The Orange Order still has much more to do to maintain and develop the Twelfth as a tourist product, the main demonstration in Belfast has heard.

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Spectators at the field in Shaw’s Bridge heard this message from senior Orangeman and Deputy Mayor of Belfast, William Humphrey.

He praised the County Grand Lodge for establishing Orangefest, and told crowds: “The number of tourists travelling to Northern Ireland for the Twelfth has grown exponentially.

“These visitors have a hugely beneficial knock-on effect to the local economy with their spend benefiting local bars, restaurants, transport companies, drapers and hotels around the Twelfth holiday.”

But he added: “Much more needs to be done and greater resource given to maintain the significant progress that has been made in the development of the Twelfth as a tourist product.”

The sun was shining as people enjoyed the colour, pageantry and music of the Twelfth, with around 250,000 people taking part and lining Belfast’s streets to celebrate the 320th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne.

Andrew Mateer from the George Telford Memorial Lodge took time out to educate tourists about the Twelfth.

“The weather held out and today has been absolutely fantastic,” he said. “A family of Chinese tourists wanted to know what the whole craic is and we explained.”

Yanyan Zhang and her daughter Vivian arrived for a four-day break from Edinburgh.

“This has been a surprise for us. They told us this happens every year. It seems very nice and we like Belfast so much,” Vivian said.

Prepared with outdoor seats like many others, yesterday was a family affair for Anne O’Neill from north Belfast.

She brought grandson Lucas Beattie (1) to his first parade and her 40th.

“I have been coming to watch at the same spot since I was a wee girl. I’m here with family to watch my nephew Mark Wilson play the bass drum for the Sons of Kai, Rathcoole.”

Miller Memorial Flute Band led the parade from the Orange hall on Clifton Street.

After a wreath-laying ceremony at City Hall, Orangemen and women from 100 lodges and 70 bands made their way to Barnett’s Demense for a service of thanksgiving conducted by Rev Dr Victor Ryan Imperial and Grand Chaplain.

A resolution of faith was delivered by Rev Mervyn Gibson, Deputy Grand Chaplain, and resolutions on loyalty and state by Thomas Haire, County Grand Master.

In the field vuvuzelas could be heard over Lambeg drums, while stocks of red, white and blue face paint were in demand as youngsters got into the spirit of the day.

Ballygomartin sisters Betty Bickerstaff and Sadie McAdams have been coming to the parade for over 50 years.

Orange widow Sadie (78) said: “Before the Troubles people from both sides would have enjoyed the bands, which is the way it should be. The atmosphere today has been good fun.”

Thomas and Brenda Cole from the Shankill watched with their sons and grandchildren.

“The Orangefest idea is good, the kids are having lots of fun,” Thomas said.

“There’s been a great turnout and it’s good to see everyone dressed up.”

British Empire medal winner and one of the order’s oldest members, Sammy Thompson (90), was annoyed a bad knee stops him from marching, but he took part from the comfort of a coach adorned with flags and bunting.

“I’ve been with the Duke of Manchester Lodge for 72 years. I’m looking forward to my roast dinner and enjoying the rest of the celebrations,” he said.