As the global pandemic started to bite and Government Restrictions were imposed the Institution began to consider its response and how it could affect the Twelfth. It was decided to meet virtually and regularly to reassess the fluid situation. Not being able to physically parade was a real likelihood so alternatives were considered and Grand lodge adopted a watching brief with members of an organising committee tasked with looking at alternatives.

These focused on Virtual or online offerings with the strategy being to take all the best bits of the day and put them together so that lodges or individuals could enjoy them safely and in whatever form of lockdown was being experienced at the time.

Funding was sought and kindly granted by Mid and East Antrim Council for the development of Virtual resources and an online platform capable of hosting the planned event.