BANNTASTIC Twelfth Festival 2025
Bringing it Back to the Bann
This year we are excited to announce the return of the Banntastic Twelfth Festival, to Portglenone and the banks of the Bann.
“The Banntastic Festival is a flagship cultural event that builds upon the vibrancy of the Twelfth celebrations to showcase the rich heritage and contemporary relevance of the Orange tradition. Through a dynamic programme of music, pageantry, exhibitions and family-friendly activities, the festival educates, engages and entertains a broad public audience—bringing local history to life and strengthening community pride.”
Orangeism has been a part of community life here since 1798 when the first Orange Lodge met in Portglenone. However as we will discover during the festival the areas links to the Orange cause date right back to 1689. It was the site of an important battle as local Williamite forces held back the professional Jacobite army along the River Bann. Since then the rich heritage and culture of our cause has shaped the local area.
The festival is a family oriented celebration which engages local community organisations in a range of cultural and heritage tourism events to promote the faith, culture, traditions and ethos of Orangeism in a positive, inclusive, innovative way. Join us as we celebrate and commemorate the past brining it to life. Enjoy the music and the march as we bring the Independent Orange Twelfth to Portglenone.
Come for the Culture, Stay for the Crack - Its BANNTASTIC
Back to the Bann – very four to five years Portglenone hosts the Independent Orange Institutions Twelfth celebrations. This year the local Orange District has organised a full festival to build up to the Twelfth. The Banntastic Festival is a flagship festival which maximises the Twelfth celebrations; showcases local Orange heritage and culture while educating, engaging and entertaining the public.
The festival sees the town awash with colour from the red, white and blue bunting to the traditional Orange Arch which welcomes visitors to the village. Throughout the festival the best local musical and cultural traditions will be celebrated and local history and heritage explored.
FAITH
At the heart of Orangeism is our Protestant Reformed Faith. This sincere simple Biblical faith is the foundation for all we do. The Protestant Reformation and the stand taken by generations of Protestant Martyrs is commemorated on our banners and gives us the strength and example in modern times to witness for our faith. The Gospel is preached and promoted as good news for all, as we see our parades and services as a witness to the community around us.
Family
Our festival is family orientated and is at the heart of our local community. We aim to provide fun and fellowship for all, and look forward to welcoming visitors to our village and area. The free events ensure that no-one is left out and as we celebrate our heritage we will be sharing it with others who would like to learn more. The festival is organised by a range of local community based voluntary organisations and is held in different local community venues.
Future
While we cherish the traditional Twelfth we believe it has to evolve and reflect modern professional standards the public expect from events. Banntastic is our way of including the wider community and sharing the culture and heritage we are proud of. We see it a valuable contribution to the cultural and heritage offering of this area, and a great introduction to all things Orange. It is a tradition we wish to pass on to future generations in a new and exciting way.
Get Involved
Be At BANNTASTIC
Download our Festival progrmme and plan to attend our events and take part in the activities to learn more about Orange Heritage and Culture in the Bann Valley.
Promoting
“Banntastic Begins!” – Festival Launch
The Banntastic Festival officially launches with a high-energy evening of music, guest speakers, and a showcase of what’s to come. Community leaders will outline the festival vision, and attendees can enjoy live Ulster Scots performances and previews of the week’s events. It’s the perfect chance to grab a programme, connect with the organisers, and get into the Bann-tastic spirit.
Remembering
“Drums of Remembrance” – The Drumhead Service and Parade
This solemn yet stirring event commemorates the fallen of the Somme with a traditional military-style Drumhead Service, where drums are stacked to form a makeshift altar. A tribute rooted in battlefield chaplaincy during WWI, this event links the past and present with reverence, dignity, and community reflection. A parade will follow, led by bands and local lodges.
Remembering
“Lest We Forget” – Somme Memorial Events on July 1st
On the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, the Banntastic Festival pauses to remember the courage and sacrifice of Ulstermen in 1916. Wreaths will be laid at local memorials and interpretive talks will explore the deep connection between the Somme and Ulster identity. A short act of remembrance will close with the haunting notes of the Last Post by the River Bann.
Celebrating
“Raise the Arch, Lift the Village” – A Night of Tradition and Transformation
Portglenone will be transformed as the festival sees the ceremonial raising of the Orange Arch—a time-honoured tradition marking respect, celebration, and communal pride. Originating in the late 19th century, arches became symbols of identity and hospitality. Join us to decorate the village and watch as the arch is raised.
Remembering
“Thanks Be to God and the Boyne” – Thanksgiving Service and Parade
The Boyne Thanksgiving Service marks the spiritual heart of the festival, with worship and reflection in honour of victory, liberty, and faith. A traditional parade to Garryduff Presbyterian Church on the Sunday before the Twelfth, is central to our commemorations affirming our heritage in faith-led celebration.
