The Royal Black Institution parade in Bangor, Co Down, yesterday, was one of three such events staged around the North. The main demonstration took place in Scarva, Co Down, with a smaller parade in Portadown.
Keeping with recent tradition, members belonging to 13 preceptories from Lurgan, Co Armagh, travelled to Bangor, a predominately unionist town, for their annual parade. Wearing black sashes, more than 300 members gathered outside the town hall during the morning. Some Blackmen went into nearby cafes for "fries and tea all round" before the parade began.
The Royal Black Preceptory District Chapter No 1 led the parade as it set off down Dufferin Avenue for the half-hour parade around the town. Drivers waited in their cars as a tailback formed on the main Belfast road to allow the marchers to pass.
Senior Blackmen travelled in a van to the front of the parade. Nine bands took part, with two travelling from Scotland and one from Clogher, Co Tyrone. The skies were overcast but locals still came out in numbers to line the streets. The marchers, prepared for rain with their bowler hats and black umbrellas, saluted the crowd as they turned on to main street from the picturesque marina.
As the parade arrived at the town's Orange Hall the marchers dispersed and banners were taken into the hall for safekeeping. Bandsmen and members drifted back to their cars and buses parked outside the town hall, many accompanied by their wives and children.
The preceptories from Portadown district demonstrated in their own town, rather than join the demonstration at Scarva, to show support for the Orange protest at Drumcree.