EFFORTS to drum up trade in Belfast yesterday after the annual Twelfth of July parade had weaved its way through the city centre appeared to have been less successful than hoped.
While thousands of people gathered in the city from early morning to watch the bands and lodges make their way through, just hours later and many parts were deserted.
The annual Orangefest had aimed to show that Belfast was "open for business" with a number of events taking place in the city, including a food festival and street theatre, to boost visitor numbers.
Belfast City Centre Management last night said "trade was steady" during the day, despite many people appearing to avoid coming into the city.
The main thoroughfares had turned into sea of red, white and blue during the parade with Union flag balloons, sunglasses, hairbands and face paint adorning many spectators - young and old - as a jovial atmosphere engulfed the crowds.
Some were even kitted out head-to-toe in Union flag clothing, including three-month-old Poppy Hunter from Belfast who wore a dress and matching hairband in the colours of the flag.
Her mother Joanne said she had dressed her daughter in the "special outfit to celebrate her first Twelfth watching the bands".
Despite the 'family friendly' atmosphere, there was a large amount on on-street drinking by spectators with many openly consuming alcohol along Royal Avenue.
This was in spite of Belfast City Council wardens stationed at several areas stopping people with alcohol.
One woman was unhappy to be stopped close to North Street after wardens had spotted two bottles of alcohol stored in the bottom of the pram she was pushing which had her young daughter onboard.
Spectators enjoyed around two hours of bands and lodges making their way through the city centre towards the main demonstration at Barnett's Demesne.
But just as quickly as the streets had filled with the crowds, they emptied again.
Attempts by the Orange Order along with the city council to keep people in the city centre and to encourage others to come in shopping were not hugely successful with many areas quiet following the parade.
Most of the larger shops had opened for business after the demonstration had swept through, but many were quiet.
However, several coffee shops and fast food outlets were open throughout the day and used the Twelfth celebrations as an opportunity to boost trade.
A food market at City Hall, which had been set up as part of the Orangefest festivities, also appeared to be popular drawing in many tourists who were in the city.
Crowds also gathered to watch the street performers dotted along with many thoroughfares in the city.
Belfast City Centre Manager Andrew Irvine said: "Logistically the day has gone very smoothly from our point of view and people seem to be enjoying themselves.
"The food market has been doing very well and the crowds have also been appreciating the street performers and a small number of tours at Belfast City Council each had 15 to 20 people in them.
"By the middle of the day, trade was steady."
