Eimear Mcgovern

A Moygashel bonfire topped with a replica mosque was set alight early to prevent police from removing what was deemed a hate display. Justice Minister Naomi Long condemned the use of hateful symbols and urged community leadership ahead of Twelfth celebrations. Police said they had launched a major operation to recover the items before the fire was lit, later charging a 56-year-old man with incitement to hatred. Political representatives from multiple parties criticised the display, citing community fear and rising tensions, while local councillors debated policing decisions and the motivations behind the recurring controversies surrounding the bonfire.

Bonfires across roughly 200 Northern Ireland locations will be lit over the weekend ahead of this year’s Twelfth of July celebrations, with most lighting on the Eleventh Night. The main parade will be held on July 13 because the Twelfth falls on a Sunday, with multiple feeder parades taking place across Belfast. The Police Service of Northern Ireland will run a significant operation to manage safety and traffic, particularly in Belfast. Orange Fest will take place at Belfast City Hall alongside the main events.

A Belfast woman with epilepsy, Rhiannon Scott, received an Epilepsy Star award from Epilepsy Action after creating a support group for pregnant women with the condition. Scott, who is 31 weeks pregnant, founded the group after finding limited resources addressing epilepsy and pregnancy combined. The group meets virtually and currently includes eight members from across the UK. Fellow member Gemma Bramhill, who nominated Scott, described the challenges of managing active epilepsy during pregnancy and the lack of tailored support. Epilepsy Action’s chief executive Rebekah Smith emphasized the additional difficulties faced by pregnant women with epilepsy and the value of community support.