The Drumcree parading dispute is back before judges today, 12 October 2026, with separate court cases involving Portadown Orangemen and Garvaghy Road residents.
Portadown Orangemen are seeking permission to challenge the Secretary of State, Sir Chris Bryant's, decision on Friday to ban their march. This decision followed police advice, and an emergency hearing on Saturday was adjourned until today.
Separately, the Court of Appeal is expected to rule today on whether the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition can contest the original Parades Commission determination that allowed the parade. A lawyer for the residents' group claimed the commission's decision was flawed regarding its assessment of potential disorder.
The parade, involving 35 members of Portadown District Orange Lodge, was scheduled for 27 September. It was blocked by an unlawful protest on the Garvaghy Road, leading to a two-week stand-off. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher urged the Secretary of State to intervene, stating that "proportionate options" to police the parade had been "exhausted" and clearing the route would have "catastrophic" consequences. Policing the stand-off has cost approximately £5 million, primarily due to officer overtime.