UP TO 1,000 Orangemen from the Spirit of Drumcree faction are expected to converge on Ballymena, Co Antrim on Friday night to protest against efforts aimed at finding consensus on contentious parades.
The rally has been called to focus opposition on the mediation process which has been trying to reach accommodation between residents and marchers in flash point areas across Northern Ireland.
A Spirit of Drumcree spokesman, Mr Joel Patton, said. "It is to harness support against the mediation process taking place. The rally will give Orangemen the opportunity to show Grand Lodge the size of the opposition."
Speakers are expected from Portadown, Co Armagh and Dunloy, Co Antrim where efforts at agreement on marches are continuing.