BBC NI announces The Twelfth Revisited programme

A traditional part of the TWELFTH is of course tuning in to coverage of the day on television that night just in case you catch a glimpse of your lodge of band. In recent years the television coverage of the Independent Twelfth has been non-existent, due in large part to television budget cutbacks, the focus on so-called flagship larger events and of course the absence of a certain guest speaker on our platform! However we still enjoy watching other Twelfths and it is great for those on parade to get a chance to actually watch a parade for once.

This year BBC Northern Ireland has announced details of The Twelfth Revisited, which will be broadcast on Sunday, 12th of July, at 8pm, on BBC One Northern Ireland.  With  parades cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, event the TV coverage will be very different this year.  The programme will be hosted by Helen Mark who visits Loughgall in County Armagh, the birthplace of the Orange Order, to present highlights from BBC Northern Ireland’s previous Twelfth outside broadcasts.

Will be joined by historians Dr Gavin Hughes and Dr David Hume to discuss the origins and traditions of the Orange Order. Dr Joe McKee will also take part in the programme to talk about the bands and the music associated with parades on The Twelfth. This is always an informative and interesting aspect of coverage and adds some context to the days events.

The one-hour programme will include archive footage of parades dating from as far back as 1917. And Walter Love takes time to reminisce on the view from his commentary box on Belfast’s Bedford Street as the parades have passed by over the years.

The Twelfth Revisited is on BBC One Northern Ireland, Sunday 12 July at 8pm, and also on the BBC iPlayer.

We would suggest that you make it a must watch to add colour and interest to your Twelfth Day, and gather round as your would every Twelfth to see and hear the events of the day.