An invitation is being extended to all members of the community and to visitors, to come and support the event which is the precursor to the ‘flagship’ parade and celebrations which are set to take place in Larne on Monday, July 13.

On June 20, an exhibition will be held in the Larne Leisure Centre commencing at 1pm, and this is open to all members of the public.

The Education Officer of the Grand Orange Lodge will be in attendance to give short talks on the exhibition and also be available to answer questions.

Children’s entertainment and pony rides will be located in Sandy Bay, commencing at 1pm. Musical recitals of accordian, flute, bagpipes and Lambeg drumming have also been organised and this will take place during the afternoon at Sandy Bay.

Organisers of the event are now inviting applications from stallholders for this event. All applications should be made in writing to the District Secretary, Nigel McBurney, 150 Lower Ballyboley Road, Ballyclare BT39 9UL. All applications should be accompanied by a supporting letter from an Orange Lodge, andstallholders must have the necessary trading licences and insurance in order to obtain an permit. The issue of permists will be at the discretion on the organisers.

The Twelfth in Larne has been awarded ‘Tourist Flagship Status’ by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and is the first location in County Antrim to have received this accolade. The special status means that the 2009 parade in East Antrim will receive additional promotional support from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland.

Brethren from Ballyclare, Cloughfern, Carnmoney, Carrickfergus Larne, Antrim, Staffordstown, Killead and Randalstown will be accompanied by bands from across East Antrim as well as visiting bands from Scotland at the local annual commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne on July 13.

Larne District meanwhile, has set up a website where all events are listed, together with other helpful information. To find out more, go to: www.larnedistrictlol.co.uk