The Five Demands

Morning parade in Ardoyne peaceful (UTV)

The outward leg of a contentious Twelfth of July parade in north Belfast has passed off peacefully.

A large crowd of supporters cheered and sang The Sash as the Ligoniel band passed the Twaddell protest camp on Saturday morning.

There was a heavy police presence in the Ardoyne area. No resident protest groups held demonstrations.

It comes after the Parades Commission ruled that the outward parade could proceed, however the evening return leg past the interface has been banned.

Last year violence flared following the same prohibition.

Up to 50 protest parades are planned later to display anger at the determination to prevent Orange lodge members walking along part of the Crumlin Road adjacent to the nationalist Ardoyne district.

During the return parade in north Belfast, the lodges and bands will stop at a line of marshals on the Woodvale Road – which marks the point they cannot proceed past.

Bands will play at this location and a statement will be made before those assembled march to West Belfast Orange Hall and disperse.

Police and senior members of the Orange Order have said they are hopeful that violence can be averted on the Twelfth this year.

Belfast Deputy Grand Master Spencer Beattie said: “I would repeat again that our response to republican agitation and the threat of violence must be lawful and peaceful.

“If anyone is intent on causing trouble you will not be welcome at any of our protests. Please obey the requests of the marshals when asked and disperse promptly when the protest is over.”

First Minister Peter Robinson has also urged everyone “to express their views in a dignified, peaceful and lawful manner”.

The DUP leader added: “Our approach is not a short-term reaction where young people get a criminal record – rather it will play out as part of a long-term strategy.

“Whilst many within the community strongly disagree with determinations of the Parades Commission, it is vital that no section of the community allows itself to be drawn into a violent reaction or confrontation.”

Around 3,500 officers have been deployed across Northern Ireland, almost a third of whom are in north Belfast.

Last year, the PSNI operation was supported by 630 mutual aid officers travelling from forces in England, Scotland and Wales. No additional manpower has been ordered this year.