GB NEWS announce plans for July 12 Parades with Arlene Foster to front coverage

GB News will mark Northern Ireland’s historic July 12 Parades with a day of special live broadcasts.

For the third year running, GB News will be on the ground across the country as half a million people participate or spectate in the annual festival to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.

The coverage will be anchored by Arlene Foster, who described GB News’ decision as “very important” to those in Northern Ireland and beyond.

People across 18 districts are expected to turn out in a huge celebration of unionist pride.

The events are organised by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and there will be parades in Newtownstewart, Benburb, Ballygawley, Newtownards, Ballynahinch, Annalong, Gilford, Ballymena, Broughshane, Carrickfergus, Cloughmills, Derriaghy, Ahoghill, Belfast, Killylea, Londonderry, Moneymore and Irvinestown.

The former DUP leader and ex-First Minister will be aided in her coverage on July 12 by the historian Dr Gavin Hughes, who will provide analysis on unfolding events.

They will be based outside Carrickfergus Castle where she will also be joined by former Coronation Street favourite Charlie Lawson.

This will be the third year running the July 12 celebrations have been covered by GB News, after BBC NI decided to end its live coverage in 2022.

Dame Arlene said: “We are looking forward to being in Carrickfergus and covering what is sure to be a colourful spectacle and trying to capture the passion and emotion of the Orange Parades.

“There is huge interest in the day nationally and internationally, especially in other parts of the UK where there is a significant Orange presence such as Scotland and in parts of England where they also hold parades.

“This is a great celebration and it is a privilege to be able to share the excitement and the passion with the whole of the UK. I’ll also be looking forward to working with Charlie Lawson once again.”

She added: “GB News’ commitment to covering the parades is very significant, as it stepped in when the BBC decided not to show it.

“This is the third year and it’s deeply appreciated by those who can’t get out to go to the parades and it shows that GB News really cares about the whole of the UK. It’s really important and I’m really proud that GB News is doing that.”

GB News’ Northern Ireland correspondent Douglas Beattie will also be on the ground to explain the patriotism, pageantry and colour of the processions.

He said: “For the twelfth programme, we are following the journey of the first Ulster Scots settlement in the USA. We are also looking at the story of James McGregor, a Presbyterian minister who was in the siege of Derry at 12 years of age. He was the man that led the 5 ships from Coleraine and Londonderry.

“We are also looking at how the glorious revolution changed the thinking of the new world and how unrest began when James was defeated.”