Over the last few months, hundreds of bonfires have been erected across the province in proud memory of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

And later today, as night falls, these huge constructions — some of them engineering marvels — will be set alight almost in unison, with revellers turning out in their droves for the Eleventh Night celebrations.

Some of the largest last night appeared to be in Belfast (Shankill Road, Donegall Road, Roden Street and Ormeau Road, among others), with impressive edifices also in Ballymena, Antrim and elsewhere.

But, competition aside, across the countryside tonight Orangemen and supporters will be set to party as the Twelfth marches ever closer.

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) last night urged people to 'Think Safety First' with regard to bonfires on the Eleventh Night.

Last year, NIFRS received almost 200 calls on July 11; all of which were associated with the annual Eleventh Night bonfires.

A spokesman confirmed that the majority of the calls were in the greater Belfast area, although crews also responded to calls in Banbridge and Portadown where dwellings had to be cooled due to the proximity of large bonfires.

This year, the Fire & Rescue Service is appealing to the public to follow its bonfire safety advice when at bonfires, to protect the community from the dangers of fire on nights like this.

"NIFRS are in the business of protecting life and property and are not out to spoil anyone's enjoyment," added the spokesman.

There's good news on the weather front for anyone intendeing to join in tonight's fun, according to experts.

But John Hutchinson, a forecaster for Meteogroup, advised al fresco party-goers to wrap up well.

"It will be largely dry, with maybe the odd shower," he said.

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