Richhill was chosen to mark the 100th anniversary of the Kilmore Mitchelburne Club, which is located just outside the village.

Marchers, including bandsmen and Apprentice Boys members, descended on the village for the event.

Some 50 bands from all over Northern Ireland – mostly flute bands – provided the music as the parade passed through the village.

The event was organised by the Apprentice Boys Mid-Ulster Amalgamated Committee and Kilmore Mitchelburne Club and attracted spectators from across the area.

"People came from Armagh, south Tyrone, south Fermanagh and Londonderry for a traditional Easter Apprentice Boys' parade," said Ulster-Scots author Billy Kennedy, who was among those spectating.

"It was cold but there was a big turn-out. Normally the Easter Parade is held in one of the bigger towns but as this was the 100th anniversary of the Kilmore branch it was decided that it would be held in Richhill."

Crowds began arriving from mid-morning but the main parade did not begin until around noon.

A brief commemoration address was given at the village's war memorial, where a wreath was also laid.

Marchers took an hour to pass by, with the parade taking in a circuit of the village.

"This was the first major loyalist parade of the marching season this year," said Mr Kennedy.

"It was the coldest one in living memory but there was still a big crowd which turned out."

Newry and Armagh MLA Councillor William Irwin welcomed the Apprentice Boys to Richhill.

He said: "It was a pleasure to have the brethren in Richhill and it was certainly an added bonus that the weather was good and they enjoyed a dry day.

"The organisation is very proud of its history and they have been welcomed today in Richhill in what has been a very colourful event and I am sure the brethren are looking forward to the coming marching season."