This film is part of Free

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x

12th of July Celebrations Benburb and Belfast

Orangemen and their supporters parade through streets festooned with traditional flags, banners and bunting.

Sponsored film 1960 10 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Logo for Northern Ireland Screen

Overview

The hamlet of Benburb and city of Belfast provide contrasting backdrops for the 12th of July celebrations. In Benburb, small pockets of people gather in the doorways of houses to watch as marchers and bands journey to the local Orange Hall. In Belfast, huge crowds gather in the city centre and along the Lisburn Road, as the parade makes its way along the traditional route.

This film addresses many of the most pressing issues in Northern Irish society in the late-1960s. O’Neill argues for the changing of the local electoral system. His intentions are questioned by Gerry Fitt, a Republican Labour MP who talks of gerrymandering. John Hume, then a young Catholic teacher in Derry, points out the city’s segregated housing estates. Housing is a recurring theme, Brian Faulkner discussing the new development of Craigavon. Ian Paisley also appears, asking his audience to be "uncompromising in our stand for the Protestant faith".