The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland will host its Northern Ireland CentenNIal Parade in Belfast this weekend.
The event was postponed in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and it is anticipated that more than 20,000 people will take part in the parade, accompanied by approximately 130 bands.
Brethren from across the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ireland will be taking part, as will members of the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland, Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and others from across Northern Ireland as well as visiting Brethren from England and Scotland.
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Here is what you need to know about the event:
When does the NI Centennial parade take place?
Over 130 bands will take part in the parade to mark 100 years of Northern Ireland on Saturday, May 28 2022.
Deputy Grand Master Wor. Bro. Harold Henning said: "This truly significant event marks the 100th birthday of Northern Ireland.
"We may have been forced to delay our celebrations by 12 months, but that wait only serves to make them all the more exciting."
What time does the NI Centennial Parade take place?
Platform proceedings will take place at 12noon.
The Parade will commence at 1pm led by Grand Lodge Officers and guests.
There will be a Food Village, family activities and entertainment available on the grounds of Stormont Estate from 10.30am.
What is the route for the NI Centennial Parade?
The parade will leave Stormont Estate and travel to Belfast City Hall.
The full route is as follows:
- Prince of Wales Avenue
- Upper Newtownards Road
- Newtownards Road
- Bridge End
- Ann Street
- Victoria Street
- High Street
- Castle Place
- Donegall Place to City Hall
Road closures for NI Centennial Parade
Rolling road closures will be in place as the parade makes it way to the city centre and there will be significant disruption to traffic flow as the parade nears the city centre.
It is anticipated that spectators will gather around the City Hall for the arrival of the parade, road closures in the city centre may be in place earlier from 1pm onwards, certainly 2pm.
It is anticipated that traffic disruption will continue until after 7pm
Translink will be operating bus services using alternative routes however they are advising customers to expect heavy delays and train services will run as normal with additional carriages to deal with high volumes of spectators travelling from across NI.
There will be a significant PSNI presence along the route and in the city centre to manage traffic and crowds
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