Disruption expected as parades take place in Newry across weekend

Tonight (Friday) the Newry Commemoration Committee are parading from 7pm, with their procession taking in William Street, Buttercrane Quay, Merchant's Quay, Monaghan Street, Patrick Street and Doran's Hill.

The parade will include Patrick Rankin Republican Flute Band and St Joseph's Longstone, with around 600 supporters and participants taking part.

At 7.15pm South Down Defenders will hold their annual parade.

Some 57 bands are expected to take part with 3,000 participants and 500 supporters expected.

A number of conditions have been put in place, including that South Down Defenders “shall proceed at 7.15pm along the notified route prior to the remaining bands in the parade, dispersing at Ardmore no later than 8pm.

"The remainder of the parade shall then begin at Ardmore at 8.05pm and proceed via Belfast Road, Downshire Road, Church Avenue and Sandys Street, turning right at the roundabout at the junction of Sandys Street and Downshire Road, and back along Downshire Road for dispersal no later than 10.30pm.

"The parade organiser shall ensure that the parade shall begin and disperse promptly, that it disperses no later than 10.30pm, and that there shall be no music after that time.”

On Saturday morning Newry Royal Black Preceptory will be parading in the city at 8.30am and again at 6pm. The morning route will be Downshire Road, Sandy Street Roundabout, Trevor Hill, Kildare Street, Hill Street, Margaret Square, Margaret Street, Needham Bridge and Soho Island, with the parade going in the opposite direction in the evening.

Eight bands will take place, with 350 participants and 10 supporters expected .

Newry Pride also returns this Saturday, with the parade leaving the Albert Basin at 1pm and taking in Buttercrane Quay, Merchant's Quay, Needham Bridge and Hill Street.

It is expected that the parade will finish at 2pm with 1,000 participants and 8,000 supporters anticipated.

Police urge the public and road users to plan any journeys in advance and, if travelling to the event, park legally and do not obstruct access to any residential or business properties. Officers will be on the ground to accommodate the flow of traffic.