Colour, sound and history poured through Plymouth streets yesterday as the Grand Orange Lodge of England brought its annual parade to the city, filling streets on a day that also saw separate protests in the city centre.
The procession set off at 2pm from the North Cross roundabout and the parade made its way to the Hoe along a 2 mile route. It was a very busy day for police who also had to deal with rival protests in the evening.
The Orange movement traces its roots to 1795 in County Armagh. Named for William of Orange, later King William III, it commemorates his victory in 1690 at the Battle of the Boyne and champions the principle its members call civil and religious liberty.
The Loyal Orange Institution spreads across Ireland, Scotland and England during the 19th century and remains a fraternal organisation with lodges for men, women and juniors.
Parades are a central tradition, often led by bands and accompanied by banners that depict Biblical scenes, local history and charitable work. In England, lodges are organised under the Grand Orange Lodge of England and events range from church parades to annual gatherings like the one seen in Plymouth.
The Duke of Lancaster’s Accordion and Concertina Band kept time as the parade wound past landmarks, while visitors stepped forward for photographs and grandparents lifted children for a better view.
Organisers have thanked local residents for their patience as short road closures rippled ahead of the march, then reopened as the parade moved on. By late afternoon participants were greeting well wishers on the Hoe and packing away banners as the waterfront returned to its usual weekend rhythm.
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