Kilkeel Twelfth

About

The Mourne District LOL No. 6 Twelfth of July 2025 celebrations promise to be a spectacular showcase of culture, tradition, and community pride, set against the dramatic landscape of the Mourne Mountains. With around 1,700 participants on parade, including 15 local bands, and more than 3,000 spectators expected to line the streets, this year's event will be one of the highlights of the summer.
Mourne District No. 6 is proud to be the largest district in the Orange Institution, boasting over 1,100 members. Among its ranks is the largest private lodge in the Order — Ballyvea LOL 343a — which continues to grow with an impressive membership of 162. This year, the honour of leading the District Parade falls to Brunswick LOL 1702, while the largest Junior Lodge in the Order will once again take pride of place at the head of the procession.
The day will begin with Kilkeel Lodges assembling at Kilkeel Orange Hall at 11:00am before stepping off on a 1.5-mile route to Leestone Road on the outskirts of the town. There, they will join with the rest of the Mourne District for the return parade into Kilkeel, which will conclude at Queen Elizabeth II Park on Manse Road.
After the parade, friends, family, and spectators are warmly invited to join the brethren in the Demonstration Field for a complimentary picnic, generously provided by the Lodges. This family-friendly gathering takes place in one of the most scenic settings imaginable, with the majestic Mourne Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Platform proceedings will begin at 2:15pm, following the refreshments.
The homeward parade will form up again at 4:00pm. The Annalong Lodges will return to their village and continue their celebrations with a local parade, while the Kilkeel Lodges will march through the town, taking in Newry Street, Harbour Road, Harbour Drive, Knockchree Avenue, and Greencastle Street before concluding at Kilkeel Orange Hall.
Mourne District follows a four-year rotation for hosting the Twelfth, alternating between Kilkeel, Annalong, Ballymartin, and then back to Kilkeel. This year, 15 Lodges from across the Kingdom of Mourne will take part, including Silent Valley LOL 263, situated at the base of the mountains, and Cranfield LOL 907, which overlooks the entrance to Carlingford Lough. Annalong is proudly represented by three Lodges: LOL 342, LOL 1330, and LOL 1702.
This year's parade carries added significance, as Bro. Joe McKibbin of LOL 342 marks an extraordinary milestone — 80 years of membership in the Lodge — a remarkable legacy of loyalty and dedication.
Cranfield LOL 907 whose hall overlooks the site of the former Greencastle RAF/USAAF Base No. 237, recently commemorated VE Day with a public exhibition and talk honouring the base's wartime contributions. Among those remembered was Bro. William J. Mahier RAF, a young Lodge member who tragically lost his life in an accident during the war and is memorialised on the Kilkeel war memorial. The Lodge's banner proudly features wartime aircraft — a B-25 Mitchell and a Liberator bomber soaring over Cranfield — and the Cranfield Accordion Band pays tribute to this heritage by wearing uniforms inspired by RAF dress.
The platform party this year will feature guest speaker Bro. Ellis Hanna, alongside the Mourne District Officers. Chairing proceedings will be Worshipful District Master Rt. Wor. Bro. William Baillie, joined by Deputy District Master Wor. Bro. James Morris, District Chaplain Wor. Bro. Bro. Brian Niblock, District Secretary Wor. Bro. Stephen Nicholson, Assistant Secretary Richard McKee and District Treasurer Wor. Bro. David Hanna.
Visitors will find parking available on Greencastle Street, Bridge Street, and Newcastle Road, as well as at the public car park in the lower square of Kilkeel. In addition, Mourne District is providing a free parking area adjacent to Queen Elizabeth II Park on Manse Road to accommodate attendees.
From its rich history and heartfelt tributes to its joyful sense of community and pageantry, the 2025 Twelfth of July in Kilkeel is set to be a day to remember — a celebration of identity, remembrance, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood.