Final preparations are underway ahead of Saturday's Northern Ireland Centennial parade, which will see tens of thousands take to the streets of Belfast.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland is hosting the milestone event in the city to mark 100 years of Northern Ireland.
Saturday's event will be one of the largest parades in Northern Ireland’s 101 year history with up to 60,000 spectators expected.
Read more: 20,000 expected to take part in NI Centennial Parade in Belfast
But it also comes at a time when Northern Ireland has no fully functioning power-sharing Executive or Assembly in place as the DUP is blocking their formation in protest over Brexit's Protocol.
It's expected that up to 25,000 people will take part in the parade, which was postponed in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, accompanied by approximately 130 bands.
Speaking to Belfast Live ahead of the parade, Grand secretary of the Orange Order, Rev Mervyn Gibson said: "This event was originally planned for last year and the decision was taken quite righty 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."
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 England and Scotland.
Some visitors are also making the trip to Belfast from as far away as Canada.
Mr Gibson said the parade comes at an appropriate time to celebrate, ahead of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee next week and after Glasgow Rangers were beaten on penalties by German side Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final.
Due to the scale of the event, the senior Orangeman has also urged spectators to arrive early to secure a prime viewing location along the route.
"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. For those on parade, come and be proud of Northern Ireland's last 100 years."
He added: "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."
Meanwhile police have said they will have a traffic management plan in place throughout the day.
They have advised that delays and diversions are expected throughout Belfast from Saturday morning through to Saturday evening.
Motorists should leave extra time for their journeys.
The parade will commence from Stormont at 1pm led by Grand Lodge officers and guests. From 10.30am, a food village, family activities, and entertainment will also be available on the grounds.
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.
Chief Superintendent Darrin Jones said: “This is a big event with up to 25,000 people expected to take part. We are also anticipating large numbers of spectators along the route.
“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 Belfast city centre businesses are set to close early tomorrow due to travel disruption.
Translink has also announced additional rail capacity to meet increased demand.
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