The Royal Black Institution held its annual Last Saturday demonstrations on 29 August across five locations in Northern Ireland. Events took place in Newry, County Down; Dundonald, near Belfast; Larne, County Antrim; Dungannon, covering counties Armagh and Tyrone; and Coleraine, County Londonderry.

Approximately 17,000 members and supporters attended throughout the day, with around 300 marching bands participating. The demonstrations mark the traditional end of the summer marching season and are among the most significant dates in the institution's calendar.

In Belfast, feeder and return parades caused traffic disruption. Police advised motorists to avoid affected areas. In north Belfast, a parade began at Crumlin Road around 9:15am, proceeding to Carlisle Circus, Clifton Street, Donegall Street, Royal Avenue, Donegall Square, and Linenhall Street. The return route followed the same streets starting at 5:15pm.

Another Belfast parade started at West Belfast Orange Hall and moved along Shankill Road, Peters Hill, North Street, Royal Avenue, to York Street, with a return at 5:30pm. In east Belfast, a parade commenced at 9:15am on Templemore Avenue, continuing along Newtownards Road, Bridge End, Queens Quay, to Station Street, returning at 5:30pm.

The Sovereign Grand Master, Rev William Anderson, addressed members during the proceedings. Senior officers acknowledged the efforts of host committees, volunteers, and bands taking part.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson attended and referred to the Parades Commission controversy following a court case about the Drumcree parade ruling. He said his party intended to raise concerns at Westminster, with MP Carla Lockhart planning to table an urgent question.

The Royal Black Institution was founded in Ireland in 1797 and is based on Christian teachings. Members are known as Sir Knights. The organisation has preceptories in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, the Republic of Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.