Banners on the Bann is an innovative outdoor exhibition of Orange banners arranged to tell the story of our Protestant and Orange Heritage.

Orange Banners evolved from large flags which were common in the later 1800s and right into the early Twentieth Century. Their origins lie in the tradition of regimental colours, carried to identify and provide a rallying point for different units in battle. The military origins of the Orange Order meant that lodges adopted the carrying of colours when on parade. 

These traditionally carry mottoes, the name and location of the lodge and over time saw the addition of elaborate works of art. Tradition holds that King William is on the front, with the lodge symbolically still marching behind their king. However the reverse is very much up to the democratic decision of the lodge. Many choose a Biblical story to illustrate their Christian faith, others an image symbolising their Protestant Heritage such as a reformer or Martyr, and some choose an image representing British History. Often these elaborate works of art on a grand scale are reproductions of a famous painting and they represent community art at its finest.

This year these banners will not only be on parade leading lodges but we will also showcase them in a unique outdoor art gallery. They will form the backdrop to our Twelfth Platform and Field, and we encourage the crowds to visit our open air exhibition and enjoy not only on the artistry and skill of the banner painters and makers but also to reflect on the messages and meanings behind the images.

Watch and learn the meaning and message behind each banner and the stories of how they are made. Often as they are paraded each year spectators don’t have the time to study each banner as one follows fast upon another. So take your time this year as we show a selection of our lodges banners and build an exhibition which will not only tell the story of each lodge but build to tell the whole story of our faith, history and Orange story.