The Orange Order has confirmed that a series of localised Twelfth parades will go ahead this July.
Confirmation that a scaled down Twelfth celebrations will take place come as unionist anger over the Northern Ireland Protocol continues to build.
The decision came after senior order officials met with First Minister Arlene Foster, Health Minister Robin Swann and Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride.
The order's main demonstrations were suspended last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Details of a return to the streets for the Orange Order and its supporters have been confirmed amid growing unionist anger over the Northern Ireland Protocol and claims of two-tier policing.
Earlier this week prominent north Down loyalist Jamie Bryson urged the order to snub the Parades Commission in an act of "civil disobedience" over the protocol.
Mr Bryson made the comments days after warning that the north is heading towards a "long hot summer" as loyalist fury over the Irish Sea border continues.
A series of protest parades have been held in recent months over concerns about the protocol.
Under current legislation, protest organisers are required to notify the Parades Commission, which has the power to ban marches or impose restrictions.
Mr Bryson's comments came after leading Orangeman Rev Mervyn Gibson recently said that street protests against the Irish Sea border would increase in the build up to the Twelfth of July, and did not rule out the possibility that civil disobedience could ensue.
"The parades issue would be a separate issue from the protocol and something that needs dealt with, it's something that we continually raise with the government and our strategy against it is continuously under review," he said.
"However, the protocol is a separate issue and it is a serious threat facing the future of Northern Ireland."
The Parades Commission website last night showed that almost 40 notifications had been made for Twelfth processions by Orange lodges and bands.
The order last night confirmed that instead of traditional county or combined district parades, a series of local events will now be staged.
Orange Order Grand Master Edward Stevenson said: “As an Institution we have had to make great sacrifice over the past 12 months and more, but we are now in a better place and our parades can take place, albeit in a slightly different format to a normal year.”
"The current regulations are such that the traditional county or combined district Twelfth parades are not possible.
"Instead, it has been agreed that localised Twelfth parades will be held in accordance with the regulations in effect at that time."
Mr Stevenson said the order hoped to return to normal celebrations next year.
Protest parades are also expected to continue with further demonstrations planned for Glengormley and Antrim later this week.
A rally is also expected to take place in Portadown town centre on Saturday.
