UUP Leader sends best wishes to CentenNIal Parade organisers and participants

Ulster Unionist Party leader, Doug Beattie MC MLA, said:

“This weekend`s CentenNIal Parade organised by the Orange Order to mark the Centenary of Northern Ireland will be a truly historic event. I wish the Grand Master, Edward Stevenson, Grand Lodge Officers and all participants all the very best as they put their best foot forward on Saturday.

“It`s an enormous undertaking to organise an event of this magnitude and I know that a huge amount of planning has gone into this with Loyal Order members and Bands travelling from all over Northern Ireland and farther afield to participate. It will be a festival of music and colour as we celebrate Northern Ireland`s first one hundred years and look forward to its second century.

“It was unfortunate that the Covid-19 pandemic delayed celebration plans, but it is testament to the leadership and members of the Orange Order that this parade is now proceeding. We shouldn`t forget the very positive role that members of the Loyal Orders and local Bands played throughout the pandemic, supporting the most vulnerable in their communities, delivering food parcels and keeping spirits up. It`s this sense of community spirit and cohesion that bodes well for the future.

“I hope everyone has a very enjoyable and peaceful day out at the CentenNIal Parade as so many come together to celebrate Northern Ireland`s Centenary. I`m looking forward to seeing this once in a lifetime event.”