Bouncy castles and burger vans were the order of the day for many of those who travelled to Larne for the Twelfth celebrations this year.

As one of the three designated Tourist Flagship Twelfth events taking place across Northern Ireland, organisers pulled out all the stops to ensure that the parades were as family friendly as possible.

Of added help was the weather, which only occasionally threatened revellers with a spot of rain.

Otherwise the town’s main street was a sea of colour as the banners and bands of the East Antrim Combine began their march just a few minutes late of the scheduled 11am kick-off.

Led by King Billy atop his (off-)white charger a small column of soldiers in period dress were in the vanguard, followed by the first lodges, including Larne District No.1.

Even more colourful than the bunting and flags adorning the pavements were the names of some of the 60 marching bands and 70 or so lodges taking part — Bennett’s Chosen Few, Cloughfern Purple Star, McCalmont’s True Blues and the Clydevalley Volunteers (aka The Gunrunners), among the most striking.

The stirring skirl of the bagpipes and the rattle of the drums also got the crowds going, with the playlist including such favourites as the Dad’s Army theme, the Dambusters March and It’s A Long Way To Tipperary, alongside the more traditional Twelfth tunes.

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The weather held firm for the traditional festivities at the field in Sandy Bay, where marchers were able to rest their feet for a few hours before the return leg of the parade.

Among those taking part in the celebrations were the Orange Order’s director of services Dr David Hume, for whom the event proved a successful feat of organisation.

“It has been a tremendous day with a great family atmosphere,” he said.

“This is the sort of thing we were hoping for. Larne District did a lot of work to make sure everything was in place for a flagship event and that has been shown through the day itself.”