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FOUR FLAGSHIP TWELFTHS SELECTED

Four Twelfth demonstrations have been selected as flagships for the biggest festival in Northern Ireland.

The flagships will be the standard bearers for the 18 demonstrations being organised by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland on July 12.

The four locations are Belfast, Dromara, Tandragee and Coleraine. The events in those areas will receive special promotional support from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland. Grand Lodge will also work closely with the organisers of the flagships to promote the Twelfth.

Official estimates last year calculated that between 400,000 and 500,000 people either took part in the parades or enjoyed them as spectators.

The Orange Order Director of Services, Dr. David Hume explained:

"Two years ago we chose Bangor as a flagship Twelfth and more than 80,000 people attended the demonstration. Last year Enniskillen was chosen and the tourist authorities were involved in very successful 'host training' for our stewards.

"We know that nearly half a million people enjoy the Twelfth and there is hard evidence that more and more tourists are planning trips to Northern Ireland at that time, to co-incide with the parades.

"All of our parades are very important and we will be working with all the organisers to maximise the positive impact of the Twelfth parades. But Grand Lodge decided that we should put an extra special effort into four demonstrations this year. After an internal competition we selected the four locations and we have no doubt that they will be a huge success."

The Orange Order has been working closely with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland to attract more visitors to the province in July.

"We cannot thank the tourist authorities enough," said David Hume.

"They have shown us their research and made very many useful suggestions which we have taken on board.

"The Twelfth is a unique attraction in Northern Ireland and it brings with it immense benefits to the economy and to everyone in the community. We will be doing everything we can to make the Twelfth attractive for all the family and for anyone – local or visiting – who wants to see it. .

"The new battlefield site at the Boyne will also be a major attraction this year and we believe that cultural tourism can play a significant part in the future of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

"The Orange Order is certainly ready to play its part."

The Rossnowlagh parade in Co. Donegal will be held on Saturday, July 5 this year and the July 12 demonstrations will be in Belfast, Dromara, Coleraine, Tandragee, Maghera, Kesh, Ballyclare, Omagh, Benburb, Aughnacloy, Derriaghy, Ballymena, Broughshane, Portavogie, Cullybackey, Kilkeel ,Newcastle and Rasharkin.

Many of the Twelfth demonstrations will form part of festivals running for two or three weeks in their area.

The Orange Order is also set to unveil a major tourist initiative in the next few weeks, with the publication of the Williamite Trail. It is a map which follows the route taken by the Williamite Army on the way to victories at the Boyne and Aughrim.

22nd April 2008