Carnmoney District Orange Arch 2024 – Cultural Evenings & Exhibition

The story

RHCPS supported a programme of cultural evenings, talks and exhibition activity exploring the history of the Orange Order, the development of Orange arches and their place within the cultural life of the Carnmoney district.

The programme brought together speakers with specialist knowledge of local history, symbolism, flags, bonfires, marches and the wider story of the Orange tradition in Newtownabbey.

Public talks were held across February and March 2024. Topics included the history of the Orange Order, the history of Orange arches, the Orange Order in Newtownabbey and personal perspectives on the tradition.

The programme concluded with a Carnmoney District open night, exhibition and booklet launch. Interpretation banners were produced to explain the history of the district arch and the meaning of many of its symbols in a clear and accessible way.

The project created space for learning, discussion and questions while preserving material connected with a long-standing local cultural tradition.

RHCPS acknowledges Mossley Heritage & Development Association for hosting the programme and gratefully recognises support from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, T:BUC and The Executive Office.