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Ulster Covenant: Thousands gather for centenary parade Ulster Covenant: Thousands gather for centenary parade
(about 1 hour later)
Thousands of people are gathering in Belfast for commemorations to mark one of the most significant dates in unionist history. Thousands of people are taking part in commemorations in Belfast to mark one of the most significant dates in unionist history.
The six-mile march from central Belfast to Stormont will mark the 100th anniversary of the Ulster Covenant, to oppose Home Rule for Ireland in 1912. The six-mile march from central Belfast to Stormont marks the 100th anniversary of the Ulster Covenant, to oppose Home Rule for Ireland in 1912.
Much of the focus will be on a contested stretch outside a north Belfast church. There was no trouble at a contentious feeder parade past a north Belfast Catholic church on Saturday morning.
Conditions have been imposed by the Parades Commission. The biggest policing operation in 20 years is under way in the city.
Northern Ireland's Parades Commission, which makes determinations on contentious marches, had placed restrictions on the part of the route past St Patrick's Church on Donegall Street.
A century ago, the signing of the document laid the foundations for the partition of Ireland and the formation of Northern Ireland a decade later.A century ago, the signing of the document laid the foundations for the partition of Ireland and the formation of Northern Ireland a decade later.
Northern Ireland's Chief Constable Matt Baggott said his officers would be working to ensure the day passes off in a way that "brings credit" to all concerned. Up to 30,000 people from eight loyal orders are taking part in the events including a religious service and celebration at Stormont.
In spite of fears of trouble on the fringes of Saturday's parade, the Orange Order says it is expecting a "fun-filled" day.
Dr David Hume, the Order's director of services, said: "This will be a major event and a family day for enjoyment and celebration. We look forward to welcoming people from across Northern Ireland and beyond."
This is what is planned:
  • 10.15 BST: feeder parades set off from Sandy Row and Carlisle Circus to Belfast City Hall
  • 11:00 BST: main march sets off for Stormont from Belfast City Hall
  • 13:00 BST: marchers begin arriving at Stormont
  • 15:00 BST: religious service at Stormont and speech by Orange Grand Master, Edward Stevenson
  • 16:15 BST: Belfast-based marchers parade back into city; others return home by bus
A huge policing operation will try to keep the peace in Belfast on a challenging day for the new Northern Ireland.A huge policing operation will try to keep the peace in Belfast on a challenging day for the new Northern Ireland.
In any city, a 30,000-strong march can pose problems.In any city, a 30,000-strong march can pose problems.
In a divided city, the potential difficulties are magnified.In a divided city, the potential difficulties are magnified.
However, frantic work behind the scenes this week has raised hopes of a peaceful day.However, frantic work behind the scenes this week has raised hopes of a peaceful day.
The feeder parade from Carlisle Circus in north Belfast will include 14 bands and six lodges, amounting to around 2,000 people in total. Chief Constable Matt Baggott said his officers would be working to ensure the day passes off in a way that "brings credit" to all concerned.
Earlier on Saturday, thousands paraded through Sandy Row in south Belfast, many wearing traditional dress, reminiscent of 1912.
The leader of the Progressive Unionist Party Billy Hutchinson addressed the crowd. He told them to "march with pride, march with the wind of history at their back and the spirit of the Ulster Covenant at their core".
Marchers are due to arrive at Stormont at about 13:00 BST on Saturday. Belfast-based marchers parade back into city at 16: 15 BST; others return home by bus.
The feeder parade from Carlisle Circus in north Belfast includes 14 bands and six lodges, amounting to around 2,000 people in total.
Part of their route is past St Patrick's Catholic Church on Donegall Street where there has been controversy and violence associated with parades during the summer.Part of their route is past St Patrick's Catholic Church on Donegall Street where there has been controversy and violence associated with parades during the summer.
The parade is due to pass the church about 10:30 BST on the outward journey and around 18:00 BST on the return journey. The parade has now passed the church on its outward journey.
The Parades Commission has ruled that only hymn music is to be played as bands pass the church and has limited any nationalist protest to 150 people.The Parades Commission has ruled that only hymn music is to be played as bands pass the church and has limited any nationalist protest to 150 people.
The commission has also placed the sacred music restriction on those bands that will pass St Matthew's Catholic Church on the Newtownards Road, in the east of the city. BBC Ireland correspondent Mark Simpson tweeted: "The first tunes played by bandsmen outside St Patrick's Catholic church are Onward Christian Soldiers and Abide With Me."
On the Stormont estate, Covenant exhibitions and displays will open at 10:00 BST for the public. Last month, seven police officers were injured when trouble broke out after several loyalist bands defied a Parades Commission ruling by playing music as they marched past the church.
There will also be performances from the Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra, the Bright Lights Highland Dancers and the County Antrim Fife and Drum. The Royal Black Institution, which had organised the 25 August parade, later apologised "for any offence caused" to clergy and parishioners at St Patrick's.
The six-mile route from Belfast city centre to Stormont will include: In an open letter, it said its anger was not directed at the Catholic church.
Meanwhile, the commission has also placed the sacred music restriction on those bands that will pass St Matthew's Catholic Church on the Newtownards Road, in the east of the city on Saturday.
On the Stormont estate, Covenant exhibitions and displays opened at 10:00 BST for the public.
There are due to be performances from the Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra, the Bright Lights Highland Dancers and the County Antrim Fife and Drum.
The Orange Order said it was expecting a "fun-filled" day.
Dr David Hume, the Order's director of services, said: "This will be a major event and a family day for enjoyment and celebration. We look forward to welcoming people from across Northern Ireland and beyond."
The six-mile route from Belfast city centre to Stormont includes:
  • Donegall Square North
  • Chichester Street
  • Albert Square
  • Queen Elizabeth Bridge
  • Newtownards Road
  • Prince of Wales Avenue
  • Donegall Square North
  • Chichester Street
  • Albert Square
  • Queen Elizabeth Bridge
  • Newtownards Road
  • Prince of Wales Avenue
People planning on travelling to and through the city using public transport on Saturday have been advised that there will be significant changes to some Ulsterbus and Metro services.People planning on travelling to and through the city using public transport on Saturday have been advised that there will be significant changes to some Ulsterbus and Metro services.
Motorists are also advised that a number of roads will be closed to traffic during the parade.Motorists are also advised that a number of roads will be closed to traffic during the parade.
All the parading is due to be finished by 18:00 BST.All the parading is due to be finished by 18:00 BST.
The Orange Order estimates that between 25,000 and 30,000 marchers will take part in the main parade, including 190 bands.
The main parade will include members of the loyal orders from England, Scotland and the Irish Republic.The main parade will include members of the loyal orders from England, Scotland and the Irish Republic.