The organisers of this year’s Orangefest have released the full lineup of family activities and entertainment happening at this year’s festivities at Belfast City Hall tomorrow.
For over a decade activities in the city centre to complement the Annual Twelfth Parade have grown year on year as the event becomes more popular, however, 2026 marks a big transition as the organisers behind the fun day have invested in a wider programme of arts, culture and entertainment throughout the day.
Belfast’s civic building will come alive on Monday July 13 from 11am to 4pm with everything from a funfair, inflatables, music, dancing, games, circus performances, and arts and crafts as Orangefest welcomes the wider community in the city to experience a diverse range of things to do.
This year activities at the City Hall have expanded to include Titanic and H&W inflatables, fairground rides for younger kids, bungee trampoline, a Scottish and Irish Ceilidh, Scottish and Irish dancers, Bollywood dance workshop, facepainting and henna tattoos, interactive bubbles, a colouring in tent with Twelfth and Belfast themed pictures as well as a mandala art workshop, circus performers and a circus workshop, free food (first come first served while vouchers last), garden games and fun and traditional Scottish and Irish music as well as popular covers from local band The Rogues.
Orangefest director William Hughes said after 19 years the organisation was delighted to be in a position to expand the cultural offering of the festivities.
He said: “When Orangefest was set up our key mission was to create an inclusive, family-friendly celebration that promotes understanding and respect for the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Northern Ireland.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to achieve that mission and in 2026 I think we’re closer than ever.
“We want to create events that not only reflect the ethos and principles of the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast, but also the wider values of Orangefest which include recognising the value of cooperation, collaboration and working together with the Orange family as well as the wider community from across all areas of the city.”
Created to complement the traditional Twelfth celebrations, Orangefest was designed to encourage families, spectators, visitors and local people to enjoy Belfast city centre throughout the day.
Established in 2007, the event enhances the well-known Twelfth parades with a range of inclusive and engaging activities for all ages.
With the Twelfth falling on a Sunday in 2026, the annual parades and Orangefest celebrations will take place on Monday, marking the 336th annual demonstration of the Battle of the Boyne.
Belfast County Grand Master Spencer Beattie said the team behind Orangefest are looking forward to welcoming people back into the city for this year’s celebrations.
He said: “Orangefest is about creating a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere in Belfast during one of Northern Ireland’s most significant cultural celebrations.
“With the parades taking place on Monday 13th July this year, we want to encourage families, visitors and locals to come into the city, enjoy the spectacle and make the most of what Belfast has to offer.
“Our aim is to complement the traditional Twelfth demonstrations with activities that are accessible, enjoyable and inclusive, while also supporting the city centre and local businesses.”
Orangefest is delivered in collaboration with the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast and is designed to promote understanding and respect for the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Northern Ireland.
Belfast Orangefest at City Hall on July 13 is funded by Belfast City Council.
For more information go to belfastorangefest.com