Keady Twelfth

The County Armagh Twelfth Demonstration has firmly secured its reputation as the largest Orange gathering on the globe each 12th of July. With 11 District Lodges, 150 Private Lodges, over 5,000 Brethren, plus representation from the Association of Loyal Orangewomen of Ireland and Junior Lodges, the event showcases the full strength of the Orange Family — and attracts an incredible 40,000 spectators!

Nestled deep in South Armagh, Keady — meaning “flat-topped hill” — is rich with history. Once a thriving linen town thanks to industrialist and politician William Kirk, the town retains its strong community spirit today. Kirk’s legacy still stands in the form of the imposing 1871 monument at the town centre.

Despite a difficult history, with sectarian tensions and a heavy police presence at times, the Orange tradition in Keady stands strong, and parades today are thankfully able to pass more peacefully.

Orangeism runs deep through Co Armagh’s veins. With around 130 Orange Halls — the highest concentration anywhere — the Grand Lodge continues to grow, year after year. It’s no wonder the Orchard County proudly leads the way in celebrating tradition and community.

Adding to the spectacle, nearly 70 bands will bring the streets alive — from the stirring sounds of pipe, accordion, silver, and flute bands, to the thunderous roll of dozens of Lambeg Drums. As always, several Scottish bands will also travel over to take part, reinforcing the strong cross-channel bonds.

This year, the honour of hosting the Twelfth falls to Keady District LOL No. 8, centred in the historic town of Keady. With 7 Private Lodges and over 200 members, Keady’s brethren are thrilled to welcome the County once again — their first time hosting since 2012.

Their pride will be particularly poignant, as wreaths are laid at the District Hall in memory of two brethren, Bro. Norman Watson and Bro. Joseph Reid, who lost their lives during the Troubles.

Fresh banners and standards will add even more colour to the parade with new banners from Derrylileagh True Blues LOL 166 and Tullyvallen Guiding Star Temperance LOL 630b. New bannerettes for Boyne Star LOL 16 and Cladybeg Faith Defenders LOL 305b and Junior Lodges also celebrate, with fresh banners from Primatial True Blues JLOL 27 and Tandragee JLOL 190

Celebrating history too, Cavanapole Purple Star LOL 297 marks its 200th anniversary of Warrant!

The Assembly starts from 9:00am at the District Hall, the Main Parade starts at 10:30am, led by Derryhennett True Blues LOL 37 and Crosskeys Victoria Flute Band.

They will then take  Tassagh Road, Crossmore Road to Demonstration Field. The return parade: Starts 2:45pm, reversing the route.

The parade will be a rolling wave of colour, music, and tradition as each District arrives and joins the line-up: Richhill District LOL No.2, Newtownhamilton District LOL No.9, Portadown District LOL No.1, Lurgan District LOL No.6, Killylea District LOL No.7, Markethill District LOL No.10, Armagh District LOL No.5, Bessbrook District LOL No.11, Loughgall District LOL No.3, and Tandragee District LOL No.4.

Car parking, toilet facilities (including accessible toilets), and first aid stations will be provided along the route and at the Demonstration Field.

Expect a festival atmosphere in the Demonstration Field! Stalls, food trucks, and children's activities will keep families entertained all day. Impromptu band performances and Lambeg Drum sessions will bring extra energy to the day.

At 1:45pm, the official platform proceedings begin with Rt. Wor. Bro. Denis J Watson JP, County Grand Master. A religious service led by Wor. Bro. Rev. Dr. Alan McCann and Deputy Chaplains. Followedd by andAct of Remembrance and solemn tribute to fallen brethren. TheTwelfth Resolutions on Faith, Loyalty, and The State proposed and passed with a k eynote address by Wor. Bro. Rev. Mervyn Gibson MBE, Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland

Awards, including the County Shield for Best Band, will be announced before the closing Resolution of Thanks.

This year also marks two major milestones, 20 years of County Armagh Community Development (CACD), the Grand Lodge’s outreach arm helping community groups thrive and 10 years of the Museum of Orange Heritage at Sloan’s House, Loughgall — offering visitors a vivid look into the origins and story of the Orange Order.

Both anniversaries were recently marked by special events, including a Deputy Lord Mayor’s reception and a major concert at Craigavon Civic Centre.

The celebrations kick off early with community events on Sunday, 22nd June with Hymns of Praise at Temple Presbyterian Church, Crosskeys Road (7:30pm, collection for charity) and on Thursday, 10th July with a Family Fun Night featuring a Band Tattoo, “It’s-A-Knockout” competitions, and a Fun Fair at the Demonstration Field (7:30pm onwards).

Entrance Fee