A man has died following an accident at an Eleventh Night bonfire site in Belfast. The incident occurred at a bonfire in the Braniel estate in east Belfast on Friday night.
In a statement on social media, the man was identified as Warren “AKA” Lyttle. The statement from the Braniel Bonfire Committee, Braniel Loyal Flute Band and Braniel Community Group described it as a “tragic accident”.
The statement continued: “Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with Warren’s family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time. As a community, we are heartbroken by this tragic loss and ask that everyone keeps his loved ones in their prayers in the days and weeks ahead.”
Bonfire to proceed as planned
Following discussions with the deceased’s family, the bonfire will be lit as planned on Saturday night. The statement added: “We respectfully ask everyone attending to join us in observing a minute’s silence in Warren’s memory before the bonfire is lit.”
A number of traditional Eleventh Night bonfires were lit across Northern Ireland late on Friday, with further pyres scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings. A large crowd attended the Corcrain bonfire in Portadown on Friday night, which also featured a fireworks display.
Context of the Twelfth of July celebrations
The bonfires are lit ahead of the Orange Order’s July 12 parades across Northern Ireland on Monday. These parades mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when Protestant King William of Orange defeated Catholic King James II.
While most bonfires pass off without incident, some have sparked controversy due to the placement of flags, effigies, and election posters on the structures before ignition. There was widespread condemnation after a bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, featured a replica of a mosque. That bonfire was lit a day early on Thursday night, ahead of a planned police operation to remove the effigy.
Other Twelfth events
Thousands of people took part in the annual Orange Order parade in Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal, on Saturday. Lodges from Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim, and Monaghan participated. In Royal Hillsborough, Co Down, a display of Lambeg drumming took place ahead of the village hosting one of the main Twelfth parades on Monday.
