Belfast Twelfth 2025

This year, the city will come alive in a blaze of colour, tradition, and celebration as it marks the 335th anniversary of King William III’s famous victory at the Battle of the Boyne — a defining moment that laid the foundations for civil and religious liberty across the British Isles.

At the heart of the festivities is the Belfast demonstration, the largest Orange Parade in the capital and a true spectacle of cultural pride. With over 10,000 participants from lodges and bands — and an expected crowd of more than 115,000 spectators — the energy will be electric as the streets echo with music, pageantry, and celebration.

Leading the charge will be the County Grand Lodge of Belfast, setting off at 10:00am sharp from Belfast Orange Hall at Carlisle Circus. Out in front will be the immaculate County Colour Party alongside the renowned and much-loved Millar Memorial Flute Band — who this year celebrate an incredible 50 years of parading with the County Grand Lodge on the Twelfth. That’s half a century of dedication, heritage, and high-octane musical excellence!

The parade route sweeps through the heart of Belfast, passing Clifton Street, Donegall Street, Royal Avenue, and Donegall Place enroute to a special Act of Remembrance at Belfast City Hall, where a wreath will be laid at the Cenotaph just before 10:30am. It’s a moment of solemn reflection in the midst of celebration — a chance to honour the sacrifices of those who came before.

But the day is just getting started.

From there, the parade continues through Donegall Square West, Bedford Street, and Dublin Road, onto Shaftesbury Square, Bradbury Place, Lisburn Road, Balmoral Avenue, and Malone Road, before reaching its destination at Barnett’s Demesne — an epic 6-mile journey (each way!), making this not just the most vibrant parade in Northern Ireland, but also the longest Orange procession on the Twelfth anywhere in the land.

The County Grand Lodge, comprised of nine proud districts, will be under the expert guidance of Rt. Wor. Bro. Spencer Beattie, who celebrates seven years at the helm as County Grand Master. This year’s line-up is particularly impressive, with 77 spectacular bands — from all across Northern Ireland and even a few stars from Scotland — turning the streets into a living soundtrack of tradition, rhythm, and unity.

When the parade reaches Barnett’s Demesne, the celebrations continue with the official platform proceedings at 2:30pm. The proceedings will commence with Rt. Wor. Bro. Beattie, with spiritual guidance from Wor. Bro. Rev. Ron Johnstone, and a keynote address by Wor. Bro. Hon. Gavin Robinson MP, East Belfast’s respected Member of Parliament.

And just when you think the day can’t get any better — the return leg kicks off at 3:30pm, bringing the energy back through the city centre in a joyful, triumphant homeward parade.

And here's the big news... The much-anticipated Belfast Orangefest is officially BACK! This iconic celebration will once again bring added excitement to the Twelfth, with family-friendly festivities, cultural showcases, and something for everyone to enjoy.

Belfast 2025 is more than a parade — it's a celebration of history, identity, and shared community spirit. So polish your instruments, fly your banners high, and bring your best walking shoes — because this Twelfth is going to be legendary.

Belfast Orangefest 2025 is set to light up the city once again with a bold and brilliant celebration of culture, heritage, and community spirit! In proud partnership with the County Grand Lodge of Belfast and with the valued support of Belfast City Council, this iconic event promises a full day of energy, excitement, and entertainment for locals and visitors alike.

At the heart of Orangefest is the legendary parade, a spectacular display of music, colour, and pageantry that winds its way through the streets of Belfast. Traditional tunes, marching bands, and eye-catching regalia come together in a vibrant procession that reflects centuries of history and pride.

But there’s much more to the day than just the parade! From 9:00am to 2:00pm, the city will be buzzing with a variety of family-friendly street attractions and performances. Think live music, street performers, food vendors, and interactive displays—something for all ages to enjoy. All events are clearly advertised on local signage and promoted across media platforms, making it easy to plan your perfect Orangefest experience.

Need some retail therapy? Shops across the city will open from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, giving festival-goers the perfect opportunity to take a break from the excitement and explore Belfast’s bustling retail scene.

And the celebrations don’t end there! As the day begins to wind down, the festivities ramp back up for the evening parade, which is expected to return triumphantly to the City Centre at approximately 5:00pm. It’s a grand finale that brings everyone together once more in a spirited celebration of community and tradition.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time attendee, Belfast Orangefest is an unforgettable experience that showcases the city's rich cultural tapestry in the most colourful way possible. Don’t miss it!