demonstration field will also include family fun and activities; stalls and local vendors; food and catering.
A sensory zone will also be provided on Tassagh Road behind the Fire Station.
Spectators coming from Lurgan, Portadown, Richhill, Armagh, Bessbrook, Markethill, Loughgall and Tandragee are kindly asked to approach Official Car Parls via the Armagh to Keady Road (A29).
Signposts will be in position to direct spectators to appropriate car parking facilities but directions can be followed by taking the Ballyards Road leading to Crosskeys Road, then from 1st Keady Presbyterian Church taking the Crossmore Road.
Spectators coming from Monaghan, Castleblayney, Killylea and Newtownhamilton are advised to take the Madden Road (B132) where Official car parks will be signposted near the Demonstration field.
All car parks are operating on a cash only system.
The official car park for the assembly field is approached from the Armagh to Keady Road (A29) opposite Centra.
