This year's Twelfth of July parades will feature a notable youth presence, with seven new Junior Orange Lodges participating for the first time and many young people, including a drummer with Tourette syndrome, joining the processions.

Among the participants is a 10-year-old drummer named Evie, who has taken part in the parades annually for the past decade. She lives with Tourette syndrome, a condition that causes sudden, repetitive movements and sounds. Her mother, Christina, said the large crowds and noise can be overwhelming, but their band community has provided strong support. The family said sharing her story aims to increase understanding of the condition and highlight that not all disabilities are visible.

The Kilbracks Bible and Crown Defenders Junior Orange Lodge, based in Markethill, County Armagh, is one of the new junior lodges. It recently opened the first dedicated Junior Orange premises on the island of Ireland and currently has 71 members under the age of 18.

Harry, 16, who serves as Worthy Master of the lodge, has been a member for nine years. He said he has never missed a Twelfth celebration and values the friendships he has made and the opportunity to represent his district. Elliott, 15, joined the lodge at age seven, following several family members into the organisation. He described a lively atmosphere on parade days and said spending time with family and friends is central to the experience.

The Twelfth of July parades are held annually to commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne and are a celebration of Protestant and Ulster-Scots heritage. This year's parades take place on 13 July.