Newtownards Twelfth of July Parade and Celebration

The Twelfth of July is the most significant date in the Ulster Protestant calendar, and Newtownards marks it with one of the liveliest parades in Co. Down. The North Down demonstration brings together lodges from Newtownards, Bangor, Holywood and Upper Ards districts, meaning the town fills with more than 40 lodges, 30-plus bands and upwards of a thousand marchers. If you have never watched a Twelfth parade before, Newtownards is a manageable, friendly place to do it - a compact market town where the route runs through the centre and the atmosphere is family-orientated.

What to expect

The morning begins at Mary Street Orange Hall, where the local Newtownards District LOL No. 4 assembles and sets off to Londonderry Park to meet the visiting districts. The main parade steps off at around 1pm and follows a one-way circuit of the town centre streets - Conway Square, High Street, Mill Street and the surrounding roads - before returning to Londonderry Park. Entertainment continues at the field into the afternoon.

The soundtrack is the mix that defines the Twelfth: flute bands in their sashes, accordion bands keeping a steady march beat, and the occasional pipe band lending a different timbre to the proceedings. Between lodges you will see banners - painted silk scenes of Biblical and historical subjects - carried on poles and swaying as they move. These are among the most distinctive folk-art objects still made and used regularly in these islands. Bring something to sit on if you want to watch from the park; the town centre pavements fill up early along the main route.

Getting there

Newtownards sits at the head of Strangford Lough, about 16 kilometres east of Belfast city centre, reached via the A20 dual carriageway from Sydenham. By car, allow 25 to 30 minutes from central Belfast on a normal day - on the Twelfth, town-centre streets along the parade route close, so follow diversions and park early in one of the off-centre car parks on the edge of town. Translink operates bus services from Belfast Europa Bus Centre and from Bangor, running into Newtownards; check the Translink website for Twelfth-day timetables as services often run to a special schedule.

While you’re in Newtownards

Newtownards has a strong market-town character and the surrounding peninsula rewards extra time - Strangford Lough is a few minutes south, Mount Stewart is a short drive, and the Ards coast road is one of the finest drives in Ulster. There is more to see in Newtownards and across Co. Down.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday 12 July 2026
• Morning assembly: Mary Street Orange Hall from approximately 9.45am; main parade steps off around 1pm
• Route: Town centre streets including Conway Square, High Street, Mill Street
• Price: Free - open public event, no tickets required
• Organiser: Ards and North Down Borough Council in conjunction with Newtownards District LOL No. 4
• More information: ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
• Note: Parade-route streets close to traffic from mid-morning; plan your arrival and parking before 11am