Parade Information

Local Parade 9.30am

Two local bands, the Hunter Moore Flute Band and South Down Defenders, will parade from the Belfast Road in Newry to the R L Mitchell Memorial Orange Hall at 9.30am.

County Down Grand Officers Local Parade 11.30am

The County Down Grand Officers accompanied by Hunter Moore Flute Band will leave the R L Mitchell Memorial Orange Hall at 11.30 am and parade to the Assembly Area at Newry High School, Ashgrove Road, Newry.

Main Parade 12 noon

• The Main Parade will commence at 12.00 Noon led by the County Grand Officers and the Hunter Moore Flute Band followed by Districts 4, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, & 13

• The route will be Ashgrove Road, Belfast Road, Downshire Road, Trevor Hill, Kildare Street, Hill Street, Margaret Square, Margaret Street, The Mall. Bank Parade, Sugar Island, Trevor Hill, Downshire Road, Belfast Road, Millbrook Villas, Cloghanramer Road, Carnbane Way and Cloghanramer Road to the Demonstration Field.

• To prevent complaints from spectators and ensure a memorable spectacle it is essential that Marshals ensure that no gaps occur between the Preceptories and/or Bands of their District Chapter or between District Chapters. 

• On arrival at the junction of Cloghanramer Road / Carnbane Way Official Vehicles will be diverted into the Demonstration Field via a separate gate.

Demonstration Area

The Demonstration Field is located on the Cloghanramer Road approximately 1 mile from the centre of Newry City. No Vehicle will be permitted to exit the Demonstration field during the parade.

Platform Proceedings & Worship Service (commencing at 3.00pm)

Return Parade 4pm

The Return Parade commencing at 4.00pm will leave the Demonstration area in the following order: 

County Officers, Guests, Hunter Moore Flute Band, Districts Chapters 13, 11, 10, 2, 12, 5, 3, 9, 7, 1, 6, 8 & 4 and will be reviewed by the County Officers on the Belfast Road.

 Route, via Carnbane Way, Belfast Road, Millbrook Villas, Cloghanramer Road, Carnbane Way and Shepherds Way.

 Hunter Moore Flute Band, Mourne and Newry Districts will continue along the Belfast Road and Downshire Road to the Orange Hall to conclude the demonstration.

Toilets

Toilets have been hired and will position in the Assembly Area, along the parade route, the Demonstration field and at the bus area. 

PLEASE USE THE TOILETS PROVIDED

First Aid

First Aid assistance can be found in the Assembly Area, Newry Orange Hall, Demonstration Field and mobile paramedics or by calling 999.

General Advice for Participants

• All Preceptory Registrars whose Preceptory is using a Private Hire Bus or Coach shall provide Newry District Registrar with the name of the Bus Company/ their District and RPB number.

• WMs are requested to encourage their Members to make every effort to attend and represent their Preceptory and District Chapters at what will be the largest Demonstration anywhere in Northern Ireland on the Last Saturday.

• ARRIVE EARLY Roads for Public parking will close at 11.00 am

• A Marshals meeting will be held on Tuesday 11th August 2026 at 7.30pm in the R.L. Mitchell Memorial Orange Hall, Newry when it is expected that all Districts will be represented.

• A De-Brief meeting will be held on Tuesday 8th September 2026 at 7.30 pm in the R.L. Mitchell Memorial Orange Hall. Again all Districts are expected to attend.

Newry RBDC No. 4 Press Release 21/8/26

Newry to Host Royal Black Institution Last Saturday Demonstration

Newry City is set to welcome one of Northern Ireland’s largest cultural and heritage events on Saturday 29 August 2026, when Newry Royal Black District Chapter No. 4 hosts the Royal Black Institution annual “Last Saturday” Demonstration.

The event will bring participants, bands and spectators from across Northern Ireland and beyond to the city, providing an opportunity to showcase Newry as a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive cultural destination.

The demonstration will feature high-quality band music, traditional pageantry and community celebration, highlighting the rich cultural heritage associated with the Royal Black Institution.

It is particularly significant for the city, as Newry has not hosted the Royal Black Institution’s Last Saturday Demonstration since 2011.

The organisers are expecting a large turnout and have been working to ensure the event takes place safely and successfully, while minimising disruption for local residents, businesses and road users.

The main parade is scheduled to commence at 12 noon, with some traffic disruption expected in and around the city during the event.

Newry Royal Black District Chapter No. 4 has expressed its appreciation to the local community for its cooperation and understanding as arrangements are put in place to facilitate the demonstration.

A spokesperson for Newry Royal Black District Chapter No. 4 said:

“We are extremely proud to be hosting the Royal Black Institution Last Saturday Demonstration in Newry once again. This is a significant event for our district and we look forward to welcoming participants, bands and spectators from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

“We recognise that an event of this scale will inevitably result in some traffic disruption, and we greatly appreciate the patience, cooperation and understanding of local residents, businesses and road users.

“Our priority is to ensure that the demonstration proceeds safely and respectfully, while showcasing Newry at its very best and providing an enjoyable day for everyone attending.”

Further information on parade timings is available at www.newryblacksat.com

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