Celebrating
“Over the Border, Under the Banner” – Bus Trip to Rosnowlagh, Donegal
The festival offers a special day trip to the Rosnowlagh Twelfth, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and scenic coastal setting. A truly cross-border experience of Orange tradition, music, and pageantry—set against the Donegal cliffs. Coach seats are limited, so book early!
Celebrating
"Reels on the Riverbank” – The Banntastic Barn Dance & Ceilidh
Pull on your boots and swing your partner at our high-spirited Barn Dance featuring the amazing Alister Scott Ceilidh Band! With traditional Ulster-Scots dances, community hospitality, and music that keeps your feet moving, it’s a night not to be missed.
Celebrating
“Lighting the Way” – Eleventh Night Bonfire & Family Fun Evening
Our Eleventh Night Bonfire combines history, celebration, and community. The bonfire tradition dates to 1690, when beacons were lit to guide Williamite forces. Today, it’s a family-friendly event featuring storytelling, live music, kids’ games, food trucks, and a respectful bonfire lighting ceremony with a message of remembrance and renewal.
Celebrating
“Banners on the Bann” – A Living Gallery of Heritage
An open-air exhibition of local Orange banners, each telling a story of faith, loyalty, and legacy. Set by the River Bann, this stunning visual celebration allows the public to explore symbolism, lodge history, and artistic traditions, guided by local historians and cultural ambassadors.
Celebrating
“The Twelfth Comes Home” – Traditional Twelfth Day Celebrations
Held on an authentic Williamite battlefield, the main Twelfth celebrations will include a grand parade, platform speeches, cultural performances, and a festive village atmosphere. From heritage stalls to music and re-enactments, this is Orangeism and Ulster Scots identity at its proudest, rooted in history, embraced in the present.
A Banntastic Festival For All the Family
Portglenone, County Antrim – The banks of the River Bann are set to come alive this July as the Banntastic Festival launches its much-anticipated week of events with an energetic, entertaining and educational festival. With traditional music, community spirit, and a cultural vision at its heart, the launch marks the beginning of a new chapter in celebrating local Orange culture and heritage.
A Vision Rooted in Culture and Community
Banntastic is a flagship festival designed to enhance the Twelfth celebrations and highlight the vibrant cultural traditions of local Orange culture and heritage. Lead by local community leaders and supported by stakeholder groups, the festival blends history, faith, music, and education to create a truly unique programme for all ages.
The festival will feature live music, guest speakers, exhibitions, and family fun. Representatives from local lodges, cultural organisations, churches and community groups will be in attendance to lend their support and to introduce what promises to be one of the most exciting cultural festivals in the region.
A Time to Celebrate, Reflect and Look Ahead
The Festival is more than just a party—it is a statement of cultural confidence and community resilience. Guests will be treated to traditional music, featuring accordions, pipes and Lambeg drums, along with short talks on local history and heritage. A key part of the event will be a visual presentation showcasing the upcoming festival highlights, including the Drumhead Service, the Somme commemorations, the “Banners on the Bann” exhibition and the Twelfth Day itself, held this year on an original Williamite battlefield.
The launch will also include the unveiling of the festival’s official branding and merchandise, with copies of the programme available to the public.
Faith and Identity at the Forefront
At the heart of the Banntastic Festival lies a message of positive Protestantism—celebrating faith, liberty, and local identity in an inclusive and educational way. The festival will include moments of reflection and thanksgiving, with participation from local ministers and Christian musicians, reinforcing the festival’s grounding in the core values of faith and service.
In addition, local youth groups and schools have been invited to attend and participate, as the festival seeks to connect generations and foster a deep, living understanding of heritage in the next generation.
An Invitation to All
The organisers of the Banntastic Festival have issued a warm invitation to locals and visitors alike:
“This is your festival. Whether you’re a lifelong member of the Orange family or a newcomer who wants to learn more about the rich local Orange culture and heritage, the Banntastic Festival has something for you. Join us for the launch and be part of something truly special.”
Admission to all the festival events is free, and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served, and entertainment will run throughout. There will be something to keep the children entertained while parents can catch up and learn a little about not just the past but our exciting plans for the future.
Follow @BanntasticFestival on Facebook and Instagram for updates, competitions and behind-the-scenes previews. #BanntasticBegins
Nothing found.
Its Not Just Orangemen's Day Its Everyones' Day
Over the last almost 20 years Portglenone Independent Orange District has been developing the Banntastic Festival as a way of including the whole community in what we think is the best day of the year. A lot of work goes in behind the scenes from planning and raising the funds needed to decorating the village and ensuring a safe fun day for all the family. So let's have a look back at some great times we have had at the Twelfth over the years.
Remember Remember the Fifth of November
ILOI revives the 5 November celebrations of our double deliverance
0 Comments6 Minutes
King William’s Birthday
ILOI marks 350th anniversary of the birth of King William
0 Comments6 Minutes
English
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Lithuanian
Polish
Spanish