Twelfth of July parades held across Northern Ireland

A number of parades have taken place across Northern Ireland to mark the Twelfth of July.

A total of 18 Orange demonstrations were held on Friday, as part of commemorations for the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

Tens of thousands of Orangemen and women, as well as band members, are joined by large numbers of spectators along the various routes.

Belfast once again hosted the longest Twelfth parade, with participants walking over six miles to the field.

The city centre route was revised this year, due to redevelopment works at the Primark site.

• WATCH: Paul Clark reports on the Twelfth in Belfast

As is tradition, Armagh hosted the biggest Twelfth gathering as Orangemen and women from across the county congregate in the village of Tandragee.

Some of the other larger events took place in Lisnaskea, Pomeroy, Coleraine, Larne and Rathfriland.

Police advised motorists to expect delays throughout the day in towns where demonstrations are taking place.

• WATCH: Judith Hill reports from Tandragee

• WATCH: Marc Mallett has the highlights from parades around NI

Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Edward Stevenson, spoke ahead of the annual parades.

He said: "Surely there is no other event on these islands that can bring such vast numbers of people onto the streets to enjoy our processions, either by taking part or simply to watch them go by. It is a custom which has been maintained for over 200 years, passed through generations, and will continue to be upheld for many years to come."

Last weekend, thousands attended the parade in Rossnowlagh in Co Donegal which is held almost a week ahead of the main demonstrations.

Fifty lodges from Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan, as well as visiting Orangemen, took part in the demonstration, which began close to St. John's Parish Church and was followed by a religious service this afternoon.