THE Orange Order has launched plans for a bespoke Twelfth that will see bands of under ten people playing in streets across Northern Ireland in line with Covid-19 regulations.
'In your home at your door' the theme of the 330th celebration of the Battle of the Boyne, will also see the launch of 'Radio Boyne' that will provide four days of music and events.
Revealing the plans the Orange Order said that just a "few weeks ago, it was unclear just what our Twelfth celebrations would look like".
"Even under the slight easements we have seen in recent weeks - would not permit any kind of gathering remotely comparable to a traditional Twelfth of July parade.
"The medical advice is that Coronavirus likes crowds. In fact, it thrives in situations where people are in close contact with each other. That is why we have been living with the strict social distancing guidelines.
"So, for 2020, your garden at home becomes your Twelfth field".
As July 12 falls on a Sunday, this year's celebrations would be postponed until the following day.
Read More: Twelfth of July parades cancelled due to coronavirus
Bands who applied to for short local parades on July 13 have advised by the Parades Commission to withdraw the application, as they would almost certainly be rejected due to Covid restrictions on public gatherings.
One band, the Rathcoole Protestant Boys, have said they will parade around the Newtownabbey estate, however, there are concerns that it would be impossible to enforce social distancing and prevent spectators from joining in.
Instead the Orange Order have asked people not to parade locally but to hold music events at people's doors and hold celebrations in their own gardens.
Grand Master Edward Stevenson said;"I would encourage everyone to take stock of the last few months, the sacrifices that have been made and the hard work that has been done, and prepare to stay strong in the weeks ahead".
He added: "The staff at Grand Lodge have designed a programme of events that will help us to mark the 330th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in the comfort of your own home.
"There is no doubt it will be a Twelfth of July like no other. But that does not mean it will not be celebrated in the best way possible, in line with the government restrictions.
"Our rich history and culture deserves to celebrated and it is up to us all to ensure that it is. It will be done with the flying of flags, with music, and most importantly of all, with family.
"We have to continue to be responsible. While slight amendments to the restrictions continue to be introduced, it is important that we respect the guidelines that will bring us through this terrible pandemic", Mr Stevenson added.
SDLP Policing Board member Dolores Kelly said: "There should be a level of tolerance for people celebrating their culture, many of the lodges have been working during the coronavirus crisis with other groups within the community and should be commended for that.
"But the onus of responsibility is on the organisers not to turn these events into a street party like happened in some places on VE day in England.
"As they won't require Parades Commission permission there needs to be self regulation, in terms of where they position themselves and what tunes they play.
"So the challenge is on them and when demanding tolerance and respect from others, people must also show respect.
"My plea would be for common sense and self regulation and for the Order at senior level to have in place scenario planning, where people could step in if things do get out of hand".
