The Twelfth: Orange Order eyes changes after 'abysmal' Belfast march

The Orange Order is considering changes to future Twelfth of July parades in Belfast after "abysmal and unacceptable" scenes at last year's event.

The organisation added the parade was "probably the worst for decades", in an internal document seen by BBC News NI.

The criticism is believed to relate to anti-social behaviour and excessive drinking at Shaftesbury Square.

A "circuitous route" from 2024 is being considered, the document outlined.

This would see the parade begin and end at Carlisle Circus in the north of the city.

The Twelfth of July is an annual commemoration of King William III's victory over King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

It attracts large crowds at events in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.

The review suggests "the field" part of the Belfast parade at Barnett Demense, where speeches are given before the return leg, would be axed.

The route, covering about 10 miles, which passes through Belfast city centre, would also be shortened by six miles.

The review was commissioned "in the aftermath of the abysmal and unacceptable Twelfth of July in 2022", the document said.

The current format was "too long" and caused "a significant amount of knock-on consequences", it added.

The new proposed route would be introduced from 2024, where marchers would turn back on themselves at Elmwood Avenue, with the parade finishing by 14:00 BST.

"Let's make 2024 a parade fit for a King," it concluded.

Valerie Quinn, chair of the Ulster Band's forum, said the leaked document was "very symptomatic of the unsettled feeling within unionism".

"It feels like an attack, even though its coming internally," she told BBC News NI's Talkback programme.

"Whoever has leaked this document, it's absolutely reprehensible and they need to look at themselves and what they've caused here."

Orangeman and former Belfast councillor Chris McGimpsey said previous attempts by the Orange Order to clean up the Belfast parade's image - such as Orangefest and the "Battle not the Bottle" campaign - had not worked.

"There's always problems with anti-social behaviour in Shaftsbury Square," he told BBC News NI.

"It's almost a tradition in with certain elements in our community to drink too much and cause all sorts of trouble."

Mr McGimpsey said he believes excessive drinking is largely to blame for what he described as "general mayhem" in the area.

"You bring tens of thousands of people into the city centre when one of the only things open are bars - it's not a good recipe," he said.

Prof Jon Tonge, from the University of Liverpool, said while shortening the route made some sense, it would not tackle excessive drinking.

"A lot of the drinkers have nothing to do with the Orange Order - they're out to celebrate the Twelfth," he said.

"But they're out celebrating on the Eleventh Night too - they've already got a lot of alcohol in their system and they're just topping up during the Twelfth itself.

"I'm not sure the Orange Order can do anything about that."

Dr Clifford Smyth, an Orange Order historian, said issues with anti-social behaviour on the Twelfth are "not within the ranks" of the institution.

"There's a lot of antisocial behaviour in Belfast without any parades or bands being present," he told BBC News NI.

Dr Smyth said the Belfast parade had always been different to parades elsewhere in the region.

"There's a totally different atmosphere in Belfast to what happens in the rural countryside," he said.

"In fact, a number of significant Belfast lodges have removed themselves from Belfast and gone into County Down."

BBC NI understands the proposal is one of a number of options being looked at.

Among them is a proposal by the County Grand Lodge of Belfast that bands wanting to participate in the Belfast Twelfth in 2024 could be asked to sign up to a new "code of management", or be barred from involvement.

The move would see the introduction of an "approved bands register".

All bands seeking to accompany lodges would go through an application process, involving agreeing to instructions covering behaviour and appearance.

The code is set out in the internal document.

It states that only approved flags or standards could be carried and "these shall not display emblems proscribed by legislation".

It adds: "The quasi-military marching and styles of dress is to be discouraged."

Individuals would also be asked not to throw mace poles as "although an important part of tradition, they could lead to the worshipful master being prosecuted for any injury incurred by anyone in the vicinity".

The document states: "It is strongly considered that this register is the only way forward, ensuring that bands are of the standard demanded."

It adds bands adhering to the new code would prevent "our adversaries from further demonising our beloved Institution, culture and heritage by citing poor or bad discipline whilst on parade".

It is not clear whether it has been agreed that the register is to be implemented.

Approached for comment, the Reverend Mervyn Gibson, grand secretary of the Orange Order, said: "We are always reviewing our parades for a host of reasons.

"Discussions have taken place, but no decision has been taken about changes, if any.

"It will be a matter for Belfast County Grand Lodge after listening to a wide range of views."