Thousands turned out in Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland's newest city to watch the annual 12th of July Orange Order celebrations. Despite the rain showers throughout the day, the weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the attendees.

The Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organization founded in Northern Ireland in 1795, is closely associated with the 12th of July celebrations. This event commemorates the victory of Protestant King William III of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

Members of the Orange Order, accompanied by marching bands, paraded through the streets of Bangor, forming in Ward Park and marching around the town before returning to Ward Park. The parades, known for their colorful banners, flags, and orange sashes or collarettes, are a significant part of the cultural and religious identity for many Protestant communities in Northern Ireland.

This year, the celebrations are expected to attract up to half a million people in 18 venues across the province. While the parades are cherished by many, they have also been a source of tension and controversy, especially in areas with mixed religious communities. Nevertheless, in Bangor, the rain may have come down, but it couldn't wash away the orange party spirit.

Thousands turn out in Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland’s newest city to watch the annual 12th of July Orange Order celebrations. The Bangor parade formed in Ward Park and shortly after 12pm left to march around the town before returning to Ward Park. Although there were a number of rain showers throughout the day the weather didn’t dampen the celebrations.

Parades will take place in 18 venues around the province this year and they are expected to attract up to half a million people.

The Orange Order is a Protestant fraternal organization that was founded in Northern Ireland in 1795. The order is closely associated with the 12th of July celebrations, also known as "Orangemen's Day" or "The Twelfth." This event commemorates the victory of the Protestant King William III of Orange, who defeated the Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne on 12th July, 1690.

During the 12th of July celebrations, members of the Orange Order, accompanied by marching bands, parade through the streets of many towns and cities of Northern Ireland, particularly in areas with a predominantly Protestant population. The parades often feature colourful banners, flags and the wearing of orange sashes or collarettes. These parades are an integral part of the cultural and religious identity for many Protestant communities in Northern Ireland. They have, however, also been a source of tension and controversy, particularly in areas with mixed religious communities.