REPORT ON LAUNCH

The Virtual Twelfth was launched online today with social media being used before the unveiling of our Virtual Twelfth Online platform on Saturday 11 July which will allow members of the Order and members of the public to enjoy the Twelfth this year Online.  The Orange Day Online will take all the best bits of the tuitional Twelfth and roll them into a DIY Twelfth where families can enjoy it at home.

The theme of this years Years Festival is “Looking Back, Looking Forward” as we use cutting edge technology to not only reminisce about past Twelfths but also to take time this year to understand the origins and real meaning of the Big Day. We have taken each component of the Twelfth Festival and reworked it as a reminder of the real thing, but also as a way of letting people who cannot or perhaps would not usually take part. For those who are curious or event opposed to the day and all it entails it is a great way to observe from the distance that a website offers and to engage without being present. Perhaps it will satisfy the curiosity of some, allay the fears of others and challenge some of the prejudices of those who oppose our culture.

In terms of launch, we look back to previous Twelfth Festivals funded and supported by Mid and East Antrim Council and while we could not have the same manner of Civic reception and launch we hope that a walk down memory lane will illustrate just how central to community life and council work these cultural events are. We pay tribute to those councillors who supported our applications and plans and to the staff involved for their most efficient and fast administration of the funds.

One of our last Twelfth Festivals was launched in style at the Braid Centre, with a mayor’s reception and tour of the museum after. The Festival Forum were delighted to see the event well attended with the political parties represented and a special thanks to Robin Swann MLA, now Health Minister and Jim Allister MLA who both took time out of very busy schedules to support us.

The Festival Funders that year were also well represented with Catriona Holmes and Gary Blair of the Ulster Scots Agency the Festivals main sponsor, and the MoD Armed Forces Day. The mayor Audrey Wales graciously accepted us for a Mayor’s Reception and spoke of the value Council Places in local Festivals. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council  also funded the event, and hoped to see it an annual feature in the Borough’s Calendar.   After the official launch and Mayor’s Reception the group was treated to an informative tour of the Museum and Centre.

The Festival Forum members were delighted with the reception and one member James McIlhatton ILOL No.60 presented the mayor with a piece of his writing. The Festival will be showcasing local writers and poets such as James and encouraging locals adults and children to put pen to paper to commemorate the Somme and Armed Forces Day with a writing competition- the Carnduff Competition.