THE ANNUAL Fermanagh Twelfth celebrations will take place on Monday, July 13 in Maguiresbridge.
The event will be a major family-friendly celebration of culture and community, marking the 336th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.
The main parade will begin at 12.00pm, proceeding through Gardiner’s Cross Road, Main Street, and Lisnaskea Road before arriving at the Field.
At 2:30pm, an open-air religious service will take place at the Field.
Around 95 lodges and 65 bands are expected to take part, alongside large crowds of spectators.
Fermanagh Grand Master Mervyn Byers explained the scale and structure of the organisation, he said,
“I’m currently the County Grand Master for County Fermanagh. It’s a five-year term, and this is my final year in the role.
“Across County Fermanagh there are approximately 2,000 members, organised into 15 districts.
“This year we expect around 1,000 people taking part in the parade, along with many spectators.”
This year’s event is being hosted by Maguiresbridge District No. 14, with the parade led by Lisbellaw District No.2 as part of the traditional rotation of hosting dutiries.
A new addition this year will see live entertainment in the town centre while the service is taking place.
Mr Byers said, “We’ve introduced something a little different. We’ll have a stage in the town centre with live entertainment while the religious service is taking place.”
He explained the reasoning behind the change, “We found that, in previous years, spectators who didn’t go to the field had little to do, so this gives people something to enjoy while they wait.”
Local singers and musicians will perform throughout the day.
Reflecting on the importance of the occasion, Mr Byers said, “For me, it’s important that the Twelfth is not only a celebration but also gives something back to the local community.”
“Fermanagh has a very family-friendly atmosphere, and people get on well together. We want the day to reflect that.”
He concluded, “It’s a celebration that has continued for generations, and it’s something many people look forward to each yea
