GB News To Broadcast 12th July Parades

GB News has announced that it will present a live broadcast of the Twelth of July parades, with lead commentary by former First Minister and GB News presenter Dame Arlene Foster.

The news comes after the BBC announced last week that it would now longer show live coverage of the event.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said that it was "delighted" that GB News will give live television coverage to this year's Twelfth of July demonstration from Armagh.

Welcoming the news, Grand Master Most Wor. Bro. Edward Stevenson said: "The announcement from GB News today that they will give live television coverage to the Twelfth of July parade from Armagh is very welcome indeed.

"Live coverage of the Twelfth is very important to so many people, particularly those who are unable to attend parades for a range of reasons.

"We were inundated with calls, many of them from older people who were concerned that they would miss out on this year's parades. So I am in no doubt that this announcement will come as a huge boost.

"The Twelfth in County Armagh is the biggest of all Twelfth parades and I'm confident it will make for an excellent programme. It will feature thousands of Brethren, Sisters and Juniors on parade and an excellent variety of bands.

"We are delighted to work with the GB News team and look forward to seeing the Twelfth covered live."

DUP Upper Bann MLA Diane Dodds added: “This is good news for people who are unable to attend the Twelfth but, in the past, relied on the BBC’s live coverage. I commend GB News for seizing on this opportunity and recognising that one of the largest outdoor events in the UK calendar is deserving of live coverage.

"The outrageous decision of the BBC to reduce their coverage of the Twelfth demonstration reaffirmed the trend within the broadcaster away from its local audience. It stands in contrast to the GB News decision which evidently wants to reach into the unique blend of identities which make up our great United Kingdom.”