The 2022 Twelfth in the Toon saw the normal Twelfth celebrations return to Ballymoney with the Independent Loyal Orange Institution ledges and bands from across Co. Antrim main it a day to remember. The Imperial Grand Master James Anderson had the privilege of welcoming the Twelfth to his home District for the first time, and the town rang to the sound of the lambeg drum and the flute and Accordian as the Independents returned to their heartland. With many of the spectators not having been to a proper Twelfth in a number of years the excitement was evident. Visiting brethren from the Institution in Scotland were in attendance and brought fraternal greetings from the mainland, reminding everyone of the bonds between our nations.

After morning feeder parades the various Districts paraded to the Showgrounds from different areas of Ballymoney and after the usual catching up with friends many of whom hadn’t seen each other in a few years the parade marched off for a full circuit of the town. Led by Ballymoney District and Garryduff Lodge and Band there was good turn out by both bands and lodges with many newly recruited members marching in their first Twelfth. Speaking exclusively to the Orange Independent the Imperial Grand Master reflected on the hard work the host District put in to make this year happen. With obvious pride in the day he said that with COVID and the way parades rotate this was the first time he had the opportunity as Imperial grand Master to welcome the Institution to his home town and District.  He also paid tribute to the crowds of spectators who lined the streets and noted how many young people were there and in the field.

After a drizzle start the sun broke through around lunchtime allowing the lama begs to be heard from both Ballinagarvey and Drumraw. As they roared their salute to the day their return was welcomed but the brethren and sisters as they marched to the field. By the time the platform proceedings had started the sun shone through and as families settled down to watch the speeches and enjoy their picnics a real festival atmosphere prevailed. Organisers welcomed the media with one journalist travelling from Holland to cover the Independent Twelfth. He had the opportunity to interview a number of the platform party as they reflected on the importance of Orangeism.