A whole host of family fun activities is set to take place at Belfast’s City Hall on Saturday 12th July as part of this year’s Orangefest celebrations.
Running from 10am to 3.30pm, Orangefest 2025 has been designed to complement the 335th annual demonstration of the Battle of the Boyne, offering a packed programme of family-friendly events and entertainment in the heart of the city.
Established in 2007, Orangefest continues to enhance the well-known Twelfth parades with a wide range of inclusive and engaging activities for all ages.
This year’s festival features a vibrant international food market organised by Food NI on the East Lawn of City Hall, showcasing the very best in local and international cuisine, alongside live cooking demonstrations.
Adding to the buzz will be award-winning street theatre and performers from Circusful, bringing stilt walkers, mono wheel acrobatics, drummers from around the world, clowns, and circus skills to entertain both children and adults throughout the day.
Belfast County Grand Master Spencer Beattie said the team behind Orangefest are “proud to be bringing back a day of celebration, community and culture for 2025.”
He said: “This year, we once again want to encourage families, visitors and locals to stay and enjoy the city centre. Orangefest is all about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports both cultural expression and local business.
“Many city centre retailers have committed to staying open from 1pm to 5pm, and we would urge those attending to support local traders and enjoy what Belfast has to offer.”
In addition to the family activities, guided tours of Belfast City Hall will be available throughout the day, offering visitors a chance to explore the city’s heritage and iconic architecture.
A short remembrance service and wreath-laying will take place at 10.30am at the Belfast War Memorial to honour the fallen of the two world wars and subsequent conflicts, coinciding with the parade passing City Hall.
Street dressings and display banners by Image Zoo will add further colour to the city centre, creating a vibrant visual backdrop to the celebrations.
Mr Beattie added: “Orangefest enhances the globally recognised Belfast 12th which is considered one of the largest events in Europe.
“As part of our new three-year plan to create a year-round cultural engagement programme the activities at City Hall not only highlights the cultural significance of the day but also promotes unity and economic growth.
“Through Orangefest, we aim to remove barriers, foster mutual respect, and create a positive and inclusive environment for all citizens and visitors.”
For more information go to belfastorangefest.com