We see our parade as an outward witness to our sincere belief in the Reformed Faith. For that reason, we see attacks on our parades as both a denial of civil liberties and an attack on our religion. The number of parades in the area has been reduced from ten to one in the past ten years. Only members of Portadown District parade. No bands take part which could be perceived as antagonistic to our nationalist neighbours.
Accordion bands lead the parade playing hymn music that is common to both traditions.
The Orangemen walk four abreast so that the walk will pass in any one given point in less than five minutes. The Order marshals and disciplines its own members to ensure there will be no confrontation on our part. If this was reciprocated, then there would only be a need for a minimal police presence. It is the sincere hope of the Orange Order that the vast majority of the people of Portadown will work together in a new spirit of tolerance to defeat extremists who want confrontation this summer. As a matter of principle, we cannot be involved in talks with convicted terrorists because of what they have inflicted on our community.