Tens of thousands of loyal order members and 600 marching bands are taking part in the annual Twelfth of July festivities in Northern Ireland.The largest Orange Order parades are under way in Belfast, as well as the Co Antrim coastal town of Carrickfergus, which boasts historic links to King William of Orange, who triumphed over King James II at the Boyne in 1690.

Tens of thousands of loyal order members and 600 marching bands are taking part in the annual Twelfth of July festivities in Northern Ireland.The largest Orange Order parades are under way in Belfast, as well as the Co Antrim coastal town of Carrickfergus, which boasts historic links to King William of Orange, who triumphed over King James II at the Boyne in 1690.