A carnival atmosphere was very much the order of the day in Bangor — selected as one of three flagships for the biggest festival in Northern Ireland in 2009.

Thousands of people lined the route taken by the Twelfth parade through the seaside resort yesterday, many festooned in Union flags, as Bangor LOL No 18 hosted the celebration of the 319th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne joined by members from Newtownards, Ards Peninsula and Holywood.

Sixty bands took part in the parade which started at the Arras Playing Fields at midday before making its way to Valentine Playing Fields, using the entrance on the Newtownards Road. The guest speaker was Drew Nelson, Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

The streets around the town centre began to hive from early morning as diehard fans wearing Union Jack memorabilia, waving flags, and some with their faces painted, secured the best view.

Despite mobility problems, Ina Taylor from Kilcooley in Bangor was determined to attend yesterday’s event to show her support to the Orange Order.

She explained: “I used to walk the parade myself but I can’t anymore because I’ve had a couple of strokes. The Orange Order is my life. It comes first, it even comes before my family or anything else. I love it and everything about it.

“My son brought me down today and I’m going to stay the entire day until the whole thing is over. I love to see everyone out enjoying themselves and having a good time. Hopefully the weather stays good, although when you're walking you don’t feel the rain. You could be soaked through and you just don’t feel it.”

Donaghadee woman Donna Moore attends the Twelfth celebrations without fail to support her family.

“My children and grandchildren are all members and they are all marching today,” she explained.

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“I come out to enjoy myself, have a laugh and make friends. It’s all about the children on a day like this. It’s a big family day. It’s nice to see everyone out, there is no bickering or anything like that.”

Friends Annie Foy and Belle McDowell are also loyal supporters of the Orange Order, and seated on deckchairs on the side of the route the pair said they come to the event every year.

Mrs McDowell said: “We love the bands and the parades and never miss it. We love the music and the atmosphere.”

Mrs Foy said: “There’s always a good crowd and it’s good to see so many children enjoying themselves. It’s becoming more of a family day and I hope it’s going to stay like that.”

Speaking on the Twelfth platform, Mr Nelson called for more respect for the Orange Order from politicians across the political spectrum.

“During the last few years we have reached out to the nationalist community as never before, meeting with the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ireland, the SDLP and the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. We did so in a spirit of openness and goodwill,” he said.

“But that spirit of goodwill is not being reciprocated by nationalist and republican political leaders. Perhaps we were naive when we believed their assertions that they wanted to see a shared future in Northern Ireland.

“Today I challenge nationalist and republican political leaders to step out of the past and accept the Orange Order for what it is — a Protestant and British organisation working hard for its members and their interests.”