Upwards of 17,000 members of the Royal Black Institution will be on parade at six locations across Northern Ireland, for the traditional ‘Last Saturday’ demonstrations, held this year on August 25. Approximately 350 preceptories, most accompanied by bands, will take part in separate processions in Newtownards, Larne, Ballymena, Cookstown, Donemana and Limavady. Sovereign Grand Master,... Read More

Plans for the Royal Black Institution’s new Co Armagh headquarters have been revealed for the first time. An artist’s impression of the proposed Loughgall base of the Imperial Grand Black Chapter showcase projected drawings of the contemporary facility, which is due to open to the public in 2020. ‘The Tavern’ – located on the main... Read More

The annual County Fermanagh demonstration hosted by the Royal Black Institution will take place in Ballinamallard next weekend. Approximately 30 preceptories, accompanied by as many bands, will step out on Saturday (4 Aug) to commemorate the 1689 Battle of Newtownbutler. Sir Knights from three local districts will be joined by visiting members from the neighbouring... Read More

The annual Sham Fight is recognised as a unique cultural event, with upwards of 100,000 people expected in Scarva on Friday, July 13. The small and quaint Co Down village has become renowned for hosting the biggest one-day event, at a single location, anywhere in the Province. The annual clash between King William and King... Read More

Organisers of one of the flagship events of Ulster’s parading season have pledged their support to a local dementia charity. Next month’s Sham Fight in Scarva will be held in partnership with Dementia NI, raising funds for and awareness of the illness. Tens of thousands of people are anticipated to converge once again on the... Read More

Rev William Anderson has been elected as the new Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution, following a meeting of the Loyal Order’s ruling body in Co Monaghan. The Church of Ireland minister, from Co Armagh, succeeds Millar Farr who announced he would step down from the role last month. He served as Grand... Read More

Swords have been drawn ahead of this year’s Sham Fight – with Scarva set to host another clash of the kings next month. Tens of thousands are anticipated to converge on the idyllic Co Down village on July 13 for what has become one of the most colourful and enjoyable events in Northern Ireland’s cultural... Read More

Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution, Millar Farr, will formally step down from the role next month, it has been confirmed. The Cookstown man, 76, has been the leader of the Loyal Order for the past decade, having succeeded the late William Logan MBE in 2008. Mr Farr’s successor will be elected at... Read More

Senior members of the Imperial Grand Black Chapter have attended a special reception in Armagh, hosted by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Gareth Wilson. The event, held in the parlour of the council offices at the city’s Palace Demesne, took place following the Loyal Institution’s announcement earlier this year it was developing new headquarters in nearby... Read More

The Royal Black Institution is teaming up with a local Christian outreach organisation to bring the gospel to children and young people in its latest charity appeal. Proceeds from the Loyal Order’s biennial fundraiser will support Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), it has been announced. All funds raised will go towards the major redevelopment of one... Read More