Lisburn to host Last Saturday celebrations

A total of 79 preceptories will take part, accompanied by 75 bands, on Saturday, August 29.

The demonstration was last held in Lisburn in 2009 so its return will be eagerly-awaited in the city.

The parade will begin at 12.30pm and go via Laurelhill Road, Prince William Road, Thiepval Road, Chapel Hill, Bow Street, Castle Street, Seymour Street to Wallace Park.

The platform proceedings at 3pm will be chaired by Edward Carson, Lisburn District Master.

The guest speaker will be Ivan Kelly, Assistant Sovereign Grand Master. The service of worship will be conducted by Rev. Robert Campbell, County Antrim Grand Chaplain.

Approximately 17,000 members of the Royal Black Institution will be on parade at five locations across Northern Ireland.

Approximately 360 preceptories, most accompanied by bands, will take part in processions in Kilkeel, Banbridge, Newtownstewart and Portstewart, as well as Lisburn.

As part of its charitable outreach, the Royal Black Institution has raised more than half a million pounds in the last decade (£538,000).

Earlier this year a cheque for £85,000 was presented to the Bible Society and Mission Aviation Fellowship.

The money was raised over the past two years, to send bibles and provide other support to Christians living in war-torn South Sudan.