'The weather's not the best but it's only orange juice to us.' Thousands of people have taken to the streets for Twelfth of July parades across Northern Ireland. Read more:
The Orange Order and approximately 600 bands are taking part in parades at 18 locations on Wednesday to mark the Twelfth of July.
As well as Belfast and Ballymena, parades are being held in towns including Ballinamallard, Magherafelt and Kilkeel.The processions mark the victory of King William III over King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. William, a Protestant, had become King of England, Scotland and Ireland the previous year, after Catholic James II was deposed, and his victory secured his position.Some banners referenced an Orange Order document which suggested plans to shorten the Belfast parade"I do not believe there is any other event on these islands that can bring such vast numbers of people onto the streets as our processions, either by taking part or simply to watch them go by," he said.
"The high calibre of music provided by some of the finest marching bands in the country will certainly add to the festival atmosphere," he added.
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