New arch to be opened in Lisburn on Friday

However, this year the annual celebrations will be even more special, as Lisburn District is opening a new arch, replacing the old structure which had been used in Lisburn for decades.

The new arch is still a work in progress and District Secretary, Jonathan Beattie, has said that there will be more items, as well as lights, added in future years.

“A lot of planning has gone into the new arch and I would like to thank Lisburn City Council and Roads Service for their assistance this year,” he said.

The annual parade will gather at 7.15pm at Lisburn Orange Hall and will move off at 7.30pm.

The parade will make its way through the city centre via Railway Street, Castle Street, Seymour Street, Queens Road, Union Bridge, Gregg Street, Mercer Street, Sloan Street, Union Bridge, Bridge Street, Market Square, Market Street, Smithfield Square, Hillsborough Road, Warren Park, Warren Gardens, Longstone Street, Chapel Hill and Bow Street.

Once the parade passes through Bow Street it will stop for the official opening of the arch at Market Square. This is a change to the schedule from previous years, when the arch was opened in the middle of the parade. Mr Beattie is reminding everyone watching the parade to wait until the end for the opening ceremony.

The arch will be officially opened by Lisburn’s Deputy Mayor, Alderman William Leathem. The ceremony will include a prayer and speeches.

The Grand Lodge Educational Trailer will also be in Lisburn City Centre, outside the Irish Linen Centre, on Friday from 3pm until 10pm. It will be manned by members of the local District and members of the public are invited along to find out more about the Orange Lodge.