Due to the Twelfth of July falling on a Sunday in 2026, the traditional parades and associated events will take place on Monday, July 13, marking the 336th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. The Orange Order has confirmed 18 main demonstrations across Northern Ireland, alongside family-focused activities in Belfast.

Orangefest, established in 2007, will run from 11am to 4pm in the grounds of Belfast City Hall. Organised with the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast, it offers circus workshops, music, garden games, a craft tent, and a ceilidh by local group The Rogues. Free refreshment vouchers will be available on a first-come basis. Belfast County Grand Master Spencer Beattie stated the event aims to create a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and to support city centre businesses.

The 18 parades will be held in Ballymena, Larne, Ballymoney, Portglenone, and Glenarm (County Antrim); Newtownhamilton (Armagh); Belfast; Rathfriland, Killyleagh, Royal Hillsborough, Ballymartin, and Ballywalter (Down); Maguiresbridge (Fermanagh); Limavady and Kilrea (Londonderry); and Cookstown, Castlederg, and Aughnacloy (Tyrone). The Orange Order described preparations as advanced for one of Europe’s largest annual festivals, involving over 1,000 lodges and around 600 bands.

The County Armagh demonstration in Newtownhamilton is the largest single gathering, while Belfast features the longest route with participants walking more than six miles to the assembly field. Other sizeable events are expected in Maguiresbridge, Limavady, Cookstown, and Rathfriland.

Grand Master Harold Henning, in his first year of office, said the tradition of Orange parades stretches back 230 years and that the Twelfth draws large numbers of participants and spectators as a public expression of identity, culture, and heritage.

The only parade in the Republic of Ireland will take place on July 11 in Rossknowlagh.