Faith & Freedom 250
Celebrating and Commemorating our Shared Heritage
Independent Loyal Orange Institution presents
FAITH & FREEDOM 250
The Spirit of ‘76 Meets the Spirit of Ulster
The Faith & Freedom 250 Festival is a landmark celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of American Independence while exploring the remarkable contribution made by Ulster people to the founding and development of the United States.
The Festival will showcase the very best of Ulster Scots music and culture as we trace the journey of those who left our shores to found the new nation of the United States of America.
With events across North Antrim, visitors will experience exhibitions, music, history, community celebrations, family entertainment and commemorative events centred on our three festival themes: Faith, Freedom and Foundation.
Festival Launch
The festival officially begins at The Braid Centre, Ballymena, with civic welcomes, guest speakers and the opening of the Faith & Freedom Exhibition. Guests are invited to enjoy refreshments before touring the museum exhibition celebrating the historic connections between Ulster and America.
Coogan Cookout
The annual Killycoogan BBQ and Family Night has become a welcome feature of our Twelfth festivals with great food and entertainment. The hall comes alive to the best of Flute and Accordian Marching Band Music.
Fourth of July
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at ILOI Headquarters in Ballymoney with a full day of family entertainment. Enjoy an American Breakfast, historical talks, exhibitions, music, parades, heritage displays, children’s activities, food stalls and live performances. Experience a unique celebration combining Ulster-Scots tradition with American Independence in a vibrant community festival.
Faith & Freedom Exhibition
Discover the remarkable story of Ulster’s influence on the founding of the United States. The exhibition explores emigration, faith, politics, military service and community life through displays, artefacts and interactive exhibits. Visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of the historic connections that continue to unite Ulster and America today.
Liberty Ceremony
The Liberty Ceremony commemorates the ideals that inspired the birth of the United States. Featuring the reading of the Declaration of Independence, ceremonial flag raising, musical performances and a traditional Lambeg Drum Tattoo, this unique event celebrates the shared principles of constitutional liberty, civic responsibility and democratic government.
Grassroots & Gospel
The main music stage took the audience on a musical journey from Ulster to America. From the grass roots origins of American Country and Gospel we had some of the very best traditional music artists – Matt Warwick and Rising Stoor and Kenny Mitchell from the Alastair Scott Ceilidh Band then the Low Country Boys joined by John Porter.
The Country Stage
Taking us right up to date with all the traditional to the contemporary country classics rising local star Sarah Carson took to the Second stage with her foot stomping high energy performance, showing just how connected our musical cultures are.
The Outdoor Stage
The Outdoor stage showcased the very best of our marching bands with Tullaghans Sons of Liberty giving a powerful performance. Growing out the noice of the funfair and children playing their repertoire of traditional tunes hit the right note!
The Manor Stage
In the evening the party moved to the Manor Hotel where Dunaghy Flute Band took centre stage with the festival finale – Tartan Riot taking things up a notch. Their blend of traditional Ulster Scots favourites with modern classics like Oasis had the room rocking.
Somme Drumhead Service
The festival moved to Portglenone for the annual Portglenone District Somme memorial Drumhead Service at the Marina. After a parade of the town led by Killycoogan Independent Accordian Band the brethren held a service reflecting on the Somme.
Ulster-American Music Night
Experience a musical journey across the Atlantic as traditional Ulster-Scots music meets American folk, country and bluegrass. Featuring Willie Drennan and the Trans-Atlantic Hillbilly Band alongside local musicians, this special concert celebrates the shared musical heritage carried from Ulster to the New World.
Eleventh Night
Celebrate the eve of the Twelfth at McNeillstown Independent Orange Hall with an evening of history, music and family fun. Enjoy the Boston to Bann Tea Party, heritage exhibitions, live entertainment, children’s activities, traditional music, refreshments and the lighting of the beacon as the community comes together in celebration.
The Glorious Twelfth
The Independent Orange Twelfth
Like the Fourth of July our Twelfth of July celebrations mark the foundation of our nation as a Protestant, Democratic, Constitutional Monarchy.
We share the same Pillars of Faith Freedom and Foundation and it is Orangemen and women who truly understand and appreciate our shared heritage.
FAITH
The Protestant Reformation provided the theology and ideology which underpins liberty and democracy.
FREEDOM
The Glorious Revolution 1688 provided the model and the momentum which led to the American Revolution
FOUNDATION
The Ulster Scots who emigrated from these shores founded the new nation of America and gifted her pioneers, and presidents.
