The government is to spend £104,000 to help the Orange Order in Belfast develop the Twelfth of July.It is hoped it will become a "Orangefest".

It said it was disappointed that those who did not feel comfortable with parades would abandon the city centre during the marching season.

The money, to be paid over three years, will fund a development officer who will promote the day as a festival.


Social Development Minister David Hanson said he hoped the money would please the Orange Order.

"There are very many negative perceptions about the Orange Order and I understand why these are the case," he said.

"What we are trying to do over is to help support the Order to mitigate against those negative perceptions.
"The Twelth of July for many nationalists in Northern Ireland represents domination and sectarian violence."

However, Orangeman William Humphrey, who is vice-chair of the Belfast County Grand Master's Advisory Committee, said The money will be nice, now let's get the government to allow us to walk whatever routes we choose.

The Orange Order is the largest Protestant organisation in Northern Ireland with at least 75,000 members.

Looks like the riots they started last year after they were re routed and then burned out four army landrovers and two police cars has paid off !