The Glorious Twelfth.

After the enjoyment of the traditional late nights after the bonfires, we find ourselves getting up bright and early to parade from our hotel to Templemore Avenue in East Belfast as we gear ourselves up for the Glorious Twelfth. Half an hour or so after leaving the hotel, with the band members now fully focused, we board the coach and head for Mossley to accompany our good friends from LOL 134.

Warm handshakes and cold water are given and received in equal measure, and the band sets off on another journey which will take us through Mossley, Glengormley and on to Larne. As with Glasgow, the weather and the crowds in the Port of Larne were superb, with the narrow streets of the town centre reverberating to the sound of the multitude of bands that were in attendance.

One hot meal and some refreshments later, and we are ready to finish off in Larne before heading back to Mossley to complete the final hurdle on Orangeman's Day. Well, that's not strictly true, because when we head back to Belfast, time permitting, we sometimes find ourselves joining up with No:6 District of East Belfast to parade along Newtonards Road and into Templemore Avenue and, depending on circumstances (whether we're knackered or not!), we may even find ourselves marching back to our hotel. Dedication or plain stupidity? You be the judge.

The Twelfth is the pinnacle of the Marching Season with thousands participating in parades all over Ulster, and being watched by thousands more. Bands and lodges work extremely hard throughout the year for this particular day, and the enjoyment that is taken from it makes all the hard work even more worthwhile.