Legal challenge to Drumcree Orange Order parade decision under way

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The parade (pictured above in 2018 on a 20th anniversary protest) will be allowed to march on the Garvaghy Road on Sunday

A legal challenge to the Parades Commission's decision to allow the Orange Order to march on the mainly-nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown is under way at the High Court in Belfast, where a large crowd has gathered outside.

The commission announced that the parade can proceed on Sunday, for the first time in almost 30 years , with restrictions in place.

Rather than start at 13:00 BST on Sunday as intended, the commission has said the march can depart no later than 08:00 and with 35 participants rather than the 60 the Orange Order requested. No bands or supporters are allowed.

The decision is facing the legal challenge from the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition, which opposes the march.