Ulster Unionist deputy leader Diana Armstrong MLA has welcomed confirmation that Discover Northern Ireland has now included the Twelfth of July within its summer events coverage, describing it as positive progress for an event that has long deserved recognition as one of our landmark occasions.

Diana Armstrong MLA said:

"This is positive progress, and I welcome Discover Northern Ireland recognising the Twelfth as part of its summer events coverage. The Twelfth has always been one of Northern Ireland's landmark events, drawing huge crowds and showcasing pageantry, music and community spirit, and it is right that it is promoted as such. For too long it was neglected in this coverage, despite attracting tens of thousands to its parades, far more than many of the other events that were promoted, so it is welcome to finally see it given parity alongside the rest of our summer calendar. It also means countless visitors to Northern Ireland will now be made aware of the celebration and given the opportunity to join in."