For the rest of the province it is the day when everything shuts down and those who can afford it flee to sunnier or more peaceful climes. Indeed, not so long ago, at the height of the Drumcree stand-off, it was one of the most dangerous times of the year with the province brought to a standstill through fear.

Slowly, however, things are changing. The Orange Order is making a determined attempt to change the image of the Twelfth to make it more of a carnival. Much still needs to be done such as even stricter marshalling of the big parades like Belfast to keep drunken supporters in check. It is the sideline revellers rather than those parading who often cause most offence. A strict code of conduct for bands to stamp out sectarian tunes and the banning of any paramilitary trappings would also create a less offensive atmosphere.

There is encouragement that the Order is embracing the new political arrangements in Northern Ireland in an effort to resolve the long-running disputes over a few parades. Portadown Orangemen have gone the extra mile in meeting Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, hopefully the beginning of a dialogue which could see the end of the annual Drumcree impasse. Talks between Orangemen and residents in Belfast have also eased tensions at flashpoints in the north of the city.

Another sign of change is the decision by several large retailers including Tesco, Asda and Marks & Spencer and retail centres The Outlet and Junction One to open their doors for the first time in living memory on the Twelfth. Many people have resented the fact that everywhere shut down on the Twelfth. Unless they wanted to go out to view the parades, they had no option but to remain in their homes or leave the province. Tourists, who either stumbled across parades or were attracted by the demonstrations, were left baffled when the lodges and bands passed by. They wanted something to do, but there were no shops or even entertainment centres open.

Belfast city centre, the scene of the largest Orange demonstration, will remain shut this weekend, but it promises to be open for business next year.

There are even hints that entertainment — other than the parades — will be laid on to make it more of a fun day. That would require careful organisation between the Order and city centre commercial interests, but it could dramatically change the image of the day.

The Orange Order, or at least elements of it, deserves credit for their desire to change the image of the Twelfth. They realised that scenes of confrontation between Orangemen and the security forces, the refusal to talk to residents groups and the sight of drunken supporters engaged in sectarian behaviour was not just offensive to outsiders but also to many members who believed the organisation should adhere more strictly to its religious roots.

The Twelfth is a huge cultural event, and while it can never be inclusive, there is no reason why it should not be enjoyable.