With nearly 70 bands featuring pipes, silver, flute, accordion and the Lambeg drum, it is also one of the loudest.

Political figures including Matthew Patrick, undersecretary of state at the Northern Ireland Office, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly were lining the route.

“It’s brilliant,” said Patrick.

“It’s a celebration of faith, community, culture and history. It’s a real family day out. The bands are amazing, the banners are fantastic.”

Little-Pengelly, who was with her mother Maureen, said she wanted to promote a message of unionist unity.

“Unionism is always stronger when people work together,” she said.

“There’ll always be differences across the political parties but ultimately we want the same objective to strengthen the union.”