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The day after the Twelfth, the spotlight turns to Scarva — and this year the famous Sham Fight falls on Tuesday 14 July rather than its traditional 13th. With the Twelfth demonstrations moved to Monday the 13th (because the 12th falls on a Sunday), the Royal Black Institution's big day at Scarva shifts to the Tuesday for the second year running.
And it's a big one: around 100,000 spectators are anticipated in the village, with some 75 bands and close to 4,000 members of the Institution on parade, hosted by Scarva's own Sir Knight Alfred Buller Memorial RBP 1000. The centrepiece, as ever, is the Sham Fight itself — the traditional re-enactment where King William (John Adair) and King James (Colin Cairns) cross swords, the only remaining event of its kind in Ireland.
Key timings: the main parade leaves the assembly field on the Gilford Road at 10.45am, proceeding through the village to the Demesne. The Sham Fight takes place at 1.15pm, followed by the religious service at 2.15pm, with the return parade leaving the Demesne at 3.15pm. Earlier in the morning, officers of the host preceptory will lay a wreath at the village war memorial.
Roads: police have advised that diversions will be in place around Scarva from 8.30am, with roads expected to reopen at approximately 7.30pm. If you're not attending, it's best to avoid the village entirely on Tuesday. Here's the picture town by town.
Portadown
The train is the smart way in from Portadown — special travel arrangements run between Portadown and Scarva for the day, with Royal Black district officers on hand at both stations to assist travellers. If you're pre-bought a district ticket, note that Translink has confirmed all tickets are valid on Tuesday 14 July, even where an earlier printing error showed the 13th. Driving? Expect slow traffic on all routes towards Scarva from mid-morning.
Tandragee
Tandragee sits right on one of the main approaches to Scarva, so expect steady traffic through the town from early morning as spectators travel in, and again in the evening. Tandragee's district is well represented on the day, with the Worshipful District Master among those taking part in the platform proceedings at the Demesne.
Markethill
Markethill's district is also represented at Scarva, with its Worshipful District Master contributing to the platform proceedings. Roads from the Markethill direction towards Tandragee and on to Scarva will be busier than usual through the morning — allow extra time, or aim to arrive in Scarva before 10am to be settled ahead of the main parade.
Banbridge
From the Banbridge side, the run to Scarva via Gilford is the busiest route of the day — the assembly field itself is on the Gilford Road, so expect queues from mid-morning and diversions closer to the village. Leave early, follow police and stewards' directions on the day, and expect delays again around the 3.15pm return parade.
Scarva
For the village itself: diversions in place from 8.30am, roads reopening around 7.30pm, and tens of thousands lining the one-mile route from the Gilford Road assembly field through the village to the Demesne. It's a full family day out — banners portraying biblical scenes, pipe, accordion, flute and silver bands, food stalls, and the Sham Fight at 1.15pm as the centrepiece. Sensible footwear, sun cream or a raincoat, and patience on the roads are the order of the day.
Are you Scarva-bound on Tuesday? Send us your photos from the day — tag LivingABC on Facebook and we'll share the best of them.
LivingABC wishes everyone travelling to Scarva a safe and enjoyable day.
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