About 5,000 Orangemen accompanied by 18 bands marched through Portadown town centre on Saturday in the first Drumcree protest of the new year.
There was a strong security presence throughout the day. From early Saturday, the RUC, supported by units of the British army, was deployed at the potential flash-point locations of Woodhouse Street, Craigwell Avenue and Obins Street.
A short protest rally was held close to St Mark's parish church. Among those who spoke was the Orange Order's Grand Secretary and local Assembly member, Mr Denis Watson.
A DUP Assembly member, the Rev William McCrea, was loudly cheered when he said he fully supported the stance taken by the Portadown District of the Orange Order.
Mr McCrea said the Drumcree church parade was now the last remaining Orange parade in Portadown. He reminded the Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, that "the loyalist people of Northern Ireland haven't gone away, you know". From Portadown town centre, the parade made its way along the Dungannon Road, past Garvaghy Road and St John's Church. At the church, lines of police and army vehicles created a barrier between the Orangemen and groups of nationalist residents.
Orange Order marshals also ensured that marchers and bands complied fully with the Parades Commission ruling on the demonstration.
At Drumcree the marchers were addressed by the Portadown Orange District Master, Mr Harold Gracey. Police and army were deployed in strength, but the threat of violence never materialised, as only a few of the marchers gathered at the police lines, where a letter of protest was handed over.