The 2021 Orange Lodge Parade will not take place in Southport, while a scaled down parade due to take place in Liverpool has been postponed until the end of July.
Organisers of the event have moved the date of the parade from 12th July to 31st July due to the current Covid-19 restrictions in place, after the proposed date of ‘Freedom Day’ and the relaxation of restrictions was delayed from 21st June to a possible date of 19th July.
The parade will now go ahead in Liverpool only on that date.
The decision was made following discussions with Merseyside Police.
Every 12th July, Orange Lodges from around the UK gather and march in Liverpool before travelling to Southport. Once here they march from London Street, across Lord Street and onto Nevill Street, then along the Promenade towards Southport Pleasureland. Lodge members and their supporters then enjoy a day out in Southport before reforming and travelling back towards Liverpool and elsewhere in the country.
Last year’s Parade was cancelled for the first time since World War Two due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The previous year saw the march celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first July 12 Orange Parade in Liverpool, in 1819.
A statement from the Liverpool Provincial Grand Orange Lodge Provincial Grand Master Bro Steve Kingston HDGM said: “Having listened to the statement made by the Prime Minister, delaying the relaxation of the Covid Restrictions until 19th July 2021, and having sought advice from Merseyside Police.
We are deeply disappointed to have to amend our plans for our July celebrations as follows:
“Saturday 3rd July – Scaled down “Opening of the Orange Arch” Ceremony to take place. Further details to follow shortly.
“The Parade from Newsham Park has been cancelled.
“Monday 12th July Postponed to take place on Saturday 31st July 2021. Details will be issued shortly.
“We appreciate that this situation is very disappointing to us all but we have no option but to abide by the Government Guidance to protect the health and wellbeing of our members and also our supporters in the wider community.”
